"I was very saddened to see of Jennifer's passing. I worked with Jennifer in the early 80's at the Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center. During that time we forged a friendship and had many fun times both in and out of work. She was exuberant, feisty, smart and giving. We lost touch after she moved to pursue her education. But I did see her about 8 year ago at a Madison Apartment Association event and it was great to hear about her family and husband. I just wanted to let you know that even though Jennifer and I did not maintain our friendship as much as I would have liked, she was a wonderful person and I too mourn her loss. My Kindest Regards, Mary Vlisides"
In loving memory of
Jennifer Lynn Carroll-Brooks
June 28, 1956 - November 25, 2015
MADISON-Jennifer L. Carroll-Brooks age 59 of Verona, made her journey into Heaven, November 25, 2015 after a remarkable three year display of courage and resiliency fighting triple negative breast cancer.
She was born June 28, 1956 in Madison to Clovis (Johnson) Oliver and Johnny Carroll. She spent a joyful and memorable childhood in the Truax, Darbo and Bayview neighborhoods. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1974 and worked at Central Colony. She later took a position at UW Hospital before joining her Mother in Anniston, AL to attend college.
She returned to her Madison roots in the early 1980's, and married the love of her life, Johnnie Brooks, where they raised their family. She took care of the household and helped manage their rental property. Jennifer found the beauty in life and those she loved. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, decorating and especially discovering a great find at St. Vinney's or Goodwill. But family was treasured most. She loved entertaining with Johnnie and they opened their house to friends and family, with an endless supply of food. She loved children and even shared her home as a foster parent.
Her home was always a place for young people to gather and learn a lesson or two about life. To many of them she was "Big Mama."
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Johnnie Brooks, sons, Jovon, Julian and Jordon (Kayla), brother, Stephen (Susan) Blue, nephews, Seneca (Kim) Blue, Steven (Megan) Blue, great-nephew, Braylen Blue and great-niece, Avery Blue, uncle, Edward Johnson, numerous cousins, great-cousins, life-long friends, and her devoted dogs, Jaheim and Precious, who were always by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clovis (Johnson) Oliver and Johnny Carroll, grandfathers, Richard Johnson and George Huff, grandmother, Nazelgh Huff, aunt and uncle Ruenette and Jim Booker, nephew, Shaun Blue, mother-in-law, Cora Brooks, grandmother-in-law, Carrie Washington, and dogs, Jax and Jada.
Special thanks to all who cared so compassionately and deeply for her during this journey of her life. We know she would especially want to thank Dr. Mark Burkard, who she truly trusted with her life, and to all the medical staff at the UW Carbone Cancer center and Agrace Hospice. Her hope was to offer her cancer experience to provide some information that could possibly assist in a medical breakthrough in the treatment of this type of breast cancer.
As she wished, a private family graveside service will be held, with a celebration of her life party in the near future. Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com.
Memorials can be sent to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, St. Jude's or the Dane County Humane Society.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
- Anonymous
Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406
Tributes
"Stephen, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your sister, Jennifer. I am praying for you and your family that God will continue to help you as you grieve her loss but rejoice in her memory. God bless you! Rev. David Smith and family"
" We are so very sorry for the loss of you loving wife and mother and sister. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers. God bless you all. Patsy Thomas and family, Gretchen Caire and family "
"My most sincere sympathy for your loss from the Elvord family; to the Brooks, Blue family ~ Rick Elvord"
" Bunny Booker I will remember "Penny" as full of energy . A woman who was fully aware of who she was, and devoted to her family. My God bless and keep you.l"
"My deepest sympathy for your loss. Amazing lady! A bright light in a dark room!"