Shirley 'Joy' Brooks

Shirley “Joy” Brooks, 82, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at home. 

She was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin on December 3, 1940, to the late Marvin and Harriet Davis. She married Eugene Brooks on June 5, 1960, and they celebrated 62 years together. Joy served all over the world, bringing joy to the people she encountered. She served in the Dominican Republic and Germany as a missionary, as the director of Arrowhead Bible Camp in New Auburn Wisconsin, in several elder care facilities/bible camps in Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Indiana.

She was a professionally trained clown and she loved to wear her makeup and share the love of Jesus with those she encountered, wherever she lived. Dressed as a clown or serving in various roles within the churches she attended, she was always eager to share this love of the Gospel. She served at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church as a volunteer administrative assistant and she enjoyed her time at the Farmers Market in Alpena. She will be missed by all who knew her. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Harriet (Towne) and Marvin Davis, sister-in-law Gini Davis, and son-in-law Daniel Songony. She is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Brooks, her brothers Chuck (Gini) Davis and Rick (Debbie) Davis, her children Nanette (Daniel) Songony, Daniel (Susan) Brooks, Nena (John) Shipman, Vaughn (Carolee) Brooks and a multitude of grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place Monday, January 2, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 12 p.m. with Reverend John W. Shipman officiating. Arrangements are being made by Bannan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Alpena, Michigan.