She was born Oct. 9, 1912 in Salem, N.C. to Robert Woodson Seward and Eva Womble Seward. Mrs. Brooks lived in High Point most of her life, and married James Howell Brooks Dec. 15, 1935. He passed away in 1974.
She was co-owner and secretary at Brooks Drug Store until 1962 when she became financial secretary at First Baptist Church, High Point, where she had been a member since she was 10 years old. She retired from the church in 1980.
Irene served for 53 years as a teacher for 4- and 5-year-olds at First Baptist and was pianist for the Farriss-Andrews Sunday School Class as well as accompanist for Sunday night services.
After she learned she could write poetry, many people came to her to recognize special occasions.
She was preceded in death by her husband, still-born son; James Howell Brooks Jr., brother: Horace Seward, and sisters Evelyn Nabors and Virginia Smith.
She is survived by daughter Carol Brooks, sister: Mary Ruth Seward, nephews David Smith, Bert Smith, and Byron Marshall ; a niece, Barbara Anderson, and great- and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, July 29th at 2:00 p.m. in Sechrest Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Bruce Hartgrove officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Garden Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 405 N. Main St., High Point, NC 27262.
The family expresses their thanks to Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center in Jamestown and Hospice of the Piedmont for their care.
Please share your condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.
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