Merle Elizabeth Brooks

Mrs. Merle Elizabeth Brooks, 96, of Lebanon, IL, died Friday, July 31, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Mrs. Merle Brooks was born on September 21, 1918, in Lebanon, Illinois, to the union of Mae Spann and Chauncy Turner.  She was the fourth of six siblings.  Both parents and siblings preceded her in death.  She was also preceded in death by her youngest son, Dr. Darryl Brooks.

She joined Bethel A. M. E. Church at an early age.  Later in life, she joined Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served on the Trustee Board and the Mother’s Board under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin.

Merle was educated in the Lebanon Public School System, graduating in 1936.  Later in life, she was employed at Scott AFB as a supervisor at the Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, supervising over 40 employees.  She retired from that position in September 1980.

Merle leaves to cherish her memories three children:  her daughter, Joyce (Robert) Ahart of Swansea, IL, her sons, Gerald Brooks of Belleville, IL, and Ronald Brooks of Boston, MA; seven grandchildren, Robert (Diretha) Agart, Jr., Timothy Ahart, Christopher (Tracie) Ahart, Angel Ahart, Erica (Steven) Henry, Michael Brooks, Wesley Brooks; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; she also leaves a devoted niece, Willene (Scott) Randolph; and a special friend, Willie Toles; also, many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and numerous close friends.

Visitation: Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral: Saturday, August 8, 2015, at 11:30 am at the Church.

Clergy: Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin, Pastor

Interment: College Hill Cemetery

Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL