January 5, 1921 – December 17, 2006
Geraldine M. Brooks was born January 5, 1921, in St. Louis to the late William and Addie Nicholson. She was the youngest of seven children. Her brothers William, Lawrence, and Nick; her sister, Augusta, and a half-sister, Mable Smith, preceded her in death.
Her school years were spent in the St. Louis Public School System, where she graduated from Vashon High School in 1941.
She met and married the late William A. Brooks Sr. on April 18, 1942. To their union were born four children, William Jr., Kenneth, Gerald and Connie.
Geraldine professed to Christ and joined Central Baptist Church at an early age.
Geraldine was fondly known as Brooksie, Toots or Momma Toots. She never had anything bad to say about anyone except the people on The Young and the Restless.
In 1966, she went to work for the Wonder Bread Hostess Company as a sales clerk and cashier. In February 1993, she retired at the age of 72 after 27 years of service.
On Sunday, December 17, 2006, Geraldine came to total peace after an extended illness.
She leaves to cherish her memory, four loving children, William Brooks Jr. (Carol), Kenneth Messer-Brooks (Rita), Gerald Brooks (Estella), and Pastor Connie Cahill; one devoted sister, Merland Sampler; fifteen grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, 5 godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and adopted sons and daughters.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 22 at Austin Layne Renaissance, 7302 West Florissant Avenue.
A funeral service will be held at Central Baptist Church, 2843 Washington Avenue, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 23. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.