My Mother

Myrene Ruth (Smith) Brooks was born in Lula, Oklahoma on October 2, 1929.  She came to California while still in her teens with her family who was seeking a better life. They settled in the San Joaquin Valley, and it wasn’t long until she met George Neal Brooks. George or “Junior” as he was called had just returned from fighting in the Pacific Theater in World War II. They were married in a simple ceremony in the preacher’s home; Myrene was just 17, and Junior was 24.  She and Junior had three children, two sons and a daughter, George, Boyd and Carol. Myrene was a loving mother who remained devoted to her children and always made their home a place her children loved and enjoyed.  Myrene knew southern hospitality from her roots and shared it not only with her family but also with her many friends. 

Junior and Myrene farmed, tried their hand at working a dairy and eventually started a trucking business, and that was something they both enjoyed along with the whole family.  They started out in the hay business where Myrene drove the hay trucks while Junior and the boys loaded the hay and young Carol would wake up next to her on the bench seat in the early morning hours.  They eventually started a rock and sand business, and Myrene drove 18 wheelers alongside Junior and was the dispatcher for their company.

When Sundays came they were always involved in their church.  Myrene taught Sunday school for years and was faithfully involved working in Women’s Ministries, always helping out in the kitchen and on the decorating crew.  Myrene and Junior handed their faith down to their children, setting a godly example for them to follow.

When Junior and Myrene retired, they developed a subdivision with 1 1/2 acre lots, and Myrene designed their home and outdid herself. She had a knack for design and said she missed her calling of designing homes.  They enjoyed their friends, family, church and did some traveling. Myrene really enjoyed helping her daughter, Carol, with flower arrangements and doing decorating projects and special meals. 

Myrene knew the pain of loss in her life from start to finish. She lost her mother when she was only 14 months old.   As a result, she formed a very close relationship with her sister, Jean, and they were the best of friends until she lost her a few years ago. Myrene lost one grandson, Rodney Brooks and her oldest son, George. Last year she lost her husband of 68 years; these were devastating losses for her which seemed to tear away part of her heart.

The past year has been especially difficult for Myrene because of her failing health. The loss and pain caused her to talk constantly about heaven. She looked forward to going and being with Jesus and her loved ones who were already there. Her greatest desire was to see Jesus and be reunited with her Sweetheart of 68 years.  On Monday, August 8, she got her wish and made her journey to her heavenly home where she is pain free, happier than ever, youthful, holding hands with her sweetheart, and rejoicing at the feet of Jesus. 

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Janet Brooks of Hanford; one son, Boyd, and his wife Marilyn of St. Louis, Missouri; and daughter, Carol, and her husband Mike Evans of Hanford. She is survived by six grandchildren, Jeff Brooks, Carin Ray, Eric Brooks, Andy Brooks, Ryan Brooks, and Kyle Evans. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a host of friends and family to mourn her passing.