Bettye J. Brooks

The youngest of 9 children, Bettye Joyce Brooks was born to Will and Laredo B. Johnson in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended the Little Rock public schools. Having made her profession of faith at an early age, she was a faithful member of Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness USA, 1923 South Arch St, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Bettye married Rev. Dr. Cato Brooks, Jr. in the winter of 1971 and were married for 47 years. Together, they share 6 children.
Bettye attended Arkansas Baptist College, Henderson State Teachers' College, Philander Smith College, and later, Indiana University Northwest. Mrs. Brooks achieved a degree in Business Administration and was a certified Personnel Management Specialist, Housing Counselor, and Housing Development Professional.
Mrs. Brooks has held several positions in government and community service throughout her professional career. She has been a Grants Management Supervisor for the City of Little Rock, a State Planner for the State of Arkansas, serving under then-Governor Bill Clinton, a Personnel Director for Pulaski County, AR, a Regional Program Specialist for the National Urban League, and an Employment Specialist for the Lake County Job Training Corporation.
After the establishment of the Tree of Life in 1979, Mrs. Brooks would help the ministry reach even further into the community of Gary, IN., by aiding in the establishment and founding of the Tree of Life Community Development Corporation. There she would serve as Executive Director. In this capacity, she and her housing development partner successfully rehabbed over 600 housing units in Gary, East Chicago, and South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Mrs. Brooks served as the administrator for Treasure's Child Development Center and was recognized for her efforts in 1993 with the Athena Award by the Gary Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Brooks was a faithful member of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church for 47 years. She held several positions and served on various committees. Mrs. Brooks was the Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years, Sunday School Teacher of Young Women ages 25-35), Adult Women Class, President of the Women's Ministry, and the 1st Cook in the Touch of Love Culinary Ministry. She rejoined Christ Temple Cathedral Church when she moved back to Little Rock, Arkansas and was a faithful member until she relocated back to Gary, Indiana.
She is also a past president of the Ernie Pyle PTA and a member of the Inter-Denominational Association of Minister Wives' and Widows of Gary and Vicinity and International Association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows where she was an active member until her passing.
She is preceded in death by parents; Will and Laredo B. Johnson, husband, Rev. Dr. Cato Brooks, Jr., 2 children: Rev. Cato Brooks, III, Shirlee L. Davis and 8 siblings.
She leaves to cherish her loving her memories, loving children: Atty. Marva J. Davis, Rev. Marvin E. (late Emma) Davis, Catina E. Groves, and Rev. Terry W. (Monique) Brooks. She is the grandmother of 17, Godmother of 4, Great-Grandmother of 6, Aunt to a host of nieces and nephews, and Best Friend to Peggy Moore.
Visitation Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. with a Homegoing Celebration to follow at 11:00 a.m. All service at the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church 2323 West 11th Avenue. Dr. Eric Boone Pastor and Pastor Terry W. officiating. Interment Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, Arkansas.