Ann Lillian Brooks

Ann Brooks, 78, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 1, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lillian Ronning and John Victor Mattson, Ann grew into a woman whose heart was full of kindness, laughter, and unwavering faith. Ann was married to the love of her life, Donald Brooks, for 58 wonderful years. They were married on July 16, 1967, after meeting while Ann was attending Christian College in Columbia, Missouri. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, love, and family. A devoted wife, mother, and great Nana, Ann cherished every moment spent with her family. She especially loved family gatherings, where her warmth and joy made everyone feel at home. Her granddaughter Katherine lovingly shared, “Ann Brooks was born to be a grandmother. She spent every day of our lives making sure that we were as happy as can be and left that lasting impact in our lives forever.” Ann’s hobbies and passions brought joy to those around her. She loved crocheting and shopping, and her friends at Belk’s will deeply miss her company and laughter. She was also a devoted animal lover who adored her dogs Millie, Murphy, and Cooper. For 30 years, Ann worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional in DeKalb County, where her compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on the students she served. A faithful member of Canton First Methodist Church, Ann participated in Hands For God, a ministry that creates blankets for children with Down syndrome—a cause close to her heart. Her family describes her as a true Christian, known for her generosity, loving spirit, and infectious laugh. Ann lived her faith daily through her acts of kindness and her deep care for others. Ann is survived by her husband, Donald Brooks, of Canton, Georgia; her sons Thomas Brooks (Kathleen) of Canton, Georgia, and Michael Brooks (Elaine) of Dayton, Ohio; her brother John Victor Mattson, Jr. (Nan) of Sarasota, Florida; eleven grandchildren — Cole (Anna) Brooks, Caroline Brooks, Mary Grace Brooks, Jack Brooks, John Brooks, Matthew Brooks, William Brooks, Joseph Brooks, Anna Brooks, Katherine Brooks, and Patrick Brooks; and her great-granddaughter Ryder Ann Brooks. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Canton First Methodist Church with Dr. Kenny Ott officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation prior to the service from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at Canton First Methodist Church. Interment will take place at Georgia National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta at https://www.dsaatl.org/, in honor of Ann’s loving and giving spirit. Ann Brooks will be remembered for her heart, her laughter, and her faith — a legacy of love that will live on forever in those who knew her.

Tributes

Ann Lillian Brooks

May 1, 1947 - November 5, 2025