Mary Alice Cunningham Brooks, 86, passed peacefully Sunday, July 30, 2023, at her third-generation historic family home.

Born on Feb. 27, 1937, Mary Alice was a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late Charlie W. and Mary Elise Rives Cunningham. She attended Middle Tennessee State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree.

Mary Alice is survived by her daughter, Susan Brooks Ramsey of Estero, Florida; her grandson, E.J. Brooks of Ft. Myers, Florida; one brother, Charles L. Cunningham and wife Judy of Fayetteville, Tennessee; sisters-in-law Carolyn Brooks of Fayetteville and Joy Parker of Huntsville, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Elgan E. Brooks and her son, Elgan (Ellison) Brooks Jr. of Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Mary Alice worked in the family-owned Rexall Drug store as a buyer alongside her husband. Her true passion was for the historical preservation of her hometown area and surrounding old town neighborhoods. She volunteered as a docent at the Welcome Center and Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum where she was instrumental in documenting and displaying items during the initial opening of the museum in the 1980s. She was also a 50-year member and officer of the King’s Mountain Messenger Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Other memberships included The Mother Club, The Garden Club, The Junior Round Dozen Club, The Bridge Club, “The Merry Widow’s Club” and a member of the of the local United Methodist Church.

Mary Alice always provided support and love for her family, friends and neighbors and will be missed dearly by all.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tommy Graham and Maj. Gen. Winston Phil Brooks officiating

Memorials may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P O Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334, where all the donations stay locally to support the hometown that she so loved.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Alice Brooks.