There are condolences waiting approval on ARLENE's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of ARLENE ROSLYN BROOKS
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
ARLENE.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for ARLENE ROSLYN BROOKS
Arlene Roslyn Harrod Brooks, 79, of Lusby, Maryland, passed away on August 7, 2020, at home after a lengthy illness. Born June 21, 1941, in Huntingtown, Maryland, she was the eldest daughter of the late George “Broome” Harrod and Geneva Green Harrod. She was educated in the Calvert County public schools and attended Brooks High School. With encouragement from her former teacher, Ailene Stamper, family members, and others, Arlene pursued and joyfully received her General Education Diploma some 40 years later. Occasionally as a young girl, she attended Bethel Way of the Cross Church in Huntingtown with the late Sister Julia Freeland. Later Arlene became a faithful member and remained so until her illness prevented her from being active. She was a member of the Pastor’s Choir. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 42:1-2. It was evident at an early age that Arlene had a gift for styling hair. As a result, her mother turned over to her the task of styling her sisters' hair. It wasn't long before other friends and neighbors sought her out to do their hair. On May 28, 1960, Arlene married Alphonso “Funny” Brooks, Sr., of Prince Frederick. Their children are Judith “Judy” Harrod Plater, Alphonso Brooks, Jr., Alonzo Brooks, Anthony “Tyrone” Brooks, and Angel Brooks Mason. For several years, Arlene worked as a health care aide in a private home and at Calvert Nursing Home in Prince Frederick. She also worked at Judy’s hair salon. There she shampooed, blow-dried, helped to style hair, did inventory, and collected payments. When Judy’s young sons were around the salon, Arlene helped with their needs while also taking care of the customers. Sometimes Arlene would bring or fix food for Judy’s family and herself. She attended some of the family trips. Mostly she preferred traveling with Funny, Odella, and Herman to Ocean City. Arlene enjoyed culinary food preparation and made many delectable dishes and desserts for her family and others. She also was excellent at word searches. Her friends over the years were Juanita Jones, Carolyn Parran Gray, Virginia Lee Brown, Della Jones Wallace, Jane Willett, Phyllis Greene Reid, Carolyn Collins Massey, Elizabeth Thomas, Stella Hurley, adopted older twin sister Sylvia Davis with whom she shared a birthday, Volley Brooks, Mildred Harmon, and Martha Greene. Her adopted daughters were Denise Fields, Denise Sewell Carroll, and Judy’s girlfriends. When she became ill, Arlene was blessed by her brother Harry and his wife Goldie Harrod, who primarily drove her to her many doctors’ appointments in Baltimore. First cousin Leonard Greene is much appreciated for helping with the driving. Sister-in-law Lorraine Williams and her daughters, as well as Funny’s other siblings, and Arlene’s sisters Marion Brooks, Darlene Harrod, and Carlene Harrod were especially helpful. Arlene received much love, support, and prayers from other family and church members and friends during her illness. Arlene is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years Funny Brooks; children Judy (Kenneth, Sr.,) Plater, Alphonso Brooks, Jr., Alonzo (Margaret “Peggy”) Brooks, Anthony Tyrone Brooks, and Angel Brooks Mason. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She leaves a brother Harry (Goldie) Harrod; sisters June Holland, Marion (Glenwood) Brooks, Darlene and Carlene Harrod, who Arlene named and nicknamed; sisters-in-law Geneva Hart, Shirley Brooks, Kathleen (Daniel, Sr., “Sporty”) Ray, Odella Chew, Rosalee Fields, Lorraine Williams, and Joyce Brooks; brothers-in-law MacArthur (Clarice) Brooks and Joseph (Ophelia) Brooks; godsons Almous Harrod, Jr., and Damian (Kia) Weems; goddaughter Marsha Harrod; and numerous other nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Broome and Geneva Harrod; brothers George Jr., Charles, Sr., Almous, Sr., and Douglas Harrod; sisters Mae “Peggy” Harrod and Margaret Lorraine Holland; sisters-in-law Gladys Harrod and Leatha Harrod, Florence Brooks and Mollie Brooks, Sylvia Harris, and Irene Parran; brothers-in-law Alfus F. Parran, Sr., Robert Harris, Sr., L. T. Fields, Herman Chew, Wardell Holland, Sr., Sterling Holland, Sr., Robert Williams, Henry Brooks, Jr., Howard Bernard Brooks, Sr., Elder Brooks; and grandson, John “JJ” Leroy Thomas.
