Verlene Brooks

Verlene Mackey-Brooks a “Disciple of Jesus Christ” was called home on December 24, 2024, on her 92nd birthday. She was surrounded by her husband and children at her home in Hobbs, New Mexico.

 Verlene Brooks was born Verlene Mackey on December 24, 1932, in Whitehouse Smith, Texas to Ruben and Octavia Pettigrew-Mackey. She was the seventh of fifteen children. She married the love of her life Ben Brooks on June 1, 1952. Together they had five boys (Louis, Franky, Ronnie, Calvin, and Ricky) and five girls (Helen, Bennie, Diane, Sharonde, and Dorenda). In that order.

 Verlene was preceded in death by Louis, Diane, Bennie, and Helen in that order.

 Ben and Verlene lived briefly in Gallop, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, and various locations in the Atlanta suburbs. However, Verlene lived most of her life in Hobbs, New Mexico, where she enjoyed being a housewife, dressing up and wearing her heels. Although raising her eight surviving children was her priority day-in day-out, she always made time for gardening. She spent a lot of time working in her garden for over forty-five years. There were times when mom would not allow anyone in that garden without her permission, sometimes she had to be present when you wanted to pick vegetables from the garden.

 She enjoyed every minute she spent with her sisters and brother over her lifetime. Regardless of the occasions or the circumstances. Family was and is very important to Verlene. She attended many family reunions, church services and yes, the occasional drop in visit from one of her sisters or brother. Back in those days you did not have to call ahead to visit a loved one. You just showed up at the house and Verlene would have the den door open. She sat at the end of the couch so that she could see who all drove up. Verlene would never tell an unannounced visitor they were not welcome. Her first words would be, “come on in, have a sit.”

 Verlene was a child of God. A church going woman. A spiritual woman. A true believer in the “Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Verlene wore God’s grace as well as she wore her many hats, with pride, dignity, and humility.

 Verlene Brooks is survived by her husband Ben Brooks, her four sons Frankie, Ronnie, Calvin and Ricky. Her two daughters Sharonde and Dorenda and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Spanning five generations.