Wanda S. Brooks, 97, of Owensboro, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Wellington Parc. She was born on August 22, 1928 in Reynolds Station to the late Ray and Maggie Wilson Sanders. Wanda attended Western Kentucky College. Her husband of 61 years, Lt. Colonel Willis Paul Brooks, was a military officer and they lived on military bases in Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Puerto Rico and Europe. She managed the household when her husband was away in conflict or training. Behind every successful man is a strong woman, and Wanda fulfilled that roll. Wanda motivated her boys to be good citizens, well-educated and strive to be successful in life and work. She loved to travel, and New York City and Europe were her favorite locations. Wanda maintained high standards for her family and self.
Wanda was a member of Whitesville Baptist Church and participated in many aspects of church life including, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and singing in the choir and as a soloist. In an effort to better serve her community, she was elected to City Council of Whitesville. She was very active supporting her son’s many school activities and was also very loving and supportive with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Colonel Willis Paul Brooks; and siblings, Herman Sanders, Byron Sanders, and Freda White.
She is survived by two sons, Willis Paul Brooks Jr. (Debbie) and Dan H. Brooks (Sandy); grandchildren, Dan Brooks, Leslie Brooks (Tom), Amanda Raman (Merrill), and Laura Brooks; six great-grandchildren, Henry, Lee, Annelisa, Marian, Isabella, and Alistair; siblings, Birda Martin and Mack Sanders; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Whitesville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Cates Cemetery. Visitation is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.