Deborah Lea Brooks, daughter of the late Charles Hugh Brooks and Jewell Louise Brooks, passed away at University of Kentucky Hospital on June 26, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was a graduate of Lafayette High School and University of Kentucky with degrees in Elementary Education and Library Science. She taught in both the Burgin and Fayette County school systems for many years. She was an advocate for education and her greatest joy in teaching came from helping the most vulnerable and struggling students. She was a steadfast promoter of the environment and was a champion of recycling and repurposing items.

She had a wide circle of friends reaching as far as England and Wales. Many of these relationships were forged through their joint love and appreciation of Bruce Springsteen, of who she was a huge fan. Her friends appreciated her for her wit, humor, love of words, and abundant kindness. She gave of her time and self unselfishly.

She is survived by her mother, Jewell Louise Brooks, sister Denise Byrnes (Ron) of Lawrenceburg, GA and her children Alex and Andrea, and her sister Michelle Brown (Frank), niece Rachel Brown and nephew Zachary Brown who she was immensely proud of. In addition, she is survived by her canine companions, Trent and Randy who brought her much joy.

Services will be at Centenary Church at 2800 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502 on Monday July 1st with visitation from 4-6 PM and services at 6 PM.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Sekela and his surgical team as well as the 8th floor Cardiovascular ICU for their excellent care, and for treating us with kindness and compassion.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to The Lincoln County Animal Shelter of 341 Workhouse Rd Stanford, KY 40484 and/or The Estill County Animal Shelter of 50 Ginter Rd Ravenna, KY 40472.