Deb Brooks, 64, of Carmel, Indiana, died peacefully on June 4, 2018. She was born in Richmond, IN on April 27, 1954 to Louise and Bill Willson. She was one of three girls and had the childhood nicknames of “Doodle Bug” and “Timmy” (she requested being called “Timmy,” after the character on the TV show, Lassie).
To say that Deb was a “character” is quite an understatement. There is a photo of young Deb during the “Timmy” period, wearing a dress, and sporting a big black eye from an unfortunate encounter with a baseball. She stands before a small tree that her father had—literally—just planted; to his dismay, Deb split it perfectly down the middle with her bow and arrow.
When she was nine, her family moved to Toronto, Canada. They lived there for four years, long enough for Deb to catch a Beatles concert with her sister, Nancy, before moving to Indianapolis when Deb was 13.
Deb loved adventure and travel. She would not say “no” to a trip to Florida, Colorado, or Michigan, as she would rarely say “no” to anything fun. As a young girl, Deb was actively involved in her youth group at Northminster Presbyterian Church, touring Europe with the group during her high school years. She graduated from North Central High School (class of 1972) where she excelled in academics and was listed in the National Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She graduated from Indiana University (1976) with a degree in Elementary Education. She loved her sisters of IU’s Delta Gamma sorority and traveled with friends to watch IU’s unbeaten basketball team win the 1976 NCAA Tournament. Deb received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1981 from Butler University.
In the fall of 1976 she began a 37-year teaching career in the Zionsville School System that impacted the lives of hundreds of students. She taught 5th grade at Union Elementary School 1976-1996, 3rd grade at Pleasant View Elementary School 1996-2001, and 3rd grade at Eagle Elementary 2001-2013. She retired in 2013.
In 1980 she met her loving husband Duane, marrying on January 28, 1984. She loved being a mother, more than anything, to her quadruplet children Nick (Jayne) Brooks, Tyler Brooks, Lauren (Mike Edmonds) Brooks, and Kate Brooks, and her stepchildren Angie Brooks, Jill (Matt Fechtman) Brooks, and Jason (Beth) Brooks. She loved spending time with grandchildren Sam, Liam, Finn, and Eva; her mother Louise Willson; her sisters Nancy (Steve) Kellam and Libby (Randy) Robertson and her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and innumerable, precious friends. Deb is preceded in death by her father, William (Bill) Willson.
Deb and Duane were actively involved at Grace Church in Noblesville, IN, helping with the food pantry, running Bible studies, holding babies during worship: whatever was needed. Deb walked in the light of Jesus and always put others before herself. Her ability to multi-task was uncanny. She could call, text, answer another phone, answer the door, order something online, plan a vacation, and remind her husband to call his children simultaneously. She was profoundly happy, always organized, and never once forgot to send a thank you note. Deb managed a full-time career and a family of seven children with ease. She was always ready to help others in need, whether the tiniest or greatest problem presented itself. She made countless meals for others, having her husband deliver them, because she didn’t want the attention on her.
Deb was a bright light in anyone’s day, and you could not beat her in the game Catch Phrase. Warm, witty, loyal, and intelligent, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on March 5, 2018. She handled the disease with grace and courage. Deb received hundreds of letters from family, friends, and previous students during her battle with cancer. Not just a good mom: the best mom. Not just a kind person: the kindest. Not just a role model: the most significant. Not just a follower of Christ: a soldier.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 9th at Grace Church, 5504 E. 146th Street, Noblesville, IN 46062. Friends may come and share stories and memories with her family on Friday, June 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Cerebral Palsy Foundation, or any charity in need.
Cindy Powers says
Dear Libby
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet sister. I too lost my sister in March and it is so very tough. My thoughts are with you and your lovely family. Prayers!
John Colvin says
Deb was the type of person who made everyone feel special. Prayers to her family and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.
Elaine Smith says
From the minute I started taking of thier precious Kate they have made SO WELCOME into there home and part of there family!! They have raised AMAZING CHILDREN they have the Heart of Jesus just as there parents!!Deb was always like a second mom and will remember her that way!!! Heaven just R ecieved a VERY SPECIAL ANGEL FOREVER!!!
Kelly Meyer says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I never had the chance to meet Deb, I heard about her all the time from her dear sister, and close friend of mine, Nancy. I know that she was very blessed to have you all in her life and you were blessed to have her. Prayers are being sent to you and your family. Sincerely, Kelly Meyer
Christy says
Sending our love as you honor her memory.
Aunt Christy and Uncle Jay
Geri Neita says
I had the honor and pleasure of working as an aid in Deb’s 3rd grade classroom for 2 years. She is the most wonderful soul, and holds a very special place in my heart. Miss you, Deb.
Debra Metzinger says
Lauren, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Having lost my mom suddenly in March, I know how awful these next few weeks will be. I never met her, but if you are an example of her kindness and brightness, then I know she was a fabulous lady. I’m sending you all of my love and support. Kisses, Debra Metzinger
Susie Dent Aaron says
To all the Willson and Brooks families —- to have known such a wonderful woman and friend for a lifetime has been an honor and always a fun time when we were together. The love that exuded from Deb at every moment when you were around her has been a treasure that I will never forget. One of our 1:00 AM Scrabble nights will always be a memory and, Deb, please don’t forget to “redeem your tidy gall” as you join your heavenly hosts. We will all miss you and your beautiful smile every day, my friend.
Alice says
I am sadden to hear about your loss. I hope that you draw closer as a family and that you draw closer to our Heavenly Father. He promises to help relieve your pain with the future promises to reunite us with those whom we have lost(Revelation 21:3,4 and John 5:28,29).
Donna Gray says
I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was a bright spot every-time she brought Kate into Easterseals. I pray for the whole family to find comfort in each other. God Bless.
Donna Gray
Gina Borneman says
A week or so ago I shared a story with some friends.
I share it often, actually, when I need an illustration of the weight of our words or the way we speak them. But I most recently shared it as an example of the impact of a life changing teacher.
My niece Lily is now an adult. She has ADHD, and school presented a great many challenges.
Teachers are not always patient with hyperactive children. Even wonderful teachers can become exasperated at times, and children pick up on that.
Many years ago, I was talking with Lily, about school and how third grade was going. She talked at length about her teacher, and how much she loved her. I asked, “What’s the very best thing about her?”
Lily didn’t even hesitate. “When she opens her mouth to speak,” she said softly, “you know it will never be bad news.”
That statement has haunted me for over a decade. Could people say that about ME?
What changes do I need to allow God to work in my heart, so that simple sentence could be one that defines me as well?
This morning I received a message from Lily’s heartbroken mom. It contained a link to an obituary.
I met Mrs. Brooks perhaps twice, briefly, when she was Lily’s teacher. The impact she had on that little girl’s life is immeasurable.
Lily being placed in her class was an answer to prayer.
What a testimony to a life well lived, that more than a decade after my niece was in her class, I am still using Lily’s description of Mrs. Brooks as an illustration of the best kind of teacher.
I am grateful that she touched Lily’s life, and, in so doing, touched mine.
How many other lives have been impacted by her good, good heart?
Thank you, Mrs. Brooks. Thank you.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Teran Armstrong, Ph.D. says
Dear Deb,
Yes, I’m writing my letter to you because I know how you operate. You’re already reading these messages and humbled by the words of love, the memories of kindness, the grace you extended to everybody, even people who didn’t have the character to extend that same courtesy from you. When you decided to teach you answered you true calling. As assistant superintendant of ZCS I loved walking by your classroom and peeking in the window. I always saw joy. But how do you see an emotion? I saw happiness in the kids’ faces. I saw engaged learners. I saw a teacher on her knees at the child’s level listening to what the child was telling you and you watching with rapt attention as if the child was telling you the secrets of the universe. Teaching wasn’t a job to you, it was who you were. I didn’t know your children but I’m sure you used teachable moments to make them the strong people they are today. You have shaped eternity. Teran Armstrong
Nancy Evans says
So sad to hear about Deb’s passing. She was Miss Wilson when she taught my 5th grade class at Union Elementary School. She was a sweetheart of a teacher…loved by all her students. My prayers are with her family.
Dr. Ralph Walls says
Dwain, Vance Havner said something when his wife died that I will never forget. “WHEN YOU KNOW WHERE SOMETHING IS YOU HAVE NOT LOST IT” Blessings and condolences my friend. Dr. Ralph Walls
Eileen Urbanski - Art Teacher says
I am heartsick from this news Deb was such an amazing teacher, colleague, role model, she was always smiling and a comforting influence in my days teaching at Eagle Elementary and I am forever blessed 🙏🏻 To have been lucky enough to have known her! R.I.P. dear friend
Stuart and Leslie Sherman says
Our family was forever loved by sweet Mrs Brooks. We thank God he blessed you with a loving, caring servant heart.
Risa Petty (Padgett) says
Mrs. Brooks was an amazing teacher. You instantly felt loved and comfortable in her room. She often spoke of her children and how much she loved being a mother. I will always appreciate her passion for teaching and her positive spirit.
Jill Warfield Hunt says
I just found out about Debbie’s passing and although we haven’t seen each other for quite a few years, I still have wonderful memories of church high school fellowship and the many retreats and trips we took. I remember when she was the ‘new’ kid from Canada at Eastwood Jr. High and made the mistake of wearing white socks with loafers! She caught on quickly! I send her sisters, Mom Louise, Duane, and their children and all the family peaceful thoughts and prayers. So great to have known you, ‘Willson’!
Nancy Beal Rodewald says
Nancy Beal Rodewald
June 20, 2018.
Just like Jill, I haven’t seen Deb in awhile, but have so many wonderful memories during Jr and High School. Especially our activities in the youth program at North Minister Presbyterian Church.. Debbie was one of the nicest person I have ever met. Rest easy.
Linda Wray says
My heart goes out to Deb’s family and friend. Even though I did not meet Deb until High School, i will always remember her smiling face and her warm Hellos. She always appeared to be happy. Which is a great memory.
I know what she went through, I was with my sister until the very end as she too tried to beat Pancreatic Cancer. We had did have my sister a full year after her diagnosis.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family now and always.
Cynthia, John, Ryan & Jason Carr says
Our heartfelt condolences to your family as you grieve. We are blessed to have had Deb Brooks as our boys’ Eagle Elementary teacher, and we mourn her loss with you. What a talented and encouraging teacher, who inspired our children with her patience, love and kindness!
Kathy bewsey says
Dear Duane and family ,
I am so so sorry to hear that Debbie has passed and I’m also sorry that I am just now finding out.
Duane …. you and Deb were so so special.
Much liove to you and family,
Birdie
(Kathy Burden Bewsey)
Kathy bewsey says
Dear Duane and family ,
I am so so sorry to hear that Debbie has passed and I’m also sorry that I am just now finding out.
Duane …. you and Deb were so so special.
Much liove to you and family,
Birdie
(Kathy Burden)