Arlene G. Thomas

1929 - 2017

November 29, 1929 - April 4, 2017 Arlene Gwendolyn Thomas died peacefully on April 4, 2017 at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents (father 1984 and mother 1997), her sisters Zenobia (1986) and Yolande (2005), and her brother Demaris (2005). She is survived by her sister Ara Simms, her daughter Mylene Brooks, and many loving nieces and nephews. Arlene was born in Redlands, California as the second child to loving parents Coleman Young Thomas and Georgia Leah (Harris) Thomas on November 29, 1929. She had three sisters (Yolande, Zenobia and Ara) and one brother (Demaris). Arlene attended Redlands High School where she graduated with accolades. Her senior year picture included the statement "What she does she does well, and she does most everything," which epitomized Arlene's life. After high school graduation, she attended the University of Redlands where she studied to become a teacher and received her Bachelor's degree. After college, Arlene moved to Oakland to pursue teaching where she met Arthur S. Brooks, M.D., father of her only daughter, Mylene. In 1963, Arlene moved back to Southern California and ultimately back to Redlands where she worked as a Reading Specialist at Lytle Creek Elementary School in San Bernardino until her retirement in 1987. In 2001, Arlene moved to Los Angeles to be near her daughter. In 2015, Arlene moved to Solheim Lutheran Home in Los Angeles (Eagle Rock) where she lived until her death. Arlene will be buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands, CA. The family will hold a small service at Hillside Memorial Park on April 22.