Rhonda Brooks

We announce the passing of Rhonda Sellers Brooks, who went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2025, just days before her 72nd birthday.

Rhonda is survived by her devoted husband, William 'Bill' Brooks; beloved children and (spouses) Garrison (Kathryn) Brooks and Elizabeth (Mark) Messenger, and their families.

Garrison and Kathryn have two children, Morgan (15) and Evan (13), while Elizabeth and Mark have three, Daniel (11), Taylor (6) and Miles (4). She is also survived by her sisters Miriam Sieron, Juanita Smith, Carolyn Fleming, Tammy Nixon, Voncile Edwards, and her brother Robert Sellers, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother Royce Sellers, Sr. and her parents, Katie and G. J. Sellers.

Rhonda was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A talented artist with a keen eye for beauty, she found joy in painting and had a special love for the beach, where she found peace and inspiration. Rhonda's impeccable sense of style and creativity made ordinary moments extraordinary.

She was a compassionate listener and wise counselor, always offering love and support. Rhonda's dedication to family made every celebration, holiday, and day memorable.

Rhonda's 53-year marriage to Bill was a testament to their enduring devotion and commitment. They fell in love as teenagers in Crestview and married young. A risky thing to do in this day and age. Give God all the glory for granting these soulmates a long lifetime of love together and the blessings of two precious children and their beautiful families. They were adventurers, traveling extensively over the years across the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean - skiing, touring, sailing - but always seeking out the great art museums for inspiration by the Great Masters when given the opportunity.

Painting became her passion early on first at Pensacola Junior College, followed by a portfolio scholarship to attend the Atlanta College of Art where she studied design, color theory and painting. Her pallet was broad, including watercolor, acrylic and oil on canvas as well as varied from land/seascapes and still life to pure abstraction. She once said, "Color is like music to the eye. I use it to express my calm, peaceful nature and my appreciation of form and space. I'm more interested in the universal nature of symbolic forms, rather than the specific. "Many awards and gallery showings followed her throughout Northwest Florida, Georgia and Alabama, including the prestigious Museum Purchase Award for her painting "Oasis, " now in the permanent collection of the Mobile Museum of Art.

Through life's challenges, including her battle with cancer since 2020, Rhonda faced everything with courage, strength, and deep faith. One of her grandchildren called her a "Warrior. " Two years into the fight, even her oncologist said the response to treatment was "kind of miraculous. " Her trust in Jesus and fervent prayers by loved ones and friends alike was a constant source of blessed assurance for her and her family.

Rhonda lived a life full of grace, love, and creativity. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort knowing she is at peace with her Savior.

A celebration of Rhonda's life will be held in the Main Sanctuary at First Methodist Church of Crestview, 599 8th Ave., Crestview, Florida on March 22, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 AM and memorial at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse. Rhonda Brooks