Mary Elizabeth Henderson Westbrooks, lovingly known as “Punkin,” a longtime resident of the Union Hill community, passed on October 15, 2025, at the age of 76 at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care Inpatient Facility in Huntsville, Alabama after a long battle with COPD. True to her joyful and resilient spirit, she faced every challenge with grace, humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Born on May 3, 1949, in Marshall County, Alabama, Mary was one of seven children to the late John Elbert Henderson and Clara Belle Criscoe Henderson. She shared a devoted marriage of 40 years with Norman Jerry Westbrooks, who preceded her in death on March 20, 2009. Mary dedicated many years of service working in production and assembly at Sanmina-SCI.
Mary’s faith was evident from an early age. Growing up near New Cannan Baptist Church, she was baptized at nine years old. In 2008, the couple started attending church together and became members of Ryan Baptist Church where Jerry was baptized, and Mary remained active.
She never met a stranger and always found time to help others and give back to the community. She volunteered at church and the American Legion, delivered care packages to homeless, took friends and family to appointments, and loved going to watch her son race. Mary was also a passionate fan of Dale Earnhardt. She enjoyed reading and exchanging books with the librarian at Ryan Church. Her creative spirit shone through in her participation with the local crochet group, Stitches in the Stacks at Arab Public Library. Purple was her favorite color. She relished traveling with her sister and seeing the country while taking funny pictures.
She was a dedicated member and actively involved in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #114 in Arab, Alabama. She embodied Americanism and loved Veterans. She was selected as the ALA Department of Alabama 2024 Unit Member of the Year.
In the last year as her heath further declined, she resided with her daughter and granddaughter for care. She began hospice care in July with the assistance and support of friends and family, she was able to spend the remainder of her time there.
The family expresses special thanks to Suzanne DeLacey and Rhonda Rinck-Wertz, of Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care, the staff from the HH Hospice Inpatient Facility, and family friends Toby Campbell, Christina Dittmer, and Jamie Bayne, for their time, love, attention and tender care.
Mary “Punkin” Westbrooks will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to helping others. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone who’s life she touched.
Mary is survived by her son, Byron Westbrooks (Jamie Bayne); daughter, Jenny Fanning; grandchildren, Mehala Worley, Hunter Westbrooks (Sarah), and Chloe Fanning; great grandchildren, Blakely Worley and Landyn Worley; sister, Patricia “Ann” Dunaway; and brother, Thomas Henderson.
Preceding in death include her husband, Jerry Westbrooks; parents, John Elbert and Clara Bell Henderson; sisters, Sherry Roe and Sandra Becker; brothers, Johnny Henderson and Melvin Henderson.
Services will be 1:00pm Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Brindlee Mt. Chapel in Morgan City. Visitation will begin at 11:00am until the funeral service begins at 1:00. Brother Terry Hudson will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Church Cemetery. The American Legion Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers consider donating to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care or to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary of Arab #114. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Directing.
