Mrs. Vera Brooks

Mrs. Vera Cecilia Cage Brooks was born in Mounds, Illinois on May 22, 1926 to the late Mr. Ermer H. and Mrs. Cecyl Johns Cage. Vera was the youngest in a wonderful family of five children, four daughters and one son, Bernice, Lionel, Martha, Cyril and Vera, all who preceded her in death. At an early age, due to better job opportunities for the family, they returned to Tennessee where Vera and her siblings all attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Merry High School. Vera graduated from High School in 1943 and from Lane College in 1947. She received a Master of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Spring 1972. On October 5, 1947 Vera Cage was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Ausie C. Brooks, and to this union two sons, Ausie Bernard and Stephen Christopher were born. Mrs. Brooks dedicated her life to educating young children for over 38 years. Her career began in Haywood County in the city of Brownsville, Tennessee in Elementary Education and later she transferred into the Jackson City Schools at Washington Douglas Elementary School where she taught remedial reading for many years. She was an “Educator Who Made a Difference,” a significant difference to the children whose lives she touched. Mrs. Brooks made her profession of faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior early in life, and attended Greater Bethel AME Church with her family. She united with her husband Ausie Brooks at the Historic First Baptist Church where they were devoted and dedicated members. She and Ausie loved First Baptist Church and willingly gave of their time, talent and treasures for many years and in August 2002, Fellowship Hall was dedicated in his honor as the Ausie C. Brooks Fellowship Hall. It has served as a place where church family and friends have gathered through the years for dining, studying the word, and missionary meetings. Vera shared her gifts and talents to the church. She played the piano, the organ, sang in the Inspirational Choir, served on the Finance Committee, was the vacation bible school arts and crafts coordinator and was a loyal and faithful member and teacher of the Deborah Missionary Circle. She was one of four women selected to be a Trustee and served until the time of her death. Vera dutifully attended Ladies Bible Sunday School class. She co-founded and named the Little Miss Hub City Pageant Committee in the 60s, and was a member of the Scholarship Ministry and Bereavement Culinary Ministry and a leader of the Resolutions Committee. She also was known for making beautiful banners for annual days and special events. Mrs. Brooks became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in October 1945 while attending Lane College. Vera was affiliated with many civic and social organizations including membership in The Links Incorporated, Lane College Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jackson Tennessee Alumnae Chapter where she served as Treasurer, Secretary and Custodian. Many organizations including Delta Sigma Theta regularly solicited her artistic talent for the beautification and decoration of their social events. She was a Diamond Life member in 1995 and received recognition for celebrating 50 years in the sorority. At the time of her passing she had dedicated over 70 years of her life to service in Delta. Vera also maintained civic stewardship as she was appointed by the Mayor of the city of Jackson to the Landfill Development Committee. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory two sons Ausie Bernard and Stephen Christopher Brooks, four grandchildren: Stephen Christopher Brooks II, Blake Tyler Brooks, Ausie Bernard Brooks, Jr., (Aj), Tara Noel Brooks, nieces Fontella Y. Smith, Mildred Porter-Duncan, Jane Anita Brooks-Bishop, Annie Jean Brooks-Polk, great nieces Melonn R. Blue, and Kamea Cyril Duncan, nephews B. Jerry Porter, Napoleon Brooks, Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Sr. great nephews James J. Porter, Jobe F. Porter, cousins Elsie Cooke-Holmes (Clarence), Gena Frances Burroughs, Daryl R. Cross and a host of relatives and dear friends. On Thursday evening September 16, 2016, in the quiet, beautiful and peaceful surroundings of her home, she slept away. The Lord said “Well done thy good and faithful servant. Thou has been faithful over a few things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Mrs. Vera Brooks

May 22, 1926 - September 15, 2016