Mrs Maxine Watkins Brooks

Maxine Watkins Brooks Maxine Watkins Brooks peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on Friday, October 11th at Brookdale Belle Meade memory care in Nashville, TN. Maxine was born on January 9, 1927 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to Inez and Milton Watkins. The youngest child of the family of sharecroppers, she lived with 5 brothers, a sister, and 3 cousins. Despite struggling during the Great Depression, the family moved to Good Hope, Mississippi and eventually bought a small farm in Lena Mississippi. Even though she worked hard picking cotton and other farm chores, Maxine graduated from Lena High School as the Valedictorian. On July 23, 1949, Maxine married Clarence Lamar Brooks who lived in nearby Cash. The couple lived in several southeastern towns where Clarence managed retail stores. They eventually moved to Jackson, Mississippi where Clarence was warehouse manager and purchasing agent for the State Alcohol Beverage Control Division. Maxine and Clarence had two sons, David Lamar Brooks and Mark Milton Brooks. At the age of 43, Maxine learned to drive and entered the workforce. She was employed as a salesperson at McRae's Department store, bank teller, receptionist, and finally clerk for the Mississippi Revenue Department. Maxine and Clarence enjoyed a happy and successful marriage of 42 years. Sadly, Clarence succumbed to cancer at age 66 in 1991. Ten years later, Maxine married Dave Benefield whom she met on a blind date. Tragically, Dave also died of cancer in 2004 at age 68. Maxine was active at Briarwood United Methodist Church and later Christ United Methodist Church, both in Jackson, MS. Maxine is survived by sons, David and wife, Dorothy of Marietta, GA, and Mark and wife, Clare of Nashville, TN. She has four grandchildren, Adria Brooks of Tucson, AZ, Cade Brooks of Nashville, TN, Ashley Simpson of Sanford, NC, and Emily Kowal of Atlanta, GA. She has two great-grandchildren, Maddie and Lily Simpson of Sanford, NC. A 20-year breast cancer survivor, Maxine overcame challenges and losses with her hopeful and joyful spirit. She will be remembered by those who loved her for her smile, contagious laugh, strength, beauty, and loving heart. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19th at Cash Cemetery on County Line Rd. in Scott County. Arrangements by Wilcox Funeral Home, Carthage, 601-267-8081. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.

Mrs Maxine Watkins Brooks

January 9, 1927 - October 11, 2024

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Mrs Maxine Watkins Brooks

January 9, 1927 - October 11, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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