Iphagenia Brooks

The Star by star declines to all are passed away as morning high and higher shines to purge and perfect day.

"Death is my commencement service"

Iphagenia Henning Brooks was called to her rest on October 12, 2024. Iphagenia was born to the late Gussie Carlos Henning and Oburla Leon Williamson Henning. September 18th, 1938, in Madison County Denmark, Tennessee. The eldest of six precious and beautiful children, known as "Jean" and "Brooksie." 

Iphagenia professed at an early age a life in Christ and became a member of the Denmark CME church. She was an active member serving as the church pianist. Her rich Family Heritage influenced her Christian Walk.

Iphagenia attended the Madison County Tennessee schools. A bright and affable student she was a member of the debate team, drama club, 4-H club, glee club and an Honor Graduate of West High School and a product of Lane College, Jackson Tennessee. She was taught the value of having a strong work ethic by her parents. This was evident due to the history of successful family farmers and educators and men who served this country during conflict. 

Iphagenia married Mr. Harold Everett Brooks and to this union three beautiful children were born. Harold Everett Brooks Jr, Lance Myron Brooks, and Carla Janine Brooks Stewart. The work ethic that she learned from her parents was passed on to her children and she also exposed to her children Christian and secular education. Her children were loved and encouraged to aim high!

Iphagenia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She knew the value of home, school, and community. She loved her husband, always referring to him as the "Rolls Royce of husbands." she loved the wonderful locations that her Navy career Harold was relocated to. On his last relocation in the Navy, they moved to San Diego California.

Following the Baptist Church Covenant they united with Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego California under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr Timothy James Winters. There she served in the Deacon wives Ministry, Church School teacher, and the church choir. Upon husband Harold's Naval retirement, the family moved to the city of Oxnard, County of Ventura in California.

Continuing to follow the Baptist Church doctorate day United with the Saint Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard California. Under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr H.N. Edwards and later the Reverend Dr. Broderick A. Huggins. Iphagenia served in the Deacon wives ministry, new members Ministry which she and Harold reorganized and directed, bereavement Ministry director of Vacation Bible School a Dorcas Circle member, the adult church choir. Iphagenia loved Christian education and specialized in teaching the Plan of Salvation and love of God.

Iphagenia also served her community and schools. She excelled and specialized in attending the Oxnard Union High School District board meetings and was an advocate in making sure students of color were treated fair. It was her efforts that helped with the removal of a high school principal that demonstrated unfair treatment to students of color.

In 2003, Iphagenia and Harold moved to the city of Visalia, Tulare County, California. She and Harold United with the Visalia Nazarene Church under the pastorate of Reverend Sean Siegfried. She loved God, family and community. Besides her ultimate love for her husband Harold, she enjoyed being a mother who supporting her babies in every capacity and the blessing of having precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Iphagenia was preceded in death by her daughter Carla J. Brooks Stewart, husband, Harold E. Brooks Sr; parents Carlos and Oburla Henning; brother Malcolm Henning, sister Anne E. Henning Rowan.

Iphagenia leaves to cherish her vivid memory, awesome Sons, Harold E. Jr (Yvette) Brooks of Sacramento, CA, Lance M (Rosellen) Brooks of Jackson, TN; grandchildren, Erikk K. Brooks of Visalia, CA, Ra'Shauwn C. Brooks(Mika) of Sacramento, CA, Alexandria J Stewart of Grand Blanc, MI, Mikayla A. Stewart Green of Grand Junction City, KS, Karissa D. Stewart of Charlotte, NC, Monique (Jack) Reynolds of Ventura, CA and Ny’Kish Pitts, of Sacramento, CA; great-grandsons, Christopher Josiah Brooks, Jason Ambrose Reynolds and Tony Harris. Great granddaughter, Ayla Jean Brooks; brothers, Carlos Frenchy Henning (Lynn) of Jackson, TN, Jeff Walker Henning (Lynne) of Jackson, TN; a sister, Deloris Henning Parker of Miamisburg, OH and a sister-in-law, Betty J. Henning of Stockbridge, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Special friends, Leenora Austin, Olivia "Sista O" Ward, Saundra Jarmon and Dee Jules, Wonderful caretakers, Luvonnia Brooks, Rhonda Beck and Nikki Hudson-Brown. During the glorious time here, we loved her and cherish her, but heaven loved her best.