Frances Brown Brooks, 103, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Brookdale Monroe Square in Monroe, NC. Frances was born January 14, 1919 in Rockingham, NC to Joseph Parker Brown and Ida Catherine McNeill Brown. She was the fifth child in a loving family of seven children. Frances is predeceased by her husband Frank Lester Brooks, brothers James Brown and Walter Brown and her sisters Myrtie Emma McLean, Mary Elizabeth Minton, Ella Grey Daniel, and Lila Catherine Parris. She graduated valedictorian from Taylors Bridge High School in Clinton, NC and moved to Charlotte to attend the National School of Commerce with her lifetime best friend Vermelle Register Elder. Upon conclusion of her studies, she met Frank Lester Brooks of Pittsburgh, PA. who had just been transferred to Charlotte. They were married in 1940 until his death in 1969. Their love and friendship were based on shared values with roots in the importance of family, church commitment, education and civic responsibility.
Upon Frank’s death, Frances saw to it that her four daughters completed their higher education. During this time and until her retirement she engaged in office work for several Charlotte companies, activities in the voluntary sector and pursuit of her interest in reading, arts, and sewing. She cherished her friends and routinely met them for various activities. Frances enjoyed outings with her daughters, whether workshops or trips. She loved animals and always had a cat or dog as a family companion. As an active member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church she taught many levels of Sunday School for children for many years. Later as an active member of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, Frances participated in a variety of activities from teaching children’s Sunday School classes to regular participation in the Women of the church and The Seniors Friendly Club. Great adventures included travel to England, Switzerland, Israel and Greece as well as touring during one summer with the Festival of Praise Choir and performing on the US East Coast and in Ontario, Canada.
Survivors include her daughters Carol Brooks, Beverly Bilbro (Tom), June Moore (Barry), and Susan Brooks, all of Charlotte, her grandsons Jonathan Bilbro (Rona) of Orlando, FL and Joseph Bilbro (Amelia) of Lancaster, SC and her great-grandchildren Maya, Maren, Slias, Lilian, Elin, Shepherd, and Evangeline Bilbro. Frances valued her regular contact with her best friend Vermelle’s two daughters Kay Elder Williams and Vicki Elder Ison and considered them to be members of her extended family. In addition, Frances was very fond of her nieces and nephews and proud of their many accomplishments: Solon Minton, Linda Minton, Nina Waddell, Danny Daniel, Janet Branan, Jim Brown, Ronnie Brown, Tommy Brown, Alva Parris, Richard Parris, and Susan Barnhart.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff of Brookdale Monroe Square for creating a caring and loving home for her and to Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte Region for providing care and comfort in her final months.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Metrolina Association for the Blind (704 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204) or Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte Region (7485 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226).
Arrangements are in the care of Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service.
Memorial Services are planned for 2:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2022 in the Chapel at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, NC 28105. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com for the Brooks family.
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