Olevia Brooks

Olevia Brooks, 100, died peacefully on July 4, 2017 at approximately 4:00 A.M. at the Bannon Springs Assisted Living Facility in Vernon, Arizona. She was the eldest of 3 girls born to the late, William and Dutch O’Neal (Brown) Lelise on January 7, 1917 in Fellowship, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Brooks; son, Coleman Dean; 2 sisters, Willie Mae Leslie Catlett and Mabel Henderson as well as a great-nephew, Jaylen Russell. She is survived by a niece, Jonell Russell (Jewell) and her sons, Jewell Russell, Jr. and Leonard Russell of Phoenix, Arizona; ½ sister, Mae Francis Anderson (Walter) and her sons, Andre Alderson (Melissa) and Walter W. Alderson (NeKeithy) of Desoto, Texas; her grandsons, Andre Dean of Vallejo, California and Shawn and Brian Dean also of California as well as a great-niece, Vicky Carrington (Darren). Olevia moved from Louisiana to Oakland, California where she met and married James Brooks. They then moved to McNary, Arizona where she worked in moulding for the McNary Sawmill. During the 1980’s Olevia and James moved to Pinetop, Arizona where she began work as a housekeeper. After the passing of James, Olevia’s son, Coleman Dean, moved in with her and purchased her a dog, Missy, whom she truly enjoyed the company of, especially after Coleman’s passing. She also had a pet parakeet, Pretty Bird, who she was deeply fond of. Most importantly Olveia was a long-time baptized member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. She faithfully associated with her congregation here in Show Low and they truly were her brothers and sisters. Her last years she was confined to a wheelchair and she would sit on her porch and watch the flowers grow and the birds sing. She truly loved and looked forward to her fellow Witnesses coming by and giving her encouragement. Your family, and the Kingdom Hall family love and will miss you, especially your beautiful smile, but will see you in the resurrection, until then rest in sleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5. Memorial services for Olevia will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 201 East Whipple, Show Low, Arizona. She was laid to rest in the Lakeside Cemetery next to her husband and son.