Mona Joyce Brooks

1932 - 2025

Mona Joyce Kennedy Brooks went to be with her Lord on October 18, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Mona was born on September 25, 1932, in Tifton, Georgia. She was the daughter of Thomas Edgar and Elizabeth Chapman Kennedy. She was the third of six children, Betty, Thomas, Nancy, Carla and Linda. Her brother, Thomas, passed away at just 14 from scarlet fever.
Mona had a very happy childhood and loved playing with dolls and outside with her sisters and cousins. She was very active in church through Sunbeams and GA's. Her love of music developed as a child through Glee Club and six months of piano lessons. She was among the first campers to attend Camp Pinnacle when it opened in 1947. She continued that summer as a camp counselor. Camp Pinnacle played a pivotal role in developing Monas love for missions and her fellow man.
She graduated from Cordele High in 1948 and went on to attend Norman Park, and then completed her bachelor's degree at Mercer University. She would later receive her Master's in Education and complete her six year Specialist Degree from the University of Georgia.
On a blind date on New Years Eve, 1954, she met a young airman from northeast Georgia named, Grady Evans Brooks. They fell in love and six months later tied the knot. They remained devoted to each other until his death on October 30, 2010. They lived in Del Rio, Texas, Savannah, Georgia, and Panama City, Florida, while Grady continued serving in the U.S. Air Force. He would go on to finish his education from the University of South Florida, University of Minnesota and the University of Georgia.
They returned to Clarkesville in 1964 to live at the old home place. Mona continued her lifelong career (32) primarily as a first grade teacher at Clarkesville Elementary where she retired in 1993. She was an active member of the local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher sorority where she actively taught reading and literacy skills. She also received the Golden Sister Award from ADK.
Mona was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for decades. She was active in WMU where she served in many capacities. Her love of music was demonstrated by serving as the Bethlehem organist for 52 years. She was also known to be an amazing cook and was always ready to share a meal with anyone in need.
Not only was she the loving wife of Grady, she was a devoted mother of two - Beth (Jon) and Chip (Pam). She was also a caring grandmother of seven - Jake (Courtney), Veronika, Jared (Bekah), Little Jon, Shawn, Yajaira and Keelie and doting great-grandmother of six - Chandler, Myla, Frasier, Georgia, Nova, Nora, and one soon to come.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth; her siblings, Betty, Thomas and Nancy; and her brothers-in-law, E.L. (Tip) Weldon, Jimmy Lawing and John Skinkle. She is survived by her sisters, Carla Lawing and Linda Skinkle; as well as her previously mentioned children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Angel Hooper who lovingly cared for Mom over the last year.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 4-7 p.m.
Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to support Camp Pinnacle, 200 Adventure Lane, Clayton, GA 30525, or by visiting https://camppinnacle.net/life-at-camp.
An online guestbook is available for the family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.