Juanita Sue Brooks, 86, of Carbondale, Illinois, formerly of Robinson and Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Manor Court of Carbondale, with her daughters by her side on June 14, 2026. She was born on May 29, 1940, in Robinson, Illinois. She was the daughter of Harlan and Mabel (Washburn) Wheeler.

On August 24, 1958, Juanita married the love of her life, Lester Brooks. Together they shared more than fifty wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with love, faith, and cherished memories while raising their three children.

Juanita found joy in life's simple pleasures. She and Lester loved RV camping and attending Southern Gospel sings and concerts together. She was especially proud of her large vegetable garden. She worked hard, tending her large vegetable garden and so did the rest of her family. Everyone had a role to play, from picking up rocks and pulling weeds to preparing and canning the harvest for winter.

An accomplished bowler, Juanita was a member of the Channel Chargers bowling team and was known for her impressive skill on the lanes, including achieving a remarkable 700 series. Her team earned a trip to the WIBC Bicentennial Tournament in Denver, Colorado, in 1976, an experience she proudly shared with her family.

Above all else, Juanita's faith and family were the center of her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newton, Illinois and she lived her life guided by her Christian faith, always offering love and support to those around her. Her gentle spirit and kind heart touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Cyndi (Sandy) Cornett of Harrisburg, Arkansas, and Valerie Brooks (Jeff) Wallin of Cobden, Illinois; her daughter-in-law, Darla (living spouse of Tim) Boehl of Willow Hill, Illinois; her sister, Norma Jean Alexander of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her sister-in-law, Donna Gentry of Neoga, Illinois; her grandchildren, Brindy (Casey) Rogers of New Berlin, Illinois, Sarah (Michael) Cutler of Evansville, Indiana, Amanda (Kodi) Griffin of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jacob (Hannah) Brooks of Sullivan, Indiana, Matthew Brooks of Willow Hill, Illinois, and Rachel Northrop of Altamont, Illinois; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Cecelia Rogers, Keegan, and Scotlynn Cutler, Klark and Kalum Griffin, Owen Brooks, and Javian Schlanser.

Juanita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester Brooks; her son, Tim Brooks; her parents, Harlan and Mabel Wheeler; her parents-in-law, Ky and Cleone Brooks; her brothers-in-law, Harold Alexander, Leroy Brooks, and Bob Gentry; and her sister-in-law, Loretta Brooks.

Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind.

Ministry of Comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.