Johnnie Mae Simpson-Brooks

Johnnie Mae (Simpson) Brooks, 73, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, January 19, 2023. at her residence. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Friend to many during her incredible 73 years of life. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden death of such a Beautiful Soul.

She was born March 13, 1949, in South Bend, IN., a daughter of the late John W. and Bertha Mae (Clowers) Simpson. Johnnie Mae was married 33 years to Clifford Brooks.

Johnnie Mae attended South Bend Central High School and went on to work as a Lunchroom Attendant for South Bend Community School Corporation, furthering her career and going on to be a Child Care Assistant for Flowers Day Care Center. Where she brought smiles to the children's faces, and those who grown to know her affectionately call her "Granny."

In the years after becoming Retired, she loved to decorate often changing the furniture and decor every few months, she had the interior designer's touch. No one was a Stranger to Johnnie Mae; she always saw the good in people. She was a very loving, caring and a phenomenal woman.

It was not unusual to see Johnnie Mae, in the kitchen around the Holidays making multiple pans of her famous peach cobbler. She also faithfully participated in numerous activities at Pentecostal Cathedral "C.O.G.I.C" where she served as an Usher for many years.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her parents John W. and Bertha Mae Simpson, sister Gloria Swoaks, nephew Daniel Swoaks and a brother Jerl Jerome Simpson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Clifford Brooks, three children Marvin (Dorothy) Gandy, Kahlil (Amanda) Easton and Krystle Brooks, two sisters Gwen Esters and Barbara (Peter) Allen, a host of grandchildren, "Lil" Kahlil Easton, Amber Easton, Alicia Easton, Kortez Easton, Sheleah Easton, Darian Parrish, Makayla Parrish, Martel Thomas, Atlantis Lee-Gandy, Markayla Jones, Michael Love III, Heaven Stuckey, Maniyah Meyers, Andrew Meyers, Armoni Meyers, Nieces and Nephews Hope Allen and Quincy Simpson, Jerl Jerome Fox, Debra Swoaks, Katherine Swoaks, Charlotte Swoaks and Cynthia Swoaks.

Johnnie Mae had 30 Great-Grandchildren who she loved very much, and they love her deeply.

The family expresses appreciation to the members of Pentecostal Cathedral C.O.G.I.C, Alford's Mortuary, Special friend Gregory Hamilton and homecare givers Essie Jackson including Johnnie Mae's great grandson Jourdan Easton, her best friend Donna Mae Newbill-Hosea and the many friends who Johnnie Mae has made and met over the years.

Services for Mrs. Brooks will be held on Friday January 27, 2023; 1 P.M at Pentecostal Cathedral Church Of God In Christ, 1025 Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601. Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr. will bring the word. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been lovingly entrusted with Alford's Mortuary Inc. 

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