Imogene ”Jean” Brooks Vanatta, ”Memaw”, was called home to our Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 26th, 2021, at her home in Stella, Arkansas at the age of 86 years.
She was born August 19th, 1935, in Stella, Arkansas to Charlie D. Brooks and Josephine ”Josie” Jones Brooks.
She was united in marriage to Ray E. Vanatta on January 16th, 1956, and together they raised one daughter.
She devoted her time and energy to being a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, musician, and homemaker who was most proud of her faith, family, friends, and music.
Her family recognized her as always being caring, content, dependable, persistent, and hardworking. She loved to spend time fishing, playing music on the square at Mountain View, and looking for antiques. She was a member of Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ray E. Vanatta; her daughter and son-in-law of Sage, Tammy and Doug Miller; two grandchildren and their spouses: Daniel and Brooke Miller of Sage, and Holly and Lee Harris of Sage; five great-grandchildren: Ty Miller, Orrin Miller, Paden Miller, Emmitt Harris, and Raylyn Harris, all of Sage; one sibling: Doris Jackson of Melbourne; and a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers: Ezra Brooks, Delphia Brooks, Elvie Brooks, Floyd Brooks, Lloyd, Esbie Brooks, Elgin Brooks, Ellis Brooks, Everett Brooks, and one sister: Icephine Shaver.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Bailey officiating the service and Charlie, Roger, and Seth Brooks assisting. Burial to follow at Pine Grove/Reeves Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Pallbearers are as follows: Daniel Miller, Doug Miller, Lee Harris, Gordon Brooks, Erik Jackson, Jeff Eddy, Blane Johnson, and Paul Gene Shaver. Honorary pallbearers are as follows: Delmus Johnson, Seth Brooks, Roger Brooks, Charlie Brooks, JC Craig, Jay Berry, and BB Johnson.
The family wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers, love, and support during this special time of need.
