Lena Clay (Searcy) Brooks

            Lena Clay Searcy Brooks, age 94, of Black Mountain, NC, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Fleshers Fairview Health Care Center. She was born on January 30, 1927 in Fairview, NC to the late John Albert Searcy and Hetty Jane Clay Searcy. Lena graduated as the valedictorian from Fairview High School, worked for the Beacon and Kearfott and was a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Black Mountain, NC. She especially enjoyed gardening, sewing and cross-stitching.

            Along with her parents, Lena was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude Brooks; a daughter, Barbara Brooks; her brother, Walter Brooks; and sisters, Mary Lula, Alice, and Edith.

            Those left behind to cherish her memory is her son, James "Don" Brooks (Carol) of Berea, KY; daughter, Sandra Long (Kevin) of Linwood, NC; sister, Nancy Searcy of Fairview, NC; grandchildren, Joseph Brooks (Cindy), Mark Brooks (Shelby), Brooks Long (Holly), Clay Long (Chloe), and Emily Distler (Chris); great grandchildren, Skyler Brooks, Griffen Brooks, Thomas Distler, Kade Long, Macon Long, Coley Brooks and Lillian Brooks; as well as numerous other friends and family members.

            A funeral service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in the Penland Family Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John Clements will be officiating. There will be a private family viewing an hour before the service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at 12pm at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to:

Flesher's Fairview Health & Retirement Center

Attn: Employee Appreciation Fund

3016 Cane Creek Road

P.O. Box 1160

Fairview, NC 28730

            Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Brooks Family and assisting them with arrangements.

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