Ruthie Mae Brooks

Ruthie Mae Brooks was born Aug. 28, 1946, in Blytheville, to Henry and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Brooks. She was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where she gave her life to Christ at a young age and volunteered her time as a choir member. After relocating to Georgia, she became an avid listener of Bishop G.E. Patterson’s sermons. She grew up with an ever-present curiosity and a resilient spirit. From a young age, she enjoyed doing her hair and caring for children. These impacts sowed the seeds of hairdressing and caregiving. Upon leaving high school, Ruthie answered her calling by attending beauty school to become a beautician. Over the years, she honed her skills, specializing in pressing and curling. Her warm smile had a unique ability to make people feel at ease, and folks often regarded their time in her chair as not just a hairdo, but as an opportunity to connect with a dear friend.

Ruthie will be affectionately remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She passed away Dec. 27, 2023, surrounded by the love and support of her family. She was 77 years old.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Charles Robinson; father and mother, Henry and Elizabeth Brooks; brothers, Edward, Robert, James and Joe Brooks; and sisters, Bernice Conley, Irene Robinson, Ada Bedford and Henrietta Leverson.

Ruthie is survived by her devoted daughter, Tracy Artis and unwavering and supportive son-in-law, Fritz Artis of Macon, Ga.; her darling granddaughter, Sydney Elizabeth Artis of Macon, Ga.; a dedicated sister, Bobbie J. Harris of Warner Robins, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Deborah Brooks of Blytheville and Louise Brooks of Brookhaven, Miss.; special nieces, Terri Lane of a Savannah, Ga., Naomi Tate Payne of Memphis, Tenn., Linda Williams and Regina Hopkins of Blytheville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her memory will be eternally preserved in the hearts of her family and the lives that she touched through her endearing spirit.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 809 East Main Street, where Reverend Ricky Everett is the pastor. Reverend Johnny Williams will deliver the eulogy with interment to follow in Gethsemane Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. before the services on Saturday.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mhfuneralhomeinc. or visit us on Facebook at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home. The services will be live streamed on the McDonald-Horne Funeral Home Facebook page.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of services and arrangements.