Mary Lee Guerry Brooks

Mary Lee Brooks, 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of the late John Preston Brooks, Sr., went home to be with the Lord March 16, 2025. Her Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday, one hour prior to the service.

Mary Lee was born May 28, 1937 in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Soloman Lee Guerry and Mary Julia Carter Guerry. She graduated from the Roper School of Nursing and practiced as a private duty nurse for many years. She passed her love of nursing on to her granddaughter Kayla. She was an avid gardener and was a member of the Olde Towne Garden Club. Mary Lee enjoyed crocheting, a skill she learned from her mother. A model in her youth, she always kept up with the latest fashion trends. With a love of bright colors and bold jewelry, she could always be counted on to be one of the most stylish at any event. Mary Lee loved music, particularly the piano. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to play the piano she kept in her home. This love of music was passed down to her granddaughter Courtney. Above all else, she loved the Lord. She was a member of Ashley River Baptist church, serving on committees and teaching Sunday school.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Vellenoweth; son, John Brooks, Jr.; sisters, Dorothy Infinger, Betty Lou Gresham; brother, Jack Guerry (Wilma); grandchildren, Kayla Courtenay (Thomas), Courtney Carter (Kevin); great-grandchildren, Hailey Wilson, Madison Courtenay, McKinley Courtenay; partner, Don Helmbold; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her late husband and parents, she was lovingly reunited with her sister, Annette G. MacEwen and her son-in-law Bill Vellenoweth.

The family would like to thank the Roper St. Francis Hospice Care program for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be made to Roper St. Francis Palliative Care, 316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29403.

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