Sherry Gentle Brooks, 64, passed away December 30th, 2018 in Arlington, VA after a brief illness. She was born in Scottsboro, AL on December 8th, 1954. After graduating from Scottsboro High School, she attended the University of North Alabama, Auburn University, and finished her degree in chemistry and biology at Athens State University.
Sherry began her career teaching high school in Georgia. She then spent the majority of her career in the aviation field, working in environmental and safety positions at Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines, World Airways and ExpressJet Airlines. At the time of her passing, she was working as Vice President of IOSA Audit and Training Programs at Morten, Beyer and Agnew in Arlington, VA. Sherry was incredibly talented and passionate about her career, and had many dear friends and colleagues that she met along the way.
Sherry was a world traveler with a deep appreciation for cultures different than her own; she was able to travel to many different countries for both work and pleasure, and always enjoyed partaking in their traditions. Sherry loved art, and was an artist herself; her beautiful paintings can be found in many family members’ homes. She was an animal lover, and always had a furry friend in her home. Sherry was a mentor; she offered priceless advice and guidance both personally and professionally to many people in her life. Sherry’s Methodist faith was very important to her and close to her heart; she lived out her faith through the love and kindness she extended to all she met.
Sherry was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She spent as much time as possible visiting with all of her family for holidays or beach trips, and sharing stories and laughs with them. Sherry adored her children, and spent many hours volunteering as a Den Mother with Boy Scouts and attending “The Nutcracker” and other dance performances. She was very proud of her children, and loved supporting and sharing in their many passions and hobbies. She was a doting grandmother who treasured time with her grandchildren; Sherry was always sharing photos and accomplishments of all her “grands.” She was a loving wife to her husband, Rob, her high school sweetheart with whom she reconnected later in life; they shared 15 happy years together.
Sherry was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Hall Gentle. She is survived by her father, Dean Gentle; husband, Rob Brooks; children, Eric Yeager (Erin) and Megan Yeager, and their father, Phillip Yeager; step-children Erik Brooks (Kayla) and Misty Stines (DJ); brother, Mike Gentle (Paula); sister, Marianne Gentle Marsh (Fred); grandchildren, Rudyard Yeager, Rio Yeager, Kayla Dixon, Alicia Morgan, Maitlyn Morgan, Sherry B. Stines, AJ Stines, Kenley Brooks, Jase Brooks, and Rylee Brooks; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Saturday, January 5th at 11am. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 1pm.
Sherry was passionate about many causes, including the safety and care of all people and animals, and land and water preservation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charitable cause in her memory.
