Delma Jean Brooks' Obituary
Delma Jean (Perkins) Brooks received her heavenly wings and embarked on her blessed journey to the Lord on February 19, 2025. She was born on September 7, 1947, to William L. Perkins and Addie Bea Haynes Perkins and was raised in the community of St. Elmo. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of love for family and community through her three children: Kimberly Brooks, Robert Ladale Brooks, and Kelley Brooks Powell. She was also blessed with several grandchildren—Kevias Brooks, Kreshuna Brooks, Kimeka Simonton, Camesha Bailey, Stoney Brooks, Kylia Bailey, and RoKasia Powell—as well as five great-grandchildren. Delma was especially close to her devoted brother, Aquilla Harold Haynes, and her loving sister, Carole E. Flint (Anthony Sr.), along with many other cherished family members and friends. A proud alumna of the Howard High School Class of 1965, Delma also attended UT Chattanooga. She dedicated her life to serving others, particularly the disabled and senior populations. She was a former employee of Chattanooga’s Senior Neighbors Program and worked with youth in the Juvenile Detention System, where she eventually founded her own nonprofit, “God’s Gift to Girls” (The 3 G’s). She also worked in the school system for 15 years, where she impacted the lives of many students. In addition, she was the founder of “Serving the City,” a community outreach program that she and her niece, Tera Johnson, ran for over 14 years—providing free clothing, food, and health screenings to those in need, as well as a member of The Mission Society. Delma was preceded in death by her grandparents, Reverend A.R. and Roberta Barnett; her parents, William L. Perkins and Addie B. Haynes Perkins; her husband, Robert Earl Brooks; her brother, William M. Perkins; her sister, Brenda A. Ithier; and her grandsons, KiEric Brooks and Cordarius Bailey. She was a devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church under Reverend James E. Calhoun from her youth until her declining health.
Delma will lie-in-state on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel with Pastor James Powell as the Eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 1156 East Main Street, following the committal.
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