Earnestine Brooks

Today we celebrate the life of Sister Earnestine Brooks. She departed this world on May 8, 2025, at the blessed age of 76. Earnestine was born in Hughes, Arkansas, on April 4, 1949, to the union of Ira and Valarie Brooks. She was the 6th of 8 children. Earnestine relocated to Benton Harbor, MI in 1967. She joined Second Baptist Church in 1970 under the leadership of, Rev Donald B. Adkins. After his passing, she remained a member under the leadership of Rev Kenneth M. Gavin until she relocated. She was a member of the Young Adults Social Choir, on the Nurses Guild, as well as a Greeter. She hadn't found a church home where she resided before her transition, but she believed strongly in the scripture: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" Matthew 18:20. She would attend church and Bible study in the building where she resided. Earnestine decided to take classes to retrieve her GED. Once completed, she then went on to attend night classes at Jordan College where she received 2 degrees in Early Childhood Education, and the other in Social Work. She worked different odd and end jobs to provide for her home and children while attending school. Once she graduated, she went on to work for Safe Shelter of Stevensville, MI. Her job required her to work with abused women and children, which she found great pleasure in. She was dedicated and passionate about helping women all over the community get the help they needed to leave abusive relationships. Some of those times she put herself in harm's way. But she was a strong, persistent woman who didn't scare too easily. She pressed on and continued to do the work until her health no longer allowed her to do what she loved. Her health became an issue in the early 90's, but she continued to work. She eventually was unable to keep working and she was forced to retire due to her health. In 2004, she experienced renal failure which led to her being placed on dialysis for 22 years. In the beginning, it was as if nothing had changed. She drove herself to and from dialysis. She enjoyed going to church, the casino, visiting her siblings, traveling, and bowling as well. She also had a green thumb and she LOVED her plants! She had a direct line to God, or as she would say, "Jesus is on the main line". One of her favorite spiritual songs. As time went on, her health became a hard battle to concur on her own. She relocated to Indianapolis, IN where her daughter resides to assist in her care. Earnestine leaves behind to cherish her fond memories, four children, Rochelle White of Benton Harbor, MI; Joseph Lee (Caron) Daniels of San Bernadino, CA; Alexis Bernard Daniels of Westland, MI; and Shari Daniels of Indianapolis, IN. Her three sisters, Reola Blake, Ressie Broyles, and Vallrie Brooks, and one brother-in-law, Robert Jackson, all of Benton Harbor, MI. Seven grandchildren, and 3 great-granddaughters. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Earnestine was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Frank Brooks and Willie Bell Brooks; two sisters Betty Jean Edwards and Jenever Jackson; one niece Joyce Marie Jackson; and one brother-in-law Walter Broyles, Sr.

Earnestine Brooks

April 4, 1949 - May 9, 2025