Dr. Dr. Mary Lemon Brooks

October 17, 1925 - December 31, 2015

Dr. Mary L. Brooks, age 90, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully at Duke University Medical Center on Thursday, December 31, 2015, surrounded by her daughter, Maria Lynette Brooks-Cornwall and her grandchildren, Deidra J. McMillan, Christopher B. McMillan, Terrance T. Cornwall, Jr., Tyiah S. Cornwall and great grandson Jailyn O. Moore. Born October 17, 1925 to Primus and Malisha Lemon in Gainsville, Alabama. Mary started her religious training early in life. Mary attended Sunday worship, Sunday school, mid week prayer service and vacation bible school. Mary's love of education began at a very early age, as her parents were both educators at Freedom Elementary School in Gainsville, Alabama. Her family moved to Mobile, Alabama, where she finished Dunbar High School as valedictorian of her class. As Mary started her professional endeavors, she went on to earn four college and university degrees including, a B.S. At Spellman College, M.S. at Indiana University, J.D. Professional Diploma at Columbia University and PhD at Duke University. During Mary’s educational journey, she met the love of her life, Henry Lindsay Brooks. Mary and Henry eventually married and continued their studies together. In 1968, Mary and Lindsay moved to Durham to study at Duke University. She studied in Psychological services and exceptional child education. Mary was an outstanding educator for many years in various school systems, but most notably for her contributions and accomplishments through the Durham Public School System as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education. In 1966, Mary and Henry welcomed their only child, Maria Lynette Brooks, who they loved and transferred their love for education to. Mary and Henry were married for 33 years. Although Henry passed away, Mary accepted both of their degrees from Duke University. Mary accomplished one of her most loved mission in life by enhancing the lives of others through dedication and outstanding services to the community and local churches, especially Covenant Presbyterian Church. Mary believed that one of God’s finest creation was the “Rose”. Left behind to cherish Dr. Brooks special memories are her daughter, Maria Lynette Brooks-Cornwall (Donnie0 of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Deidra J. McMillan, Christopher B. McMillan, Terrance T. Cornwall, Jr. And Tiyah S. Cornwall, all of Durham, NC; great grandchildren, Jailyn O. Moore and Christopher McMillan Jr.. Also, surviving is one sister, Ethel Wright of Philadelphia and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. All services will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2620 Weaver Street, Durham, NC. Officiating will be the Reverend Jimmy Hawkins, with committal services following at Beechwood Cemetery.