Janet E. Brooks

Janet E. Brooks, 87, of Kirkwood, IL, passed away at 11:50 a.m., Friday, April 26, 2024, at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL.

She was born on January 1, 1937 in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Howard and Elizabeth Mae (Hall) Williams.  Janet was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1955.   

Janet married Wendell L. Brooks on November 25, 1956 at the Westside Church in Monmouth and they never looked back for 62 years.  He preceded her in death on May 19, 2019.

Besides being a wife, mom and homemaker, Janet worked as a clerk in the Warren County Courthouse for many years.  She later worked at the Warren County Library in the Kirkwood branch. Lastly, she worked as a secretary for Dr. Joe Simmons until her retirement.   She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and especially time with her family.  Janet was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  She was a member of many clubs and groups including, the Senior Citizens of Kirkwood, United Westminster Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, serving as Elder & Clerk of Session, United Presbyterian Woman Association, serving as treasurer, she was a 20 year member of the Kirkwood Community Club, Mother Advisor of the Kirkwood Rainbow Girls Charter, Westside Church Youth Advisor, 25 year Volunteer with the Monmouth Hospital Auxiliary, Warren County Genealogy Society, Yorkwood School District 225 PTA, 19 year member of Heritage Bible Church, and  the Rebecca Lodge.

Surviving Janet are her children, William (Mary-Ann) Brooks of Monmouth, IL, Linda M. Gaskill of Monmouth, IL, Jane E. (Pat) Grisham of Eureka, IL, John R. Brooks of Monmouth, IL, and P.J. (Bobbi) Brooks of Monmouth, IL.  Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Lawrence A. Brooks, two brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.