Thelma Brooks

Mrs. Thelma Pauline Brooks 85, Rogersville passed away at 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 in her home.

Thelma was born Sept. 23, 1920 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Edward Harrison and Mary (Gimlin) Powell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lloyd Brooks, also three brothers, Etsel, Clell and Jim and a grandson, Bobby.

She is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Hagston and her husband Robert of Rogersville, and Peggy Walpert of Springfield; her son, Robert Nicholson and his wife Leatha of Arkansas; her two sisters, Barbara Laffoon and her husband Kenneth of Stover, Mo. and Velma Breshears of Fair Grove, Mo.; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Chapel 500 E. Walnut St. Burial will follow in the Springfield National Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service time.

If desired memorial contributions may be made to the MS Society 1675 E. Seminole Suite I Springfield, MO 65804 or St. John's HospiceCare 1235 E. Cherokee Springfield, MO 65804. Online condolences can be made at www.hhlohmeyer.com.

Thelma Pauline Powell Brooks 09/23/1920 - 09/25/2005

MOM

Thelma to associates and friends, Pauline to family and friends, Mom and Grandma to others. Being a child of God, she has returned to her heavenly home.

Here on earth special thanks go to her sister, Velma, who was able to spend quality time with her during this last year and helped in her final care. To her sister, Barbara, who was able to spend some fun-filled week-ends with Pauline and Velma. The three had quite a time reminiscing, eating and enjoying each other. Thank you to Sharon Powell, whom Mom claimed as her 3rd daughter. These two shared a unique relationship of love. To Todd and Serena and children for visiting her, brightening her spirits when she was down and bringing her joy in everyday happenings. To Cathy who cared for her daily with a Christian love that was beyond a care taker's responsibility. To the St. Johns Hospice community and her nurse, Arlene. Arlene became her lifeline and her link to the other side. Mom said, "Arlene always tells me the truth". Hospice personnel were available at any time for any reason which was a comfort. To Dr. Troy Barton, who steps out of a Norman Rockwell painting of a simpler time when the Doctor was just around the corner and available for physical and spiritual consultation. He was essential to Mom's peace with herself Dr. Barton saw her spirit as a thing of beauty and she began to see it too. To her son-in-law, Bob, a never-ending thank you. You were her advisor, co-conspirator, her joy, the wind beneath her wings when she was too tired to beat them herself

During her life, Thelma enjoyed many things, including her job at Lily Tulip until she was diagnosed with MS and unable to work. Before that, Thelma ran a creamery station, a restaurant and worked as an accountant at Swift. Thelma also doctored horses and mules. She seemed to have a report with them and they would stand still while she cut, poured on medicine and dressed their sores. She and her husband enjoyed many a trail ride and she doctored the cuts and sores of trail riding children who well remember the feel of Seabreeze being applied. She was a kind woman but also spoke her mind regardless of whether her opinion was popular or not. Her cooking specialties were fried chicken and homemade yeast rolls. Her midnight specialities were homemade cranked ice cream and fried doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar. Many a person has stayed up late to enjoy these treats. On Easter she would make, from scratch, an angel food cake and decorate it with green coconut, jelly beans and marshmallow chicks. Before MS, she did cart wheels, stood on her head and tap danced. She had a talent for hearing a song, walking over to the piano, and playing it. She crocheted an unknown amount of afghans and dolls of all kinds. She tatted with a fine thread making handkerchief edgings and clothes for tiny little rubber baby dolls popular in the 40's. She chased opossums off her porch with a baseball bat and was known to send a few flying through the air. She loved roses, peonies and gladiolas. She tried to never miss the Lawrence Welk show. She leaves a legacy of memories to many people.