Sarah L. Brooks Obituary in Martinsville at Hairston Funeral Home

Obituary For Sarah L. Brooks

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

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We were so sorry to hear of the death of a wonderful lady who was one of our mother's closest friends. We used to enjoy it when she and our mother got together to talk and tell us stories. Our condolences and prayers to Willie Mae and other members of the family. Sincerely Aurelia Perkins and Yvonne Perkins Preston.

Willie Mae, Peter and Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time in your life. Just remember .... " A mother's love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrow's a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring, and her wisdom live on like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you now and bring you peace!" Love you, Betty Draper Day Matthews 5:4... Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

It has been many years ago when I worked with Sarah at American of Martinsville. I remember Sarah being dedicated to her job and a wonderful Christian lady. To the family, sorry for your loss. For Sarah, enjoy Heaven. See you again. Bill Ray

TO THE BROOKS FAMILY I OFFER MY SINCERE AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY. MRS. BROOKS WAS A SWEET AND LOVING PERSON AND TRULY WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HER. LOVE YOU FAMILY, EMMA RETTA AND HARRY HOLLAND

I love and miss you so much Gan-Gan.. 😢 Love Toi

Thank you Gan-Gan for always being the backbone for our family. You sacrificed so much to make sure we all had what we needed in life. But most of all, you taught us to love, respect, and cherish our family and I will never forget that. I miss and love you so much and I hate to see you leave us, but I know you are in a better place. Please continue to watch over us.. I love you so much Gan-Gan 😢

A life long lived. Offering our condolences to all the Brooks Families. Your mother will not be forgotten. Always cherish her memories. James and Roberta

Thanks mama for planting the seed in us many years ago.thanks for teaching me to pray when I was a child.thanks for taking us to the house of God. Thanks for life lessons.thanks for your sacrifice. Lots of time you did without so we would have.i miss you.but you fought a good fight.gonna miss you.rest awhile. And I will keep you in my heart ❤ love you your son.Donnie

Mrs. Sara was one of the sweetest persons I know. She always had a beautiful smile and the most loving demeanor. To the family, you have our deepest love and sympathy. Reginia Wright-Abbott, Carl Wright, Buford Wright Jr. and our family to yours.

Condolences & prayers to Wille mae & Pap.& family members of the Brooks family .I didn't know her,but for strenght in time of your bereavement. Roberta Taylor Carter.

Love and prayers sent to a wonderful family. Mrs. Brooks was loving and kind in heart. A genuine spirit of Godliness. God's love and blessings for the entire family.. The Penn & Bowles Family

Sarah Lou you did the thang baby I'm going to miss you but I'm so Grateful to have had a Wonderful Grand mother like you. Thank you for my SWAG baby!! I love you always and I promise not to let you down l love you baby 💋💋💋

Sending love, hugs, prayers and condolences to Aunt Willie Mae, Uncle Pap, Poochie, Peter Brooks and the entire Brooks Family. Mrs. Brooks was a sweet, kind, caring and loving person and she will be greatly missed. I am so blessed and honored to have known her. Praying God give you strength and peace that passeth all understanding during your time of bereavement and the days, months and years that follows.

Mrs. Willie Mae, we will forever treasure the gift that was Mrs. Sarah Brooks. We enjoyed the countless visits to her home to just take in her knowledge and love up on Fourth Street. And I will missed seeing her when I visited Mulberry Creek over the past few years because everything was limited. Keeping you all in thought and prayer. Love Always, Ebony and Bria

Willie Mae(Pap) Siblings, Remaining of Family 💕 and Friends So Saddened About The Loss of You'll Lovely Mother 🙏 Condolences,Prayers and Love 💕 to All🌹(Richetta A.Hairston/Bassett Va)

Gangan my heart is sad but baby I know you are in a better place now. You will forever be in my heart. I have so many fun memories with you. Take your rest baby. Love always your granddaughter Kimberly Witcher Wilson

I am sorry for your loss Carlissa. Sending my condolences during your time of bereavement; May God comfort and strength you today and the days ahead. Brenda Preston

Always and Forever, your baby girl.
Love, Carlissa R. Brooks-Ashley & Bear Claws

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA