Marena "Collo" Brooks

Marena “Collo” Brooks, 87, of Harkers Island, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at Carteret Health Care, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st, at Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church, officiated by Rev. Dell Murphy and Rev. Paul Loftin. Interment will follow at Vergie Mae Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30th, at the church.

Collo was born on February 22, 1938, to the late Iredell and Abbie Jean Rose. A lifelong resident of Harkers Island and a treasured member of the community, she was a faithful member of Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church for over 60 years. She joyfully volunteered her time and shared her deep love for the Lord. A strong, Godly woman, Collo didn’t just believe—she lived her faith and shared it freely with others through both word and deed. Her life was a beautiful blend of faith, family, fellowship, and Island tradition. She will be deeply missed, but the values she lived by and the stories she shared will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Collo had a gift for storytelling, often reminiscing about her family and growing up on Harkers Island. Fourth of Julys on the “Della John” to the Cape were also some of her favorite memories. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, and she cherished recounting memories of her childhood and the Island she loved so deeply. Her stories were windows into a simpler time, always told with humor, love, and insight.

In the words of her grandson John: “In church, she (along with her sisters in Christ) used to sing the song, ‘The Potter Knows the Clay.’ This hymn speaks of how the Potter (Jesus) knows how to shape and mold the clay to create an intricate and beautiful design. God knew just how to shape and mold Granny’s life—she was a devoted mother, a faithful Christian, and a loyal friend to many. God’s hands shaped her legacy, and the impact of her life will continue to be felt by her friends and family for generations to come.”

Her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy. She loved stewed hard crabs, baked flounder, fried sea mullet, and sweet potato pie. Her cooking was more than just a meal—it was an expression of love. She found joy in simple, meaningful things: sewing, crafts, singing, and telling the stories that captured the rich history of her family and Island life. A woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and tireless devotion, Collo embodied the very spirit of Proverbs 31:10–31.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her husband of over 71 years, Charles “Red” Brooks; sons, Charles Bentley Brooks (Donna) and John Brooks (Kim), both of Harkers Island; brother, Willie Rose; son-in-law, Preston Chappell; sister-in-law, JoAnn Brooks; grandchildren, Della Brooks (Wendy), Cameron Guthrie (Shannon), Charlie Brooks (Marissa Gerace), Johnna Brooks (Clifton Rose), John Brooks Jr., Alexa Brooks, Krislynn Maddox, Butch Chappell (Jennifer), Alex Chappell, Caroline Chappell, and Jonathan Chappell; and great-grandchild, Carly Guthrie. She is also survived by special friends and family: Vickie and Terry Yeomans, Tina Long, Helen Ann Chadwick, Rita Willis, Jared Jones, Carolyn Gillikin, Hannah Gillikin, Jodie Willis, Sheila Combs, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Eva Chappell; grandchildren, John Douglas and Brian Deen Brooks; her sister, Florence “Sissy” Lewis; her brothers, Calvin Rose, Halsie Paul Rose, James Rose, and Earl Rose; and her brother-in-law, Benjamin Brooks.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in Collo’s memory to the Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church. Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.