Rev. Gloria Brooks

Reverend Gloria Burke Brooks passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 19, 2023 at the age of 72. Gloria is survived by her husband of 45 years, Reverend Philip Brooks, her son Philip Roland Brooks, daughter Alison Romanowski, son-in-law Jimmy Romanowski, and Grandsons Lucas Roland Brooks (10 years), Jonah James Romanowski (9 years), and Blake Brooks Romanowski (5 months). She is also survived by her siblings Donald Burke, Patrick Burke, Ernie Burke, Gary Burke, and Susan Lipka. She is preceded in death by her father Donald Burke, mother Dolores Burke Adams, and twin sister Sharon Bein.

A special thanks is extended to the staff of Harmony Trace Assisted Living in Hilliard, OH, who compassionately cared for Gloria during the last three years of her life.

Gloria was the oldest of 7 children and was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati and taught grade school for three years before experiencing a call to ministry. She then attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY and graduated with a Master's of Divinity in the spring of 1978.

Asbury Seminary continued to be a passionate part of Gloria's life as she volunteered there and eventually served as a member of the board of trustees for the seminary for 22 years.

Shortly before Gloria was ordained a pastor in the United Methodist Church (UMC) she met Reverend Philip Brooks at the United Methodist Church West Ohio annual conference in Lakeside, OH. They were married May 26, 1978. Gloria liked to tell the story of how Philip taught her to ride a bicycle and how they would peddle across the border from Philip's pastoral appointment in Metamora, OH into Michigan at the beginning of their marriage.

Gloria and Philip then served together as a clergy couple at Livingston UMC in Columbus, OH from 1981 - 1987, where both of Gloria's children were born. Gloria was ordained a Full Clergy Elder of the United Methodist Church in 1981.

After taking time off from ministry to raise her young children in Piqua, OH, Gloria served as the Director of Congregational Resourcing & Leadership for the Cincinnati District of UMC after moving back to Cincinnati in 1990.

In 1998 the family moved to Lima, OH where Gloria served as Associate Pastor at Shawnee UMC while Philip was the District Superintendent for the Lima District.

After a year as Associate Pastor for Linworth UMC in Columbus, OH in 2002 Gloria became Senior Pastor of Jerome UMC in Plain City, OH where she served for 7 years, from 2003 - 2010.

Gloria retired from full time ministry as Senior Pastor of Maize Manor UMC in 2013. During her early retirement she loved to spend time with her young grandsons and her two rescue dogs, Daisy (Pitbull) and Blizzard (Boxer).

Gloria enjoyed singing and many remember her beautiful voice. She liked to garden, planting flowers to attract one of her favorite animals, butterflies. She enjoyed hosting family and friends at her home. She loved to travel and went on many mission trips during her life. She often spoke with fondness of her two trips to the Holy Land. There was a special place in Gloria's heart for the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee where she visited often in her youth, and then took her children many times. Gloria was involved with the Central Ohio Emmaus group, volunteering as the clergy member for many Emmaus walks. Gloria was also an avid collector of Nativity scenes, with over 100 in her collection. In addition to her involvement in these activities, Gloria cherished spending time with her family. Gloria was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and a friend to so many.

Gloria touched the lives of countless people throughout her life and ministry. She will be remembered for her genuine desire to help others, her kindness and hospitality, and her loving heart. Gloria's desire was to demonstrate the love and grace of Christ through the way that she lived her life, and she did it well.

Although she will always be missed, there is no doubt that she is well again. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Dementia, it is a comfort to know that Gloria has a new healthy mind and body and is experiencing the peace which passes understanding. That was guaranteed by her steadfast and unshakable faith.

With a smile and a hug, Gloria would thank you for being a part of her life.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Roland Brooks Scholarship at Asbury Theological Seminary. This scholarship fund was established by Philip and Gloria at the passing of Philip’s father Rev. Roland Brooks.

Gifts may be made online at asbury.to/give or by check with "Roland Brooks Scholarship" noted in the comments section of the donation form or memo line of the check.

Checks can be mailed to the following address:

Asbury Theological Seminary

attn: Advancement Office

204 N Lexington Ave

Wilmore, KY 40390