Janice Jeanette (Russell) Brooks

Janice Jeanette (Russell) Brooks, age 78, of Lufkin, Texas passed away peacefully at a nursing facility in Nacogdoches, Texas Saturday, June 13, 2026. She was born December 3, 1947 in Lufkin, Texas to Cletus and Gladys Marie (Armbrust} Russell. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Huntington Oddfellows Cemetery with Brother Steve Cowart officiating.

Janice graduated from Huntington High School in May 1966, where she excelled in basketball and earned two letterman jackets and a letterman sweater, accomplishments she remained especially proud of throughout her life. She also remained very close to many of her teammates and friends. She carried that same determination and work ethic into adulthood, taking great pride in every job she held and always going above and beyond to ensure the work was done right.

Throughout her career, Janice held several occupations, with her final position being at Brookshire Brothers Corporate Offices. After 29 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2019.

Janice was a woman of deep faith and a member of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed crocheting, playing Wahoo, following basketball, in her early years water skiing, and she especially loved their yearly visits to see their extended family in Kansas. She never met a stranger and was known for her friendly, talkative nature and generous spirit. Her loving heart, warm smile, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her children, Stacey Brooks and wife Lynn, and Monica (Brooks) Gilbert and husband Richard. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amber (Kirkland) Jones and husband Leslie, Casey Lynn Brooks, Morgan (Brooks) Milstead and partner Jayce Reel, Taylor (Gilbert) Wier and husband Matthew, and Lucas Gilbert; her great-grandchildren, Adalyn Jones, Penelope Brooks, and Ivan Milstead; sister, Nancy (Russell) Allen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Gladys (Armbrust) Russell; former husband, Lesley Brooks; grandson, Jared Gilbert; daughter-in-law Sharon (Lawson) Brooks; and brother-in-law, Billy Ray Allen.

Janice's kindness, generosity, unwavering work ethic and love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Memory Care Hall at Willowbrook Nursing Center and Three Oaks Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided to Janice and her loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087 or UT MD Anderson Cancer Center at 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.