Jane Hadley Brooks

The following obituary is being shared as courtesy to the local family and friends of Ms. Jane Hadley Brooks. On behalf of the MRC Funeral Home family, we extend our condolences and prayers to the family. For online directions or contributions, please visit,  https://www.msfh.net/.

Sylvia Jane Hadley was born May 4, 1939 in the town of Monroe, NC. Her parents were Hunter Benjamin Hadley and Jewell Kelly Hadley. She was graced with an older brother Hunter, Jr. that would be her lifelong friend and adviser. Jane grew up in Monroe and had many interests and hobbies. She followed her brother’s football career at Duke and started playing basketball herself. This is where she met Jay Louis Brooks. A few years later they married on April 13, 1956. Jane chose to finish her high school years at Wingate College where she graduated.

In November of that year, she had her first son Jay Jr. That is when she found her true calling for life.  Being a mom was her strongest suit. She had several jobs thru her adult life and was successful in all. She was Asst. Manager of Monroe Country Club, a highly decorated salesperson for Shenandoah Life, a long term school substitute, partnered with her husband to run a huge turkey farm, and then later her passion of decorating led her to be an antique dealer and run her brother’s shop in Swansboro. In every job she did her best.

But every job was secondary to being a Mom. Jay Jr., the oldest was heavily involved in 4-H. Jane ran him all over the country for his various projects and speeches that took him to Kansas and Chicago. She never missed a deadline and coached Jay to first place awards everywhere.

John Ashley was second to be born. His extroverted life led her to support his playing ball of every season. She never missed a game. 8 years of football, 10 yrs of basketball, and 10 yrs of baseball. His passion and love for UNC led Mom to become a die-hard Tar Heel herself. After Ashley enrolled to UNC, Mom rarely missed watching a game on TV or in person when able.

Jason was the third and last child. Jason was both an athlete and a member of a rock and roll band. Mom would never miss one of Jasons games and when football season was over, she allowed Jason’s band to practice in our house. She and Dad were patient with the boys, the noise, the drama, and always smiled.

The Brooks home was always a haven for our friends. They were all welcomed. The doors were never locked. Missy, Shelton, Greg J, Greg D, Tommy, Mike, Bam, Joel, Randall, Stan, Jay Ross, were ever present. It was home to us all.

Jane Brooks was a friend, a sister, a daughter, a niece, an aunt, a co-worker, wife and a Mom. She was good at all, great at two. She loved her husband Jay Brooks and they were married for 67 years. They lived in Monroe, NC, Pageland SC, Swansboro NC and Myrtle Beach SC. Every where she lived she made their house a beautiful home. Mom and Dad called each other Bud. I guess short for buddies, and they were that for all these years. If its possible, she was an even better Mom. She sacrificed so much for her boys. We came first. We were spoiled by her love, commitment, and unparalleled support. There has never been a better one.

Jane is survived by three sons, Jay Louis Brooks, Jr. (Cheryl), John Ashley Brooks, and Jason Hadley Brooks (Lisa). Her brother Hunter B. Hadley, Jr. Five grandchildren, Justin, Jinna, Jessica, Jack and David. Two great grandchildren, Mason and Madison. Her two fur babies Sally and Blue. Jane lived 84 years on this rock. Most as a brilliant, smart, witty, sarcastic, classy lady. Dementia came in and stole some of that at the end. It is a cruel disease as it steals from everyone. It is hard on all. Her prayer would be to have compassion for the people both inflicted and effected. Special thanks to Nancy, Wendy, Jean, and Chris who helped tremendously with care after Jay’s passing. You all made her say a little brighter.

As per her wishes, we will have a service for both Mom and Dad together later this year. After 67 years of marriage, we thought it only fitting.