Lori Michelle Brooks

A kind heart, a big mouth, and a sense of humor can get you through just about anything. Case in point: Lori Michelle Brooks, who on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, took a one-way flight to her Heavenly home. In her 47 years on this earth, she took those three things and created a legacy that will live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved and adored her. She was born on November 24th, 1975 to Jesse Norman and Janet (Gary) Brooks, both of whom preceded her in death. A 1993 graduate of Beth Haven Christian School and a 1997 graduate of Spalding University, she also was a majority member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG), serving on the Advisory Board of Valley #8, as well as serving as the Director of Junior Grand. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star ( Fairdale and Valley) . Lori was very active in her church, Peniel Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer for many years and sang in the church choir. An avid fan of all things Christmas and theatre, Lori starred in over 25 of the church’s Christmas productions, playing roles that ranged from a cantankerous elderly sister, a wisecracking ghost, an eccentric cousin with split personalities, and a hillbilly momma with a pig for a son. Loud and outspoken, Lori used that trait for many purposes, but the one she was most known for was to sing. At 7 years old, she was saved by the grace of God, and from that moment forward, she sang about His goodness. She sang gospel music for most of her life, and in her teenage years, began singing with her parents, The Brooks Family Trio. Many years later, she was a founding member of Rivers Edge, a gospel group comprised of herself and some of her close friends and continued singing for the Lord. With her family and Rivers Edge, Lori recorded five gospel albums and sang at churches and various events in her home state of Kentucky. Lori was never ashamed of all that Jesus had done for her, always using her God-given talents to praise and honor her Heavenly Father. A loud and strong voice, she hardly ever needed a microphone, and the girl could sing! Known for songs like, “The Lighthouse”, “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy”, and “He Came Looking for Me”, when Lori sang from the heart, the song was never the same. Lori’s talents were many, but so were her personality traits. She could be feisty, argumentative, indecisive, playful, and even sometimes hilariously inappropriate, but she always had a thoughtful and kind disposition, putting the cares and needs of others above her own. And regardless of what life threw her way, or even when her back was against the wall, she tried to tackle her circumstances with laughter and humility, showcasing that unforgettable smile, and asking God to take care of things. Just like a line from one of her most-requested songs, “When you’ve done all you can, remember Jesus can do all that you can’t.” Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Lisa (Brooks) Bailey, grandparents Marie and Ivan Gary, and Myrtle and Jasper Brooks. She is survived by two nieces, Olivia (Emma) Bailey and Jessi (Mason) Bailey, and one nephew, Zack McCauley, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She leaves to cherish her memory an extended family of individuals who, while not blood related, were special to her nonetheless, including Tabby & Doug Clark , Dana Beth & Raymond Evans, Chris Hayes, Tim & Kim Hayes, and Joseph Henderson, who will also be officiating her celebration of life services. Lori’s Celebration of Life / Homegoing Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at Chapel Union Missionary Baptist Church in Butler County, Kentucky at 3 PM EST with burial to follow in the Chapel Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations for Lori's final expenses can be made directly to her estate via Tabby Clark. Ratterman Springhurst, 10210 Westport Road has been in charge of arrangements.

Lori Michelle Brooks

November 24, 1975 - November 11, 2023