Joan Clemmons Brooks (Lansing)

Mrs. JoAn Clemmons-Brooks, affectionately known as Mrs. JoAn, was a loving, gentle, and faith-filled woman who graced this earth for 75 years. Born on Monday, February 9, 1948, in Iuka, Mississippi, she was the cherished daughter of John (Lizzie) Lindsey and Gency (Wilbert) Watts. On Saturday, May 20, 2023, she was called home to be with the Lord in the heavenly gardens, leaving behind her earthly garden in Lansing, Michigan, after a hard-fought battle with lymphoma cancer.

Mrs. JoAn was a proud graduate of Lansing J. W. Sexton High School in 1966 and went on to have a long and fulfilling career with the State of Michigan, retiring in 2018. She was a devoted member of her community and served in the Order of Eastern Star, where she exemplified the values of charity, truth, and loving-kindness. As a tireless advocate for her family, friends, and community, Mrs. JoAn's life was a testament to the power of love and faith.

In her free time, Mrs. JoAn was a passionate gardener, tending to her beautiful plants and flowers with the same care and attention she gave to her loved ones. She was also an avid bowler, talented cook, and dedicated matriarch who found extraordinary joy in spending time with her family. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

As we gather to celebrate the life of Mrs. JoAn, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Mrs. JoAn fought the good fight, and now she rests in the arms of her Savior.

In her life, Mrs. JoAn embodied the words of the great American novelist and poet, Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Mrs. JoAn's gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and steadfast love will never be forgotten, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Mrs. JoAn leaves a legacy of love, faith, and resilience, and her memory will be cherished by her beloved daughter, Laura (Tony Askew) Clemmons-Askew; stepdaughter, Shanita L. VanPelt; grandchildren, Jamal, Whitney, Tiffany, Anthony, Malcolm, and Simone; 9 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; sisters, Mary (Alfonzo) Scott, Lori Jordon, and Jessica Jones; brothers, Duane Watts, Tony (Lisa) Hodges, and Kenneth Wayne Carter; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Brooks; first husband, Lonnie Clemmons, Sr.; son, Lonnie Clemmons, Jr.; parents, John (Lizzie) Lindsey and Gency (Wilbert) Watts; siblings, Cathy Gutierrez, Alene Lindsey and John Lindsey.

As we bid farewell to our dear mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mrs. JoAn Clemmons-Brooks, let us take comfort in the promise of the resurrection, and the knowledge that she now rests in the arms of the Lord. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, KJV)

May the life and legacy of Mrs. JoAn inspire us all to live with love, faith, and compassion. And may her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.