Mary Terrell Brooks

Mary Terrell Evans Brooks was born in Pascagoula, MS, on April 13, 1966, to Stanley L. and Mary Bet Evans. She came out kicking and remained a wild child to the end. As a toddler, she literally kicked everyone in sight with her cast after she broke her leg, earning the nickname “Mary Terror.” She ran around barefoot, swam at the Longfellow House pool, crabbed in the bayou, played softball, and hung out with her friends. She attended Jackson County Junior College and was certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Dr. Allgood’s office in Moss Point as well as nursing homes in Pascagoula, Yazoo City and Everett, WA. She served as caregiver for her grandfather in Yazoo City for four years, becoming his best friend while serving as his nurse. She met and dated her husband, Nathan Douglas Brooks, who was active-duty Navy and stationed in Pascagoula briefly. They lived in Everett, WA then moved to Portland, TX, Oahu, HI and finally planted roots in Virginia Beach, VA.

Mary Terrell was a talented artist using found objects to create remarkable sculptures. She turned everyday silverware into items of beauty, and she enjoyed crocheting. She was a “professional” thrift store shopper and loved the thrill of finding unique treasures and vintage clothing. She was known as a snazzy dresser who fashioned and wore her unique outfits to the amazement of her family and friends. She had style! She always pushed the boundaries with her stylish looks, often sporting hair colors of pink, purple, blue or her naturally beautiful white hair that she acquired at an early age.

Mary Terrell loved animals from childhood, constantly begging her parents to buy her a horse. She was an adoring pet mom to many dogs and cats throughout her years. As a child, she even had an imaginary rabbit friend named “Chawala” eventually immortalized in a watercolor tattoo. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess, and she loved a party. Mary Terrell could lay out a spread like no other. She became an expert while hosting parties for her grandfather and his friends in Yazoo City. Their must-haves were toddies, nuts, cheeses, meats and crackers- she made charcuterie boards before they were cool.

Being a mother was the most rewarding role in Mary Terrell’s life. She always put her children first. She turned each family trip into an adventure, complete with her original “snacklebox” full of road snacks. In recent years, Mary Terrell enjoyed boating, fishing, and motorcycle riding with her husband, Doug. She really lived life to the fullest! Her children could fill a book with stories of their adventures, craft time and fun with Mary Terrell.

In September of 2024, she was diagnosed with Stage IV bile duct cancer. She met all the challenges of her chemotherapy and medical treatments with her usual pluck, optimism and energy. She wasn’t going down without a fight! Mary Terrell kept her sense of humor as she rocked a bald head, joked with her family about having “The Big C,” and having to convert her dining room into a makeshift bedroom she called “The Cancer Ward.” Throughout her illness, her main concern was always for her children, husband, and extended family. Despite her own illness, she bravely traveled to Pascagoula from Virginia, a 16-hour trip, to be with her family upon her mother’s recent death showing us all her strength and courage.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Lewis Evans and Mary Elizabeth Campbell Evans, her father-in-law, Charles M. Brooks, and her grandparents.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Nathan Douglas Brooks, her son Jared Brooks (Danielle), daughter Lizzie Winston Brooks, and her stepson William C. Ensign (Ashley). She is also survived by her brother and best friend Stan Evans (Laurie) and sisters Liz Evans, Melissa Davis (Julian) and Catherine Miller. Her mother-in-law, Barbara A. Donnell Brooks, brothers-in-law, Charles D. Brooks and Lance Brooks (Diana). She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held soon with all the fanfare that she both expected and deserved. In lieu of flowers the family desires donations to your local no kill animal shelter and rescue centers or a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation specializing in bile duct cancer innovation and research.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center in Norfolk and Hospice of Light in Pascagoula for their care and support.

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