Patricia Brooks

Patricia (Patsy) Laney Brooks was born October 6, 1943, in Anniston, Alabama. Little did the world know that her life would be full of adventure, travel and an extraordinary musical talent. She was so gifted on the piano, it was second nature for her to be able to play most anything she heard after hearing it once. It was this talent that would take her away from home to perform in places like Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans, various supper clubs in Birmingham, Huntsville, and her favorite place of all - Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, where she lunched with Jimmy Buffett, met Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Frampton, and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, all of whom were in amazement at her style and talent.

Thomas Wolfe was wrong when he said you can't go home again, because that's exactly what she did, and that's where she married Randy Burns Brooks, enjoyed eight fabulous years playing the piano at Classic on Noble and traveling the world until Randy's death in 2012. Life was never the same for her, and she struggled with his loss for many years; but their years were so adventurous and fun, traveling to Europe multiple times, scuba diving, enjoying their friends and family near and far.

It was the birth of their nephew, Lane Oswalt, who impacted their life immensely as they attended his school functions, birthdays, baseball and football games and finally the University of Alabama. He was like a son to them, and the day he graduated, Patsy looked at me in the bleachers and said, "This is the best day of my life."

After a number of years, Lane married his wife Megan, and Brooks and Millie were born. What joy and laughter they brought to her!

Patsy was the best sister to me. We argued, laughed, cried, apologized, all the things that are a conglomeration of true sisterhood. I will miss you, Patsy, beyond what words can say. Shopping, lunches, giggling, worrying, all of the emotions sisters have that make them cling to each other.

Patsy had many favorite songs, but even when her mind wasn't there, she wanted to know where her Beatles CD's were. She once commented that "In My Life" was her favorite song:

Patsy passed away November 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Randy Burns Brooks, her parents, Fred and Mildred Laney, and numerous precious aunts and uncles, all of Calhoun County.

Patsy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Jeff Musser of Vestavia Hills; her nephew, Lane Oswalt and his wife Megan, and their children, Brooks and Millie Oswalt of Trussville; her uncle and aunt, Doug and Irma Laney of Ohatchee and several cousins and close friends.

Patsy was a member of The Episcopal Church of St. Michael and All Angels in Anniston. Her wish would be for you to please make a donation to:
St. Michael's Medical Clinic
426 Mulberry Ave.
Anniston, AL 36201