Millicent "Millie" Pearce Brooks, 82, of Lenoir passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Lenoir, she graduated from Lenoir High School and Meredith College. While attending Meredith College, she met her future husband Jerry and the two formed a bond that lasted more than six decades. As newlyweds, they lived in Greensboro prior to relocating to Lenoir in 1965. Millie influenced the lives of many children as a teacher of kindergarten and first grade classes at East Harper Elementary School.

Millie possessed a deep and abiding faith that was demonstrated by her years of service to God through her church, First Baptist Church of Lenoir. Millie served as a deacon for twenty years, including four years as Chairperson of the Deacon Board. She earned the status of Life Deacon in 2016 and continued to serve actively, especially on the History, Bereavement, and Hospitality committees.

As the daughter of a newspaper editor, Millie appreciated good writing and delighted in documenting her family's genealogy as well as the history of several organizations she participated in. She was Historian of the Priscilla Club, a local book club organized over one hundred years ago. An avid reader across many genres, Millie always had a snippet or two to share about what she was currently reading.

Lenoir Service League was also an important part of Millie's community involvement. She joined in 1969 and was active for many years, serving as President for two years. She continued to participate as a sustainer in her later years.

In Millie's kitchen, recipes were always doubled or tripled so she could share with friends, family, and community members in need. She was well-known for her pound cakes and coconut cakes. Millie was a good friend to many and had many good friends in return. Throughout her illness, Millie was so grateful for those who brought her meals, sent cards and encouraging notes, reached out in texts and emails, and lifted her up in prayer.

Millie was a devoted wife and mother and an exquisite grandmother. She cherished her family and is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerry Brooks; daughter Lauren Clark of Lenoir; son Patrick Brooks and wife Katherine of Hillsborough; sister Lydia Hamby of Hudson; and beloved grandchildren Elizabeth Brooks, Jacob Brooks, Grayson Clark, and Logan Clark. Millie was preceded in death by her parents Kearney and Alice Pearce of Lenoir.

Millie's life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Lenoir. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1:30 pm in the church dining room with a service to follow at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary. The service will be conducted by Dr. Josh Hughes and Dr. David Smith. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to the Millie Brooks Fund for Books for Elementary School Classrooms, in care of the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County, 1914 Hickory Boulevard SW, Lenoir, NC 28645, or to First Baptist Church of Lenoir, 304 Main Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Brooks family. Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.