of Guthrie, OK
July 7, 1926 - February 27, 2024
Alice Bernice Brooks went home to be with her Lord Jesus on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
She was born July 7, 1926, the only child of Elmer and Edith Nelson in Omaha, Nebraska. Alice's Swedish mother raised her as a single parent after Alice's father died from tuberculosis when she was only 4 years old. Alice primarily grew up in Colorado but she spent a short time in Texas as well. One of her most beloved memories was growing up in Lyons, Colorado where she enjoyed hiking in the Colorado foothills and rode horses.
She married Koke Greenlee in June of 1943. Among their adventures was building their own home, owning and operating Koke's Drive-In Cafe in Greeley, Colorado for a few years after the war. Later Koke owned and operated his own trucking and construction businesses. Alice taught herself to drive so she could deliver building supplies to his worksites. The couple had 4 children, Richard, Jack, Jeanie and Robert (Bob). Alice was a full time housewife & mother until Koke's premature death causing her to rejoin the workforce again. She worked 2 jobs at a time in the food service industry for many years to provide for herself and her children who were still at home.
Alice was widowed a second time when her husband, Norman Austin, died of a sudden heart attack only 3 years into their marriage. Norman taught Alice about beekeeping and how to shoot a gun so he could take her with him to the rifle range.
When she was 60 years old she married Gayle Brooks and later they moved to Gassville, Arkansas. Alice and Gayle ministered to multiple Baptist churches in and around Cotter and Mountain Home where he pastored churches until his death in 2022.
She loved her country, her church, her family, her friends, her cat ''Molly'' and especially her Lord. Her faith in God was extremely important to her & she made sure her children valued a personal relationship with the Lord as well.
She is survived by her son, Richard (Leny) Greenlee of North Richland Hills, Texas and her daughter, Jeanie (Ed) Bard of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Her 13 grandchildren: Steven (Debbie) Greenlee, Timothy (Lisa) Greenlee, Mark (Stephanie) Greenlee, Lori (Andy) Randazzo, Troy Greenlee, David (Elizabeth) Bard, Brian (Crystal) Bard, Michael (Beth Ann) Bard, Jason (Hannah) Greenlee, Elizabeth Britton (Jeff Bouffard), Jennifer Greenlee Wheeler (Josh), John Greenlee and Kelly Sumner. She has multiple great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Five stepchildren: Phyllis Monroe, Kathryn (John) Cross, Ramona (Bob) Newman, Connie Bell (Paul), Rodney Brooks and their families. A sister-in-law, Joyce Bennett; a brother-in-law, Jacob (Jack) Stromer; numerous nieces and nephews and many great friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; 3 husbands; 2 sons, Jack and Robert Greenlee; an infant granddaughter, Connie Greenlee; a stepdaughter, Twila Freel and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be at Roller Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM with a Funeral service following at 3:00 PM.
Sorry Jeanie and all of your family. Never met your Mother, but from all of notes she was a beautiful person. My sympathy to all.
So thankful for our grandmother who we referred to as granny. We will truly miss her and are thankful for the time we had with her especially last summer as our kids recall having such a good time with her and Molly. She was gracious, kind, and faithful. Michael, Beth Ann, Levi, Liam, and Michaela.
Aunt Alice I am so happy you became a part of our family!! The joy you brought to uncle Gayle and our families was beautiful. I will always cherish my trips to Arkansas to see you. Rest in peace and have fun playing dominos again with everyone
We will miss you and your wings were ready before we were ready for them. You have went to be with everyone else and you will not be in any more pain. May God be with with you and keep you in our prayers as well as your family
Rip in peace Alice.
I have been doing Alice hair for a short time but she was always smiling and happy and so pleasant to see and be around I am looking forward to seeing her again in heaven Love and prayers for all who loved her
She will always be loved and missed we love y’all. At least she is in a better place and not suffering anymore we wish we could be there for the funeral but there is just no way. We are sorry for your loss and lots of love Sharon, John, Kim, Suzy, and Allen
Aunt Alice was an angel on earth. So happy that we got to know her. She was always so kind and gentle to everyone. Rest In Peace dear Alice. You will be missed but we know you are in heaven.
Sincere condolences to the family, but we have the hope amd promise that we will see Mrs. Alice again in heaven- if we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Praise God!!
Alice Brooks was my grandma I loved her lots. I will remember the summer I spent with her and Grandpa in Elizabeth Co.
Bro. Gayle was my pastor in Cotter during much of my growing up years, and Alice couldn’t have been a better example of a Christian woman and pastor’s wife. She was always as kind as could be, and I never heard an angry word from her. The prayers of all the members of First Baptist Cotter are with her family. I look forward to seeing her again some day!
I had the good fortune of having this wonderful lady move to Arkansas and next door to the business we owned! We became friends quickly ( she was one of the 3 best cooks I have ever known) and was a perfect biblical example of a pastors wife! I will think of her often and remember all the good times, but I know I will see her again one day and my prayers are with you Jeanie, and all the family. Love, Evelyn
Alice was my grandma to she was married to my grandpa Gayle since I was a little girl.She will always be special to me and be in my heart always.Rest in Paradise love you grandma Alice
Mrs. Alice was a beautiful soul. So caring and giving of herself. She was an amazing Christian woman. If she loved you you was hers. She loved me and my family from the beginning. I have such beautiful memories of her and Pastor Brooks. They are family. I pray God's peace during this time. We have the assurance that she is with the Lord. We will miss her beautiful smile, laugh and caring life. Till we meet again Mrs. Alice, I love you. Thank you for sharing God's Love
Alice was like a second Mom to many of the neighborhood children with her door always open. Deepest sympathy to Jeanie, Rich, and all of the family.
Alice was a wonderful person. She was my Mother-in-law and my son, Troy's grandmother. After my husband, Jack, Alice's son's premature death we remained family. She will be missed by family and friends. God speed Alice!
God bless you all as you grieve your mother's death. Oh but what a wonderful bunch of memories.
It was so lovely meeting Alice on your last trip to Iowa.
My prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss! Praying for you all.
I just wanted to share a couple memories I have. I never referred to Alice by her name but she was and always will be Grandma. I remember the first time I met her, Bob, Grandma and I were sitting at her dinning room table. She asked Bob what we did that day and he said "Oh we got married". The look of shock on her face is something I'll never forget. I remember how I hated potato salad until I tried hers. She made the best potato salad I have ever had. She will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
Prayers for all of you. You are in our prayers
Alice was a lovely lady. She is with her Lord now. Thank you Jesus
Sending the family thoughts and prayers.
You will be missed by all
Just like I told Dad your wings were ready but my heart wasn't
RIP Alice
Grandma Alice was truly a remarkable woman. I know she is dancing in heaven now with Jesus as she waits for the rest of us.
I will dearly miss our beloved Alice but am joyful that she now leaps and rejoices with Jesus Christ. My prayers are with the family. Love to all.
Alice was such a sweet woman and friend and she will be missed. Jeanie and Richard. I am praying for all of your families for the Lord's comfort and peace. The Parks siblings are praying for you too.