Mary Lee Brooks

Mary Lee Brooks, lovingly known as “Sweetpea” and “GiGi”, daughter of Clarence and Mary (Bell) Davis, was born on December 12, 1940, in Jackson, Mississippi. She was raised by her grandmother, Ella Lewis.

Mary graduated from Lanier High School in 1958 and, soon after, began a new chapter when she moved from Jackson, Mississippi to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She met and married J.A. Brooks. They later had two daughters and two grandchildren.

She dedicated more than 40 years in the medical field as a Surgical Technician. Mary had a joyful spirit and a faith that never wavered. A faithful member of St. Matthew CME church, serving on the Ida Mae Black Missionary Society. During her retirement, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, enjoying fellowship and friendship with those around her. She found joy in the little things-shopping, traveling, savoring a scoop of her favorite ice cream, reading, sharing laughter with loved ones, dancing and listening to the Blues.

In 2022, Mary moved to the Los Angeles, California area, where she was able to spend time building a legacy of love and cherished memories with her grandchildren Chase and Kennedy. While there, she became a great-grandmother to Kayson. She leaves a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering love to Monica and Monique. She never missed a chance to celebrate their lives and accomplishments. She was blessed with wonderful caregivers, which allowed her to continue to enjoy a lively and social lifestyle.

To know Mary was to know strength wrapped in warmth. She was firm yet loving, always expecting the best from those she cared for. She believed in hard work and never hesitated to push her loved ones toward their highest potential. A devoted mother, guiding aunt, loving caregiver, caring grandmother, and source of wisdom, she left a lasting impact on her family. Though we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing that her lessons, values, and love will live on in each of us.

Mary peacefully fell asleep in death on March 6, 2025, joining her husband, J.A. Brooks, grandmother, Ella Lewis, parents, Clarence Davis and Mary Lindsey, her brothers, Willie B., Clarence and George Davis, Larry Cain; sisters, Ella Moore, Beatrice Brantley, and Earline Trigg.

She leaves behind many loved ones, including her two daughters, Monica Brooks, Monique (Ronnie) Brannon, two grandchildren, Chase and Kennedy, and one great-grandson, Kayson; sister Minnie Merriett; brothers George (Grace) Harris, Bennie Cain, Jr., L.C. Cain, LeeRoy (Caryn) Cain, Lamar Cain, Walter (Darthula) Cain; very special sisters-in-law Inadelle Crawford, Shelbra (David) Sublett, and a very special brother-in-law Ronald Gene (Wanda) Davis; and many other nieces, nephews and loving relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM with Service to follow on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Matthew CME Church, 7500 North 76 Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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