Betty Jo Brooks

Mrs. Betty Jo Brooks, age 68, was born to the late Allander (A.C.) Caldwell and Ulma Doris Thompson on December 13, 1945 in Parkdale, Arkansas. She passed away in her North Little Rock home on August 29, 2014. She gave her life to Christ as a teenager at Penny Chapel C.M.E. Church, in Parkdale, Arkansas. In 1964, she graduated from Slack LeGrande High School in Wilmot, Arkansas. Thereafter in 1967, she attended Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff prior to studying cosmetology in Brinkley, Arkansas. She was married to James W. Brooks, Sr. for 45 years until she went to be with the Lord. She joined Pilgrim Progress Missionary Baptist Church in 1977 where she remained a devoted member serving on the Senior Usher Board, Feed My Sheep Ministry, and Drama Ministry. She was known for being a great seamstress throughout her community and loved by so many. She is survived by her husband, James W. Brooks Sr.; three sons, Joseph Brooks of Columbus, Ohio; James (Melanie) Brooks Jr. of San Antonio, Texas; Jason Brooks of North Little Rock, Arkansas; four daughters, Joy Brooks of Jacksonville, Arkansas; Jennifer (Rodney) Smith of Maumelle, Arkansas; Betty Janel (Ernest) Bryant of Little Rock, Arkansas and Dr. Jill Brooks (Fiancé Samuel Gumbs) of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, Stephanie, Marissa, and Jimmy Brooks; Brooke Smith; William, Jayda and Jaydan Bryant; two siblings, brother, John English of Jacksonville, Arkansas and sister, Doris Acosta of Lawton, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Fred W. Brooks Jr. of Vestal, New York; sister-in-law, Ruthie Mae Acklin of North Little Rock, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be September 4, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pilgrim Progress Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 North Magnolia Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held September 5, 2014 at Pilgrim Progress Missionary Baptist Church at 8 a.m., officiated by Reverend Dr. Gerald Parker Sr. On Friday, September 5, 2014 at 10 a.m., her eternal resting place will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Watson-Northcrest Funeral Home, 1801 Maple, North Little Rock. (501) 812-5303.