Eartha Mae Brooks

Eartha Mae Brooks, 67 years old, beloved Sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great, Great Aunt passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC, surrounded by her family and friends. Eartha was born in Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY on March 3, 1950 to the late Jasper Brooks and Annie Griffin-Brooks. She is survived by her sisters, Pearl Gilmore and her husband Clifford (Butch), Barbara Scoon and her brother, James Brooks. She leaves to morn seven nieces and nephews: Vivian Lynch (Martin), Stephanie Levine (Marvin), Jamesetta Credell (Keith), Lydia Brooks, Dwayne Gilmore (Debra), Terray Gilmore and Stacy Adams, as well as ten Great nieces and nephews: Michael Jr., Tatyana, Joshua, Alexis, Cierra, Deserae, Laura, Arianne, Dwayne Jr., and Asha, and finally two Great Great nephews: Michael, Jr. II and Kodi. Eartha was raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived with her mother until her mother became ill. They then moved to New Brunswick, NJ with Eartha's sister Barbara and niece, Stephanie, (who took very good care of them). When both Eartha and her mother became ill it became difficult for Barbara and Stephanie to handle them, so it was decided that Eartha would go to Wilmington, NC and her mother stayed in New Jersey. Eartha arrived in Wilmington, NC, February 5, 2003 and hit the floor running. She had a very active life. Some of her activities were bowling, dancing the Special Olympic, which she participated in every year, the Arboretums plant design workshops. She also participated in activities at the Senior Center, especially playing Bingo. For five years she attended Cape Fear Community College in their Adult Developmental Disability Community Program. She utilized the pool and exercise equipment four days a week at Oleander Rehabilitation NHRMC, until she became ill last year. She was always on the go be it with her caretakers or traveling with her sister Pearl and brother in law Cliff to many functions over the years. She attended the meeting services at the Masonboro Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses. While there she always had a smile and greeting for the friends who greeted her. Her favorite sayings when asked How Are You Eartha? She would say "I'M FINE" or they'd ask What do you want to eat today and she'd reply, HAMBURGER, POTATOE SALAD, SODA AND ICE CREAM. Eartha was dearly loved and well cared for by her caregivers, and she had many over the years such as: Monica Smith, Brenda Bryant, Felicia Dowe, Latifiah King, Stephanie Lewis, Marie Devone, Shakeita Newkirk, Veronica Baker, Kam Dillon, and many many more. The family would like to commend and sincerely thank the different organizations and their employees that participated in her care; HomeCare Management Corp., Lindley Habilitation, N. C. Start, Delta Behavior, Pride in N.C., Trillium Health Resources, RHA Respite House, The Senior Health Center, the Behavior Health Unit at NHRMC, and a host of others over the years. Eartha will surely be missed by her family and friends, and as her sister Pearl said to her before she passed, when you close your eyes and then open them you will be in paradise on earth as Jehovah promised. Rev 21:4. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403 with Bro. Jeff Makowsky officiating. To share memories and condolences with the Brook's family, please click on "Share a Memory."

Eartha Mae Brooks

March 3, 1950 - October 5, 2017