Salute to Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks

Ruth Brooks, a faithful Museum docent, puts the U.S. flag in place as she opened the Museum
to our visitors one Saturday in 2020.

Name:  Salute to Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks by Evelyn Edson

Date:  2020

Image Number:  EE01cdEEdson01

Comments:   Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks, a long-time volunteer at the Scottsville Museum, died on June 4, 2021, at the age of 92. Born in Esmont, VA., on November 09, 1928, Ruth was the daughter of William Kenton and Hattie Nelson Gardner. She was the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom pre-deceased her. Ruth received a cosmetology degree from St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, VA, and ran a beauty salon out of her home for over 50 years.

Ruth was a talented pianist, playing for area churches, and community events. We remember especially an evening when she coaxed some rollicking tunes out of the antique pump organ in the Museum.

She served as a docent in the Museum and assisted with several exhibits. Ruth was particularly helpful with "Schools of Southern Albemarle," an exhibit with photographs of Black and White schools and showcasing their variant treatments of history.

Ruth was married to Edward Thomas Brooks, and they had one son, Edward Rydell Brooks.  Edward Rydell Brooks, his wife, Traci, and their three children (Kenton, Charles, and Carla) remain to cherish Ruth's memory.

Daily Progress, Charlottesville, VA, 10 June 2021:
Obituary of Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks
November 09, 1928 - June 05, 2012

Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 5, 2021, surrounded by her immediate family at the age of 92. She was born in Esmont, VA, on November 09, 1928, to the late William Kenton and Hattie Nelson Gardner.

Ruth was married to Edward Thomas "E.T." Brooks. She was the youngest girl of eight siblings, William, John, Jettie, Beatrice, Elizabeth, George, and Theodore, all who preceded her in death.

Ruth graduated from Esmont High School in 1945. After receiving her certificate in Cosmetyology from St. Paul's College in Lawrencevill, VA, she started a beauty salon in her home and served the residents of Esmont and the surrounding communities for over 50 years.

Along with her profession as a beautician, she was a renowned church musician for over 70 years. She followed her mother's inspiration, who was also the church pianist for New Green Mountain and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Churches for many years. Ruth began her musical journey as a young teenage pianist for the New Green Mountain Sunday School. Throughout her career, she shared her love of playing music with five churches and several community choirs.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Ruth was an active member of many community organizations including the local chapter of NAACP, Southside Fellowship Group, Household of Ruth, Esmont Garden Club, and a docent at the Scottsville Museum. Another highlight of her life was actively participating in family reunions, namely the Bolden-Gardner-Jones-Nelson Family, and the Armstead-Feggans Family.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Edward Rydell Brooks and his wife, Traci, of Charlottesville, VA; three grandchildren, Charles Brooks of Pasadena, CA, Kenton Brooks of Lynchburg, VA, and Carla Brooks of Alexandria, VA; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Gardner of Esmont, VA, and Ramonde Gardner of Charlottesville, VA; her many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and lifelong friends will greatly miss her beauty, grace, and special love as well.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2021, at New Green Mountain Baptist Church, Esmont, VA, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow at the church cemetery.

A walk-through visitation will be held from 12 until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2021, at the J.F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, 108 6th St. NW, Charlottesville, VA.

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