Shirley M. (Hale) Brooks

Shirley M. Brooks, a resident of Bessemer City, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on September 20th, 1940, in McDowell County, West Virginia, Shirley led a life filled with kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and her church.

Shirley was predeceased by her "Soulmate, Bill Brooks "whom she met later in life. her parents, Alix and Dellie Hale, and her siblings, Walter Hale, Edith Baker, and Lois Vanover. Despite these profound losses, Shirley’s sweet spirit remained unyielding. She could be direct at times, yet she always touched the lives of everyone around her.

Early in life, Shirley worked as a spinner in the Textile Industry, but will be most remembered as the matriarch of her family, who made every Christmas magical for her children and their families and loved ones. Her heart, vast and open, embraced not only her own children but also many, many foster children whom she loved unconditionally, much like Jesus did. She is survived by her beloved children: Tammy Rogers (Joseph), Keith McGlamery (Deana), Judy Gibson (Henry), Donna Sabo (Bryan), Angela Moore (Robert), and Michael McGlamery, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored deeply. Shirley's sweet Yorkie, Angel, was a constant companion and brought great joy to her later years.

A woman of unchanging faith to her Lord and Savior, Shirley was a devoted member of Gospel Light Holiness Church in Gastonia, her spiritual home for 25 years, and also attended Faith and Praise Assembly. Her passion for crafting was well-known, often giving away her creations rather than selling them.  Shirley had a special love for the fall season, relishing its colors and finding joy in the beauty of nature. Her family and friends will fondly remember her as a loving figure who brought people together and enriched their lives. She will always be remembered as the" glue that kept her family together with love."

A funeral service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Monday,  September 28, at 1:00 pm at the Gospel Light Holiness Church105 Welch Avenue Gastonia, NC. officiated by Pastor Jerry Willard. A visitation will take place an hour prior to the service, offering an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share memories, and find solace in one another. The interment will follow the service at Hillcrest Gardens of Mount Holly. 

Arrangements for Mrs. Brooks have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home. Her legacy of love, warmth, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered.
 A very special thanks to her amazing Hospice nurse Karen who God sent to our family for "such a time as this'.

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