Mary Alice Brooks

Mary Alice Palmer Brooks, daughter of the late Leroy Palmer and the late Willie Etheridge Palmer, was born in Radford, Virginia, on August 13, 1931.  She was raised in Darlington County, South Carolina, and departed this life on February 4, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Kent Early Brooks; her parents; her sisters, Lois Howard and Jean Williams; and her brothers, Roy Lester Palmer and Allen Martin Palmer. 

Mary Alice was a true scholar and educator.  She was educated in Darlington County Public Schools, in Hartsville, South Carolina, where she attended Butler Elementary and Butler High School.  She graduated from Butler High in 1947 and went on to attend Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. She majored in Home Economics and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree on May 29, 1952.  In 1973, she received her Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Saint John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She continued her education at Howard University in Washington, DC, where she sought a Ph.D.  She also took several courses at the University of South Carolina and courses in Supervision at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

Upon graduation from Allen University, Mary Alice obtained her first teaching position in Berkeley County, South Carolina, where she taught at Cainhoy Elementary/High School for eight years.  In 1969, she moved to Washington, DC and continued her career with the District of Columbia Board of Education. She taught at Douglass Junior High School, Ballou Senior High, and Johnson Junior High Schools. She retired in 1992.  Professionally, she was a member of Future Homemakers of America and the American Home Economics Association.

Mary Alice was passionate about cooking and especially enjoyed ministering to young couples by baking and decorating their wedding cakes.  Mary Alice was an active member of her community, regularly attending church service, participating in local civic associations, and parent-teacher associations.  She was a member of the L&M Club and the Golden Girls Social Club, where she continued her mission of supporting educational programs in the Washington metropolitan area. 

Mary Alice moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2005. Since moving to South Carolina, she joined Mt. Olive AME Church and became an active member. She served as a Steward and Greeter. She sang in the choir and was the mother for the Voices of Praise Choir. She served on the Finance Committee and was the Chairperson for developing the Church Directory. She taught Sunday School and mentored new members. Mary Alice loved South Carolina and enjoyed the beaches, camping, traveling, and good weather until her passing. 

Mother Mary’s precious memories will be cherished by:  nieces, Articlese Felder (Romeo), Rose Marie Palmer, Carol Palmer,  Deborah Carol Jean (Roberson), Lisa Lanoria Williams Napper and Patricia Williams; nephews, Leon Howard, Roy Lester Palmer and Harold Williams; her two cousins (who were like sisters) Dorothy McClain Thomas and Cleopatra Smallwood and a host of friends, relatives, and Godchildren. 

She leaves her devoted and faithful cousin, Roxcella Brown, who provided love, encouragement, and healthcare services during her long-term medical journey.

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