Habersham County Commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing the life of Ruth Brooks during their regular meeting this week. Brooks, age 78, passed away on June 3 her home at Lake Burton.
Brooks is described as a “devout Republican” and was, for the past several years, a force in Georgia politics. She hosted numerous candidate events at Brooks’ Lil General Store on the Rabun/Habersham line. She also owned and operated a campground, farm and restaurant there for decades.
Habersham County Commission Chairman Andrea Harper read out the proclamation (full text below) at their regular meeting on Monday, “I was so glad that we were able to honor her with a proclamation,” she says.
The Chairman got a little choked up during her presentation to Brooks family, “She was very dear to me,” Harper explained, “It’s unfortunate, however, that we didn’t do it (the proclamation) while she was still alive. This should teach us a lesson that we should appreciate people while they’re still here.”
The top elected officials in the state did honor Brooks last summer during a “customer appreciation day” at the store. She was named Outstanding Georgia Citizen with Governor Nathan Deal, Congressman Dough Collins and Senator David Perdue in attendance. Habersham County State Senator John Wilkinson and State Representative Terry Rogers were also on hand for the August 2014 event.
Habersham County Board of Commissioners
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF CLARA RUTH ANN BROOKS
WHEREAS, Clara Ruth Brown Brooks was born on January 29, 1937, in Macon County, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Brooks is survived by her loving husband Bobby Gene Brooks; two sons Aubrey and Gil Brooks; one daughter, Vickie Brown; one sister, Jewel Cooper; three grandchildren, Kristi Sunshine Sneddon, Kayla Brooks, and Kristi Arnot; three great grandchildren, Eleanor Sneddon, and Kaylie and Christopher Arnot; and
WHEREAS, she was the owner of Brooks’ Lil General Store, Brooks’ Campground, Brooks’ Farm, and Brooks’ Restaurant; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Brooks enjoyed each and every person who came to her store, the friendships she made, and was a joy to all who knew her; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Ann was a devout Republican as well as a strong leader who led by example. She attended Rocky Grove Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother and grand-mother; and
WHEREAS, Clara Ruth Brown Brooks passed away on June 3, 2015. Although she is gone, she will be remembered by all in this community; now
THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Habersham County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and appreciates the life of Clara Ruth Brown Brooks and the many memories she has left behind.
