Kearlene Thomas Brooks

Kearlene Gaines was born on March 27, 1952, to the late Ruby Lee Lewis and Kirby Gaines at Los Angeles General Hospital. She grew up between Los Angeles & Sun Village, California and graduated from Palmdale High School in 1970. Faith was an important part of her upbringing. Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kearlene served faithfully as a Sabbath School teacher for several years.

As a young woman, Kearlene married Arthur Thomas Sr., and they welcomed their daughter, Adrienne Thomas. The family later moved to Montana, where their son, Arthur Lee Thomas Jr., was born. As her children grew, Kearlene began pursuing what would become a long and meaningful career in nursing. In 1981, she passed the Montana State Board of Nursing and became a Licensed Practical Nurse.

After returning home to Lancaster, California, she continued her education at the, College of the Canyons, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse in California. In 1986, she began her career with Los Angeles County, where she served until her retirement.

In 1994, Kearlene married Lee Brooks, and from this union, their daughter, Kirbee Brooks, was born. As their family grew, Kearlene continued to build a life rooted in love, family, service, and devotion to those she cherished.

Committed to continuing her education, Kearlene later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in the early 2000s. Her dedication and experience eventually led her to become a Charge Nurse (RN III) at the High Desert Hope Clinic, a position she held with great pride. She was respected by physicians and colleagues for her knowledge, dependability, leadership, and compassion. Throughout her career, she continued developing her expertise through extensive professional training and remained deeply committed to providing quality care to others.

After more than 28 years of dedicated service, she retired from Los Angeles County on October 31, 2014. Retirement gave her more time to enjoy the things that brought her happiness. She loved playing bingo and cards at local senior centers, tending to her beautiful roses and plants, creating ceramic paintings and diamond art, as well as spending time with friends. She was a wonderful hostess, that especially loved the holidays, when her home was filled with family, laughter, conversation, and her signature dishes.

The foundation of faith established early in Kearlene’s life remained an important part of her journey. On November 18, 2023, she reaffirmed her commitment to the Lord, accepting Christ into her life and publicly expressing her faith through baptism at New Beginnings Seventh-day Adventist Church. She later transferred her membership to Antelope Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she remained a devoted member.

Above all, family and friends were at the heart of Kearlene’s life. She adored her children and grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to gather them together, care for them, feed them, celebrate them, and simply enjoy their company.

On September 20, 2026, she peacefully entered into rest at the age of 74. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Lee Lewis and Kirby Gaines; her beloved husband, Lee Brooks; and her siblings Ruth Lewis, Ronald Jackson, her twin sister Shearlene Harris, Carey L. Mitchell, Eddie Mitchell, and Luther Mitchell.

Kearlene leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children and grandchildren: Adrienne and granddaughter, Ivana; Arthur and grandsons, Shakir, Arthur (AJ), Mekai, Caleb, and Asher; Kirbee and Vilien (son-in-law), and grandson, Vilien Jr. She also leaves her closest friends, Rebecca Delahoussaye and Charles Ephriam, along with a host of loving friends and family who will forever treasure her memory.

Those who knew and loved Kearlene will remember a vibrant, compassionate, and generous woman with a giving heart. Whether caring for a patient, preparing a favorite meal, tending to her roses, enjoying a game of cards, or gathering her family for the holidays, she gave freely of herself and brought warmth to those around her.

Her life was one of service, faith, family, generosity, and love. To have known her was a blessing, and to have been loved by her was a gift. Her legacy will live on through her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched.