Where were you born?
As the fourth of five children, I was born on September 25th in Blytheville, Arkansas to Henry and Elizabeth Brooks.
Do you have children?
I am the mother of one daughter, Terri Lane and the grandmother of Javante’ Lane, my one and only grandchild.
What are your hobbies/interests?
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, decorating, shopping, walking daily with my special friends, spending time with my loved ones and working with children.
Tell us briefly about your career.
In 1972, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Later, I received a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Fort Valley State University and an Educational Specialist degree from Troy State University. After 32 years of teaching students in grades 4-6, I retired from Quail Run Elementary School. However, my love for my craft was too strong to leave completely. Therefore, I have continued to work part-time as an After-School Program Instructor. My career allowed me to encourage and motivate youth. I have always tried to instill in my students that education is an important stepping-stone for their future and is crucial to their success as individuals. Hence, it was important for me to inspire them to be ambitious and to become life-long learners.
Tell us briefly about your activities at Fellowship.
I joined FBBC in 1996 and for over 20 years, I have happily served on the Usher Board. Each Sunday, I find great joy in attending Christian Enrichment classes. Over the years, I obliged myself to working on the Mercy Showing Team and teaching Children’s Church. As my special scripture states: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always bounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58 KJV
How has your career molded you as a person?
Through my professional career and my work in the church, I have learned that life is a journey and that it is important to enjoy each moment of it because tomorrow is not promised to us. And so, I revel in each second of life including the people and the beauty that are present all around me.
How would you like to be remembered?
At the end of the day, I would like to be remembered as a kind, humble and genuine person with a huge sense of humor who loved God, family and friends with all my heart and soul.
What is “your message” (words of wisdom) to Generations X, Y and Z?
Trust God at all times, stay motivated and learn all you can. Remember that the flame will be extinguished unless the fire is refueled.