Betty A. Brooks, age 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on May 24, 2023, at Cox Medical Center South. Betty was born to Orville and Willie (Fields) Freeman on March 11, 1933, in Sleeper, Missouri, located in northern Laclede County. At a young age, Betty and her parents moved from Sleeper to Springfield where she was raised and attended school. She was united in marriage to James Roy Brooks on November 27, 1949, in Boone, Arkansas. James and Betty were blessed with seven loving children. She very much enjoyed being a homemaker, mom, and grandma. Betty leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, hope, and love.

Betty was a Bible-believing woman whose faith in the Lord was unshakeable. She will long be remembered as a devout Christian who served Jesus by serving others. She was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need, regardless of their circumstance or misfortune. Betty’s unconditional love and spirit of hospitality made her home a warm and welcoming refuge for family and friends. Given her unwavering commitment to helping others, Betty’s family affectionately referred to her as “Mother Teresa.” Betty began a life of service many years ago as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and volunteer in several country churches. In recent years, Betty attended North Point Church where she loved to worship and be in fellowship with others.

Betty was known for being feisty (to the very end), energetic, determined, independent, and smart. She was also a very talented artist; her landscape paintings were masterpieces. In addition to her love of art, Betty enjoyed listening to Christian music and watching a variety of ministries on television. She liked watching Wheel of Fortune, especially to see how Pat and Vanna coordinated their apparel. This is understandable given Betty’s reputation for being a fashionista. Betty was a huge Dr. Phil fan and rarely missed an episode. Nothing, however, brought her more joy than spending time with her family, especially on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Christmas, birthdays, and other holiday gatherings. She loved her family more than words can describe.

In the words of her daughter, Kathy, “Her time on earth is over and her journey here is done. She is now in Heaven singing with the angles and reunited with my sisters and other loved ones. My last words that I shared with her were to say, thank you mom for all you have done for all of us seven rotten kids. Thank you for teaching me to care about others and showing me what a strong and independent woman looked like. Thank you for showing me Christ’s love, the love of reading, and how much prayer can change things. Love you my sweet, feisty, sassy, and loving Mamma; ‘till we see you again.”

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Willie Freeman; husband, James Brooks; daughter, Sondra “Sandy” Vise; daughter, Janice Vermillion; grandson, Michael Vise; brothers, James “Jim” and Robert “Bobby” Freeman; and sisters, Ruth Worley and Barbara Caldwell. She is survived by her son, Jerry Brooks and his wife, Sherry; daughter, Vicki Kelchner and her husband, Doug; son, James “Butch” Brooks and his wife, Karen; daughter, Kathy McBride and her husband, Ron; daughter, Lori Martin; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation for Betty Brooks will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N National Avenue, Springfield, MO). Betty’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, 2:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery near Fellows Lake (4360 E Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65803). Following Betty’s funeral service, there will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Betty’s memory to the American Diabetes Association located at 2833 E Battlefield Road, Suite #100, Springfield, MO 65804 (800-342-2283).

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;

for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

 yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

~ Isaiah 41:10 ~