Obituary of Nancy Keener Brooks

Nancy Keener Brooks passed into her heavenly home March 7, 2024. She was born on March 18,1928 in Murphy, NC to Horace H. and Nancy Tindell Keener. At an early age, Nancy and family moved to St. Petersburg, FL. Nancy attended St. Pete High School and Florida State University where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority. Her degree was Social Work.

Nancy was introduced to Beach Brooks by her brother, Ellis Keener who was Beach’s classmate at McCallie School. In July,1952, she and Beach of Chattanooga, TN were married in the First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. Dr. and Mrs. Brooks moved from Chattanooga to Winter Haven with their young family in 1958 after Dr. Brooks completed Medical School and training.

Nancy loved giving back to the community. She served as President of Winter Haven Hospital Auxiliary. She also served on the Red Cross board, Polk County Medical Auxiliary board and the Heart Association. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Leader. Nancy and six friends founded the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven in 1981.

The Brooks family were members of Covenant Presbyterian Church for years. Nancy loved teaching Sunday School, VBS and her Prayer Circle group as well as serving on various committees. In recent years Nancy has been a member of First Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed the Lydia Circle and serving as a greeter. She loved to remind her children and grandchildren that she felt the three most important things in life are your Faith in the Lord, Family and Friends. Nancy enjoyed playing in the tennis league at Lake Region Country Club and playing bridge with her friends. She also enjoyed her Garden Club and Contemporary Book Club. Most of all she loved gathering her family together for special events, holidays, and their annual trip to Longboat Key.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Beach Alexander Brooks MD, brothers Horace H. Keener Jr., and Ellis B. Keener MD. She is survived by her sons, Beach A. Brooks, Jr. (Carol), and Stephen K. Brooks, daughters, Elizabeth B. Attaway (John) and Nancy B. Lopez (Gerry), her grandchildren: Blair Tomlinson (Lee), Beach Brooks III (Jordan), Andrew Brooks (Cosmo), John Attaway III, Brooke Attaway, Ashley Cheek (Coady), Gerry Lopez, Maxwell Lopez (Alden), Samuel Lopez (Brenna), Sarah Lopez, Haven Blackmon, and Cannon Garrett, her great grandchildren: Alex, Beach IV, Parker, Annie, Beau and baby girl due this summer. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Ann Keener and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was kind, thoughtful, funny, quick-witted, and genuinely loved people. She often quoted her favorite Bible verse which was, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

A memorial service thanking God for Nancy’s life will be held at 11am on Monday, March 18,2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th Street NW, Winter Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to First Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.