J. Mell Brooks Jr.

Mr. J. Mell Brooks, Jr., formerly of Blytheville, died at the age of 93 Tuesday, March 22, 2011, in Atlanta where he had lived for the past 26 years. Although frail, he was in good health until a week before his death. He was born in 1917 and grew up in Blytheville with his older brother, James Lee Brooks, who predeceased him in 1996. They were the sons of Mell Brooks Sr. and Blanche F. Brooks, both of whom were longtime residents of Blytheville prior to their deaths.

As a young man recovering from rheumatic fever, Mell Jr. taught himself shorthand and used it throughout his life making notes to himself, even Christmas lists so others couldn't read them. In 1940 Mell Jr. married Evelyn Smart Brooks of Blytheville who predeceased him in 1998. They made their longtime home in Memphis where Mr. Brooks was a successful real estate broker during the 1950s and 1960s. After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks moved to Atlanta to be near their older son, Mell III. and their daughter, Judy Adams. and her husband, Wesley Adams, who grew up in Blytheville. His younger and supportive son, Alan Brooks, makes his home in Como, Miss.

After Mrs. Brooks' death, Judy and Wesley were devoted in caring for him until the end. Mr. Brooks had a long-time tradition of calling his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends on their birthdays. He was an avid scholar of words, their definitions and derivations; and some say he could spell and give you the definition of every word in the dictionary. He enjoyed reading books on the Christian religion and authored many poems and hundreds of affirmations.

In addition to his three children, he leaves a caring family of three grandsons, Wes Adams, Brooks and Teresa Adams, and Rob and Robyn Adams;

Four great grandchildren;

Numerous nieces and nephews;

Great nieces and nephews;

Cousins;

His sister-in-law, the former LaNelle Smart Jones; and

Bill Belcher, long-time companion of Mell III.

In addition to his extended family, he leaves his very special friend, Nancy Erickson of Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Blytheville at 11 a.m.Saturday with interment in Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.