Flora Brooks

Flora Stephens Brooks passed away on April 2, 2016 in Kingsport, TN. She was 89 years old. She was a woman of strong faith, kindness and beauty who loved her family very much. Mrs. Brooks was born in Dillon County, S.C. in 1927. She grew up on her father's tobacco farm and learned many life lessons during her childhood days on the farm. Mrs. Brooks was a charter member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Rock Hill, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader, and treasurer for many years. She was also an active member of United Methodist Women. In 2013 she received the UMW's Special Mission Recognition award given to those who have "given above and beyond to serve others." Some of her favorite memories were of over 30 years of family vacations at her SC beach house, "Kiss My Grits." Also, she and Clarence enjoyed over 30 cruises in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean, several of which involved grandchildren and children. Mrs. Brooks was a famous bargain shopper. Black Friday in Charlotte was one of her favorite holidays. She never bought anything unless she had coupons or it was on sale. Shopping with her was always fun, and she never came home empty-handed. Mrs. Brooks was a second generation graduate of Winthrop College (now University) with a double major in biology and chemistry. She excelled in her profession and was recognized many times by her employer, Celanese Corporation. During her career Mrs. Brooks was a true pioneer in equal treatment for females in the workplace. She was the first female Plant Chemist at the Celriver Acetate Yarn Plant in Rock Hill. She also was the first manager of the Physical Testing Laboratory at Celriver.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years in 2012, Clarence, her beloved brother, W. L. Stephens, Jr., father, W.L. Stephens, and mother, Flora Ellen Carmichael Stephens, who died from complications of phlebitis shortly after Mrs. Brooks' birth.

Mrs. Brooks is survived by her devoted daughter, Ellen Brooks Robbins, son-in-law, Alton Robbins of Kingsport, Tn. grandchildren Laura Robbins Byrge, husband Jim, of Knoxville and Dr. Brian Robbins, wife Jenny, of Durham, NC. Mrs. Brooks also had 4 great grandsons, Matthew Cox, Caden Byrge, Trey Byrge, all of Knoxville and Graham Robbins of Durham.

Mom was a remarkable woman who will be missed every day. Our family offers our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Asbury Place and Preston Place 2 for the loving care they provided for almost 6 years. We also thank Tina and Alex Ackerly for the loving care they provided for years in Rock Hill as caregivers for both mom and dad, not an easy task, but one that can only be done based on a foundation of love. Mom suffered for years with vascular dementia. Over the past 10 years her memory faded. To paraphrase John Bunyan "all the trumpets have sounded on the other side. We here still move in twilight, but we have one beacon to guide us that Flo Brooks never had. We have her example."

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 8, 2016 from 10-11:00 am at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. David McManus officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, Briarcliff Rd, Rock Hill, S.C.