Mary Matlock Conner Brooks

Our world is much richer because we were blessed to have Mary Matlock Brooks in our life. She began her earthly sojourn through life on the eleventh of June 1929, in Sparkman, Arkansas and completed her journey when her immortal spirit soared to its eternal resting place on September 30, 2010, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was the third child born to Mr. Jewel and Mrs. Millie Williams Matlock. At an early age, she made a personal decision to accept Christ as her Savoir. She continued her spiritual growth becoming a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. A. W. Terry. Mary married Samuel Conner on March 2, 1946, and the Lord added to their union a beautiful baby girl named Loretta born on November 26, 1953 and a son, Gerald Wayne Conner born on June 20, 1957. She later married the handsome and charming Bobby Joe Brooks on May 11, 1976. She began working for Ouachita Baptist University in 1972 and was a faithful employee until she retired after 25 years of committed service. Affectionately called Miss Mary by her family and friends, she was a loving and giving woman. She inspired all whom she could, offered food and shelter to those in need. Any and everyone knew Miss Mary, as her home was often the social gathering place. She loved the company of all her guests and never met a stranger. She was known to “say what she meant, and to mean what she said.” Miss Mary understood life’s principles and used them to achieve, conquer and overcome ever obstacle that sought to demean her. Her mortal remains we will deposit, but her immortal spirit awaits in the ramparts of glory as an encourager to those of us who yet run the race for our Savior, Jesus Christ until the trumpet sounds. Those awaiting her presence are her parents, her infant son Gerald, her husbands: Mr. Samuel Conner and Mr. Bobby Joe Brooks, and one brother, Cecil Matlock. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving daughter, Loretta Summerville of Arkadelphia, AR; one grandson she raised, Andre (Gasha) Adams of Arkadelphia, AR; one granddaughter, Precious Summerville of Arkadelphia; four great-grandchildren, DreVonne and Tyra Adams, Maritta Lock and Delion Summerville all of Arkadelphia; two great-great grandchildren, Amrdre Lock and Amari Lock both of Arkadelphia; one sister, Annie Pearl Tate of Portola, CA; three brothers, W. T. (Rosie) of Albuquerque, NM, Cleveland (Betty) Matlock of Mt. Pine, AR, and Levy (Minnie) Matlock of Malvern, AR; a myriad of nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends and extended family who will miss her dearly. Visitation for Mrs. Brooks will be Friday, October 8, 2010, from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. The final tributes to her life will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. hosted at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church - Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., will officiate. The committal service and final resting place will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. BEAUTIFUL SLEEP Into Heaven’s mansions she’s entered, never to sigh or to weep: After long years with life’s struggles, Miss Mary has fallen asleep. Angels through heaven will guide her, Jesus will still bless and keep; Not for the world we would wake her, Miss Mary has fallen asleep. Beautiful rest for the weary, well deserved rest for the true; when life’s journey is ended we shall again be with you. This helps to quiet our weeping – Hark Angel music so sweet! He giveth to His beloved, beautiful, beautiful sleep.