It is with great sadness the family of Mary Alice Cunningham Brooks shares that she passed peacefully at her 3rd-generation historic family home on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Born on February 27, 1937, Mary Alice, age 86, was a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, TN. She was the daughter of the late Charlie W. and Mary Elise Rives Cunningham. She attended Middle Tennessee State University where she received a B.S. degree.
Mary Alice is survived by her daughter Susan Brooks Ramsey of Estero, FL; her grandson E.J. Brooks of Ft. Myers, FL; one brother Charles L. Cunningham and wife Judy of Fayetteville, TN; sisters-in-law Carolyn Brooks of Fayetteville and Joy Parker of Huntsville, AL; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband Elgan E. Brooks and her son Elgan (Ellison) Brooks Jr. of Fayetteville, TN.
Mary Alice worked in the family-owned Rexall Drug store as a buyer alongside of her husband. Her true passion was for the historical preservation of her hometown area and surrounding old town neighborhoods. She volunteered as a docent at the Welcome Center and Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum where she was instrumental in documenting and displaying items during the initial opening of the museum in the 1980’s. She was also a 50-year member and officer of the King’s Mountain Messenger Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Other memberships included The Mother Club, The Garden Club, The Junior Round Dozen Club, The Bridge Club, “The Merry Widow’s Club” and a member of the of the local United Methodist Church.
Mary Alice always provided support and love for her family and friends and neighbors and will be missed dearly by all.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tommy Graham and Maj. Gen. Winston Phil Brooks officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1pm until the time of the service.
Memorials may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P O Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334, where all the donations stay locally to support the hometown that she so loved.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Alice Brooks.
Sue,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, may you find peace during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
She was such a nice sweet lady. So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for the family during this time.
Susan,
There are no words to express my heartbreak. I loved your mother and always enjoyed talking to her. I have many memories of time spent with her, you and Ellison. She had the best laugh. You and your family will always hold a special place in my heart. May God hold you in His arms as I hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
When I married into the Brooks family, my gift from the family was the gift of two wonderful sisters in law. Mary Alice and Carolyn and their children. Mary Alice took away my New England habits and taught me Southern everything! Her sweetness and love of the South quickly opened my heart and the three Brooks ladies were born. When one says “Mary Alice” and an immediate smile comes. She was so full of love and caring that was contagious. She will never leave us. Heaven has a Southern Lady that will teach Southern charm.
Carolyn, maybe she will teach about “pie Safes”
Prayers to the family during this time of loss. My thoughts will be with each of you.
Lenace Hyde Lehnert
Sue- I am so sad to hear about your dear sweet mother. The two of you shared such a special bond. Praying for you during this difficult time. Love you!
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Alice was an amazing lady. She will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of grief.
Susan,
My thoughts are with you.
I loved your mother.
So sad to know this sweet lady is longer with us. She was a storehouse of local history and a joy to be around. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family.
My sincere sympathy to Mary Alice’s family. May God comfort each of you, and may the fond memories of her sustain you now and in the days to come.
Mary Alice was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. I loved her and will miss her. She had the best personality. She would make you laugh and you never knew what she would say. She will definitely be missed.