Ms. Lerline Thomas Brooks

Mrs. Lerline “Lillie” Brooks was born in Jackson, TN to George and Mattie Thomas and had been a longtime resident of Jackson-Madison County for many years. She was the eldest of five children, three girls and two boys, Lerline, Thelma, Raymond, Queenie, and Arthur, all of whom preceded her in death. At an early age, Mrs. Lerline “Lillie” Brooks accepted Christ as her personal Savior. One of her favorite songs was “Precious Lord.” She lived knowing that God was the captain of her soul and would always say “Let God have His way.” Lerline gave her time and service to The Historic First Baptist Church where she had been a member for over seventy years. She was the chairperson of the Nurses Guild, one of the first to be appointed as a woman trustee, a member of the Ruth Circle Missionary Circle, and for ten years the chairperson of the Beautification Committee. Lerline had a “green thumb.” She could bring a withering plant back to life with her special touch and technique. God gives all his children gifts to use for others. Mrs. Brooks was blessed with the gift of caring for others. She knew she wanted to be a nurse because of how she assisted others in time of need. Lerline was a loyal and dedicated employee at Jackson Memorial Hospital for twenty years where she cared for the sick and shut-in daily. She continued this practice for forty more years at Jackson Madison County Hospital. There she established and founded the Jackson Minority Mentor Nurses Association, which supported and mentored minorities in the field of nursing during the years of segregation and women’s rights. This association bridged the gap of inequality to gain equality and respect among others in and out of the workforce. Mrs. Brooks lived a long, yet productive life. Her loyalty stood as tall as a giant, and her heart was good as gold. She prided herself in helping others and earned a mountainous amount of respect amongst her family, friends, and peers of all ages. “Lillie”, as she was affectionately called, was as beautiful as the sunrise and sunset, and led her life keeping God first. In her own way, she influenced others to do things good and in order, yet pleasing in God’s sight. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory one son, Samuel L. Polk, Jr. (Charlotte); three grandchildren, Samone Carlotta Polk Brooks (Ernest), Sandra Charita Polk, and Samuel Carlton Polk III, M.D. (Elise); two great-grandchildren, Eren Samone Brooks and Samuel Ethan Polk, IV; a special cousin, Lynn Adkins (Dean) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. On Friday evening, March 31, 2017, in a serene, pleasurable, yet peaceful moment in her home, Lerline slept away dreaming of the lyrics, “Precious Lord, take my hand ---Lead me on, let me stand . . . Lead me on to the light------Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.”

Ms. Lerline Thomas Brooks

January 1, 1918 - March 31, 2017