[from the funeral program of] Carrie Bell (Nichols) Brooks was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on December 9, 1913 to the late Edward "Ed" Nichols, Sr. (Memorial #28469875) and Lucy Amelia (Hall) Nichols (memorial #24808519). She was the sixth of fifteen children.

Carrie lived the last measures of life on earth and began her eternal life on October 5, 2006 while a patient at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Despite her extended stays in the hospital, she displayed a kind and pleasant disposition, never once complaining. She exhibited the same strength in dying as she exhibited in life.

Carrie came to Christ at an early age at Mount Canaan Baptist Church where her grandfather Reverend J.W. Hall was a preacher. Later in her adult life she joined Visitation Catholic Church. She was a member of the Sodality and the Jet Setters of Visitation Church. Carrie was always a nurturing and loving person of children. Carrie sowed the seeds of kindness with her family, friends and neighbors. She possessed an unusual magnetic personality and a rare gift of humorous expression,m which made her well loved among those who knew her. her presence brightened each occasion and lightened our hearts.

She had a love for education and reading. She graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1978 at the age of 64 she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Harris Stowe Teachers College and was certified as a teacher in the state of Missouri. She taught in Catholic schools and the St. Louis Public School system. After retirement she volunteered at Sumner High School and consistently worked with children in various settings. She was also a member of the professional business organization of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., Iota Chapter.

Carrie was united in matrimony to Fleming Jackson Brooks (who preceded her in death on May 13, 1980) and they had three children. Carrie was an excellent mother who introduced her children to the finer things of life. She exposed them to the St. Louis cultural events and spiritual life of Jesus Christ. She did the same for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Lena, Calvin, Cleola, Carrol, Charles, John, Edwards, Robert, Rubye, Marnetta, Gladys, Floyd, and Dal Royce.

At the time of her passing she left to cherish, celebrate and continue her legacy: sibling, Lloyd G. Nichols (Marjorie) of Baton Rouge, LA; her two daughters: Dorothy Ballard (James) and Anita Byrd of Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area; and one son: Fleming Brooks (Toni) of Cleveland, OH; Ten (10) grandchildren: Angela Ballard Carr, James Ballard (Shantelle), Janel Diggs (Frederic), Phaedra, Ralph and Courtney Byrd, and Fleming Brooks III of Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area; Shelley Bryant of St. Louis, MO; Ashley Brooks of Cleveland, OH; and Darryl Anderson of Denver, CO; Ten (10) great-grandchildren: Xavier Carr, Victoria, Tasia and Mark Bryant, Brennon, Grant, and Waverly Diggs; Christian, and Saige Ballard; and Victoria Brooks; Two great-great-grandchildren: Cy'Na Bryant and Quincy Ellis; Sisters-in-law: Lois Nichols of Carlisle, Arkansas , and Geraldine Nichols of Virginia Beach, VA and brother-in-law Robert Brooks of Slidell, LA; several nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.