Sarah L. Brooks, 95, was born in Martinsville, Virginia passed away peacefully into a state of eternal rest at Mulberry Creek Nursing and Rehab facility. Prior to becoming a resident there, she lived at her home on Fourth Street in the city of Martinsville, Virginia.

Sarah which means “Princess” was born on October 15th, 1926 in Martinsville, VA. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Harland Brown and Bettie Lou (Hairston) Brown; maternal grandparents, John Deley Hairston and Mentoria (Reid) Hairston; paternal grandparents, Henry Brown and Sarah (Allen) Brown of Cave Springs, VA; maternal great grandparents, Tillman Hairston and Delia (Martin) Hairston; paternal great grandparents, Anthony Brown and Martha (Tosh) Brown and Thadius Allen and Sallie Ann Pence; and a maternal great great grandparent, Delphy (Hairston) - Born a slave 1821, Marrowbone Plantation. In addition, she was preceded in death by six generations of family so her roots in the community ran deep. She was part of America’s Largest Family: "The Hairston Family”.

Sarah worked at American Furniture Factory plant #1 for 23 years before retiring in the early 1990*s. As a child she graduated from Henry County Training School. Later on she studied nursing through the Red Cross. She was kind -hearted, humble, loving, devoted wife and mother of 8 children and faithful follower of Christ. Sarah was a true believer and had "mustard seed faith*.

One of her greatest joys was cooking holiday meals so family, relatives and friends would gather at her home to eat. There was always a seat available for anyone that dropped by. There were times when the sound of laughter coming from her home was so loud that passersby would stop to join in on the fun, sit down or take a plate of food.

She was an avid reader and news buff and taught her children to take interest in world news and events. She had a special heart for dogs. Although she was an only child she had several close friends and cousins that treated her as a sister. One of her favorite sayings was “If you don’t treat me right while I am living, don’t hoop and holler over my body when I die”. Her favorite songs were Amazing Grace and Precious Lord.

She was a lifelong member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, 601 Third Street Martinsville, VA. Sarah spent decades serving under Rev John Wade, Theodore Marsh and in her latter years Eric Hairston. While serving she was a member of the Missionary board, Pastors Aide committee, Willing workers and the Kitchen committee.

Those left to cherish her memory include: three daughters, Willie Mae Manns Harris (Peter/ PAP) of Martinsville, VA, Carolyn Faye Witcher (Charles/ Chain) of Martinsville, VA, and Carlissa R. Brooks-Ashley (Walter) and Bear Claws, grand dog of Roanoke, VA; two sons, Robert L. Brooks, Jr. (Carolyn) of Martinsville, VA and Donnie Ray Brooks (Sharon) of Martinsville, VA. In addition, she had 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, cousins, family, church family and friends.

A graveside Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Carver Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Follow CDC guidelines by covering your nose and mouth and social distancing is required. NO PHOTOS OR LIVE STREAMING WILL BE PERMITTED.

Arrangements entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home