Nancy Jane Brooks (Hankinson)

Nancy was born on June 26, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Edward Hankinson and Virginia Alberta Kennedy. She grew up alongside her sister, Jean Baker (Hankinson). Some of Nancy’s fondest memories of Pennsylvania were her high school years, where she marched in the band as a majorette and treasured the friendships she made with people who became like family.

At the age of 18, Nancy moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where her life would soon change forever. While working at an oil company, she met the love of her life, Jackie Howard “Jack” Brooks. The two married on May 30, 1957, beginning a loving and devoted marriage that would span 60 years and bless them with three daughters - Kim, Carrie and Cathy.

Nancy and Jack moved frequently during the early years of their marriage before settling in Hooks, Texas, where Nancy devoted herself to raising their children and supporting her family and community. She taught children’s Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, participated in Girl Scout events and PTA fundraisers, and gave generously of her time wherever her children or community needed her.

In 1973, Nancy and Jack embarked on one of the great adventures of their lives when they moved their family to Seoul, Korea. Their deep Christian faith and desire to share God’s promise inspired them to help start Seoul International Baptist Church in a small apartment complex. What began humbly grew over the years into an established church that would later host a sermon by Billy Graham.

After their years in Korea, Nancy and Jack returned to Texas, living first in San Antonio and later in Corpus Christi. Their Corpus Christi home became a gathering place for family and friends, filled with entertaining, laughter, and many memorable trips to the beach.

Nancy and Jack were also blessed with three grandchildren, Amanda, Evan, and Hunter, who brought tremendous joy to their lives. Affectionately known as Nana and Big Jack, they wholeheartedly embraced their role as grandparents. At Amanda and Evan’s gymnastics meets, you could always find Nana and Big Jack in the stands, cheering them on and proudly supporting them. They rarely missed Hunter’s football or baseball games, faithfully following his teams wherever they played. Nancy loved and cared deeply for her grandchildren, and perhaps one of the greatest gifts she gave them was the faith she shared throughout her life. In later years, Nancy was blessed with six great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity she had to spend time with them.

Retirement brought yet another adventure. Jack and Nancy bought an RV, sold their home, and set out to travel and enjoy life on the road together. Eventually, their travels brought them back to Texas, where they settled in Houston.

Above all, Nancy loved the Lord and her family. Her faith was not simply something she believed; it was something she lived and shared. She made certain that her children knew the promise of everlasting life, leaving them a legacy of faith that will continue through the generations of her family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Brooks and her daughter, Cathy Brooks.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Marcel Kron and Carrie and David Alston; her granddaughter, Amanda Jarzombek and her husband, Jake, and their children, Jolene, Lane, and Copeland; her granddaughter, Evan Quinn and her husband, Tyler, and their children, Tanner, Jack, and Bennett; and her grandson, Hunter Alston, and his fiancée, Leslie Ykandu.

Nancy’s life was one of faith, family, service, friendship, and adventure. From Pennsylvania to Texas, from Korea to life on the open road, she embraced each chapter with strength and independence. Those who loved her will remember not only the places she went to and the things she accomplished, but the faith she shared and the family she loved so deeply.