Elizabeth Jean "Buffy" Brooks

After a 12 year battle with cancer, Elizabeth Jean “Buffy” Brooks, age 39, of Newton, IL entered the arms of Jesus at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham, IL surrounded by her loving family and friends.  She was born September 6, 1983 in Effingham, IL the daughter of Robert Eugene “Bob” Willis and Brenda Jean (Michl) Willis.  On July 16, 2005, she married Marcus Tyler Brooks in Newton, IL.

Survivors include her husband of 17 years, Marcus Brooks of Newton, IL; daughter, Emma Brooks of Newton, IL; mother, Brenda Willis of Newton, IL; siblings, Joe Willis (Laura) of LeRoy, IL; Sarah Herndon (Jason) of Chattanooga, TN and Rachel Johnson (Preston) of Louisville, IL; aunts, Valinda Deckard (Earl) of Oblong, IL; Valeta Willis of Oblong, IL and Carolee Musgrave (Buck) of Oblong, IL; father in law, Tony Brooks of Newton, IL; mother in law, Geri Brooks of Newton, IL; sister in law, Kelsey Taylor (Ryan) of Glen Ellyn, IL;  nephews and nieces, Isaiah and Isabella Willis, Levi and Lily Johnson and Ada, Elise and Kate Taylor; her cousins, her Church family and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, Kenneth and Mary Willis and Thadeus and Winifred Michl; grandmother in law, Carolyn Dobbins, grandfather in law, Maurice Brooks and uncle, Larry “Joe” Willis.

Buffy was a 2002 valedictorian and graduate of Newton Community High School.  She continued her education and graduated with her A.S. degree from Lake Land College in 2004.  Buffy was a stay at home mom and home schooled Emma through 7th grade.  She worked as a secretary for the Jasper County Health Department in Newton, IL where she helped with the cancer support group.  Buffy was a faithful member of Scott Avenue Christian Church in Newton, IL where she led a ladies’ Bible study and participated with the worship team.  Buffy was a coach for the Integrity volleyball team and previously served as a F.C.A. board member. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Scott Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Kevin Colclasure officiating.  Burial will follow in Honey Cemetery, Bogota, IL.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday evening at Scott Avenue Christian Church, 404 S. Scott Ave., Newton, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Marcus Brooks c/o People State Bank, PO Box 328, Newton, IL 62448 for Emma Brooks’ college education fund.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements. 

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