Joan B. Brooks

Joan Betty Brooks (Thibaut), age 87, of Fenton formerly of Swartz Creek, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. A Visitation will be held 4pm-6pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Sharp Funeral Home - Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road in Swartz Creek. Visitation will resume at 10am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11am on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Sharp Funeral Home - Miller Road Chapel. Joan will be laid to rest at Crestwood Cemetery in Grand Blanc. Online condolences can be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. 

Joan was born on October 16, 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Joan was just short of receiving her high school diploma when she married Robert. Joan married Robert L. Brooks in 1955 and they took up residence in Swartz Creek. They were married for 68 years. She went back to school at Swartz Creek Adult Education and received her diploma in 1979.  Also, in 1979 she became an active member of the First Baptist Church of Swartz Creek. She stayed an active member until her health started declining in 2017.

Joan is survived by her two children, Debra L. Brooks and Cynthia L. (Leon Jones) Brooks - Jones. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Kristina L.  Mason and April M. (Mason)  Ricker and six great grandchildren; Christian, Ava & Madilynn Alcorn, Jacob A. Mason, Tyler Conley and Joseph Allen Brooks. Joan is further survived by her brother, Ronald (Dorothy) Thibaut; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Thibaut & Arba Mini (LaFond) Thibaut; her husband, Robert Lynn Brooks; her son, Robert Joe Brooks, and her sister, Mary Lou (James) Winans. 

Joan loved her family and friends and was always helping others whenever she was able.  She adored animals, especially cats and kittens. She cared for many strays over the years in addition to having many cats of her own. She spent time watching and feeding the birds in her later years. 

Joan was a contributor and loved Youth Haven Ranch in Rives Junction, Michigan and listening to family Life Radio. She also would contribute to animal rescues such as the Humane Society, PAWS, Tenth Life and Adopt a Pet.

Joan loved baking and making baked goods for the neighbors, church, and the neighborhood children. Another passion for Joan was writing poetry. She wrote hundreds of beautiful poems which her daughter, Debra made into a book for her family members. Joan always gave God the glory and stated her poems were written by her but inspired by God.

Joan made many friends in her lifetime and touched many hearts. In lieu of flowers, we ask to instead donate to one of her favorite causes such as: Youth Haven Ranch Rives Junction, Adopt A Pet, Tenth Life or P.A.W.S.

Give a pet a home. Pay a kindness forward. Forgive someone. Tell Someone you love them. Never miss the opportunity to show kindness. Love one another. 

Joan will be greatly missed!