Charleen Vernell Brooks

Charleen Vernell Brooks, 95, passed away at her home after a brief illness. She was a long-time resident of Bryan. Mom was born in Schulenberg to Rudolph and Martha Blaschke, moving to Sugar Land with her parents and brother Earl in 1937. There she met and married her husband, Ellis E. Brooks Jr. in 1946 after he got back from the Navy. They had two sons, Craig and Keith. After losing Ellis in 1987, Mom moved to Bryan in 2002 and lived there the rest of her life.

Mom was a bright and hard-working person. She was a secretary, owner of a small business, volunteered at several different organizations, housewife, and did all the other things that life demands. Unfortunately, however, she was not a cook.

She loved to play bunco, bridge, and “42.” She loved to be around people, and quickly made dear friends of her Bryan neighbors Patti, Betty, and Stephanie. Mom loved to travel, and was able to go back to the Czech Republic to find the family home. Car rides were a big hit with her, and she tried to get in one or two a day around the area.

Mom managed to outlive all of the relatives of her generation, and also her dear son, Keith. Remaining behind to cherish her memory are son, Craig Brooks; and daughter-in-law, Dolores Brooks; daughter-in-law, Debbie Brooks; and grandson, Richard Brooks; and of course her cat, Kitkat.

Her last two years could not have been spent at home without the constant loving care given by her caregivers, Sheila Langford and her daughters, Chandra, and Carla. The entire family owes them a special debt of gratitude for their many hours helping Mom.

Visitation will be at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center in Bryan at 6 p.m., February 17, followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station at 10 a.m., February 18, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Schulenberg.