Betty Smith Brooks

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."  Revelation 21:

Betty Jean was born May 22, 1954, to the late Jimmie and Annie Stokes Zollicoffer. She departed this earthly life on September 21, 2023. She was affectionately known as "Rolla".

She attended Thomastown Attendance Center and graduated with the class of 1973, where she participated in numerous activities, including the varsity basketball team.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1986, she wedded the late Charles T. Smith, and to this union, one child was born Pretro, plus three bonus daughters; Melody, Candace, and Nicole Smith.

She was employed by Carthage Cooperation and MPAD Automotive before joining the team of Leake County Correctional Facility and served for 22 years where she remained Lieutenant of her shift until her retirement in 2022.

On May 7, 2011, she united in holy matrimony to Reverend Dr. Darrell Brooks, Sr. whom she affectionately called "My Preacher" and under his direction, she became the First Lady of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Sallis, MS.

She was loved by everyone who had the opportunity to experience her beautiful personality. She loved spending quality time with family and friends and listening to her favorite singer Lee Williams.

She was one who was definitely going to say whatever came to mind. You could almost always see her outside working with her flowers or visiting her favorite store, Dirt Cheap. She was witty and as stylish as they come.

You would rarely see her without one of her many hats, especially the cowboy one. She was very encouraging and uplifting, wanting to make sure everyone did their best; often she would leave you with the words "If you do the ordinary, God will do the extraordinary".

Loved ones who have transitioned this life before her are her mother; Annie Zollicoffer, fathers; Jimmie Zollicoffer and Stroque Washington, a brother; James Zollicoffer, Nieces; Peggy Wilder and Kenjerrica Nash, and Nephews; Tracy and Johnny Zollicoffer.

Betty leaves to treasure her memories, a loving and devoted husband; Reverend Dr. Darrell Brooks, Sr.  A son; Pretro (Katie) Zollicoffer. Four children in love: Darrell (Deborah) Brooks, Jr., Angela (Omorris) Blount, Deanisha Brooks, and Antonio (Avis) Brooks. Four grandchildren; Alexis Walker, Jermichael Zollicoffer, Shabrina Walker, and Sharina Walker. One special great-grandchild; Camiah Walker "Honeyboo". Five brothers; T.J. (Katie) Zollicoffer, Andy (Janice) Zollicoffer, Charles (Loleta) Zollicoffer, Jerry Zollicoffer, and Robert (Debra) Williams. Four sisters; Lela Manning, Grace (Cedric) Hamilton, Pat Zollicoffer, and Jerrie (Daniel) Cohill. Three aunts; Lillie Wingo, Josie Sanders, and Jean Hall. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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