Doris LaVerne Brooks

Doris LaVerne Brooks

Doris L. Brooks, age 85, beloved mother and grandmother entered into eternal rest on September 19, 2018.
A celebration of her life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. 
Doris LaVerne Lowery Brooks was born to Simon Lowery and
Hattie Mae Benson Lowery in Washington, D.C. on February 21, 1933, which happened to be her father’s birthday as well.  She was the youngest of three children born into the family.  Hattie B. Lowery passed away soon after Doris was born and her early childhood years were spent in the care of her godmother.  It was in this environment that Doris received piano lessons, her religious training, and her love for the Lord was nurtured at Union Wesley A.M.E. Church.  In 1940 Simon married Grace Broadway who became mother to Julius and Doris and the family moved their membership to John Wesley A.M.E. Church several years later.
In high school, Doris met Calvin Eugene Jackson whom she married in 1952. They were divorced in 1974.  Three children were born of this union: Diane LaVerne, Marjorie Elaine, and Carlton Eugene. During the formative years of her children’s lives, Doris was content to be wife, mother and homemaker. She was a strict but nurturing disciplinarian and meticulous housekeeper.  As a military wife she moved to various Air Force bases around the country until the family settled in Fort Worth, Texas in 1962.  They met Rev. Marshall Hodge and Morningside Methodist Church became their church home. The church was politically active under Rev. Hodge and Doris & Jack became involved in activities to advance civil rights in the community.  Her skills as a musician were often on display as a member of the Morningside Chancel Choir and part-time organist. 
Her activities in the church expanded to include the Methodist Youth Fellowship and United Methodist Women. She was active in the community as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den mother, and Meals on Wheels driver. She later worked outside the home for the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Education, and Mervyn’s Department Store. 
In 1975 Doris married James Earl Brooks. The Brooks’ were ardent members of Allen Chapel A.M.E Church for many years.  Again, we see Doris in the role of musician / choir director for the Gospel Choir of Allen. They moved to Forest Hills AME at the request of the presiding elder to help build a new congregation. The marriage continued until his death in 2006. 
Throughout her life, Doris suffered from various illnesses, but her faith in God was unwavering. In spite of her pain she had a welcoming smile, an infectious laugh, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart for others.  Her door was always open and her kitchen had a stool for anyone who needed a listening ear.  She was an example of faith to her family by thought, word, and deed.   
Doris was preceded in death by her mothers, father, sister, brother, daughter, Marjorie Jackson Martin, and husband James E. Brooks. 
Doris’s homegoing is celebrated by her children: Diane Jackson Powell and Carlton E. Jackson (Beverly); Grandchildren: Brandon C. Greer, Yolanda C. Martin, Zachary A. Powell, Rachel Martin, B. Jovan Martin, Kristina Jackson Hielscher (Eric), and Katrina Jackson; 8 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins. She will be deeply missed by our extended family member Diane Egan and dear friend Barbara Mitchell. 
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mother’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. 

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