Obituary of Ann Shirley Brooks

Ann Shirley (Gillock) Brooks, 89, of Frankfort, Kentucky, died on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born on July 29, 1935 in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Vernon Purdy Gillock and the late Hazel Bell Booth Gillock of Carrollton, Kentucky. She was predeceased by her sister Lila Jo Shelton of Carrollton. Ann Shirley attended Georgetown college on a music scholarship from 1954 to 55, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She entered and was crowned Miss Carrollton, Miss Madison Hydroplane Regatta, Miss Kentucky National Guard and then Miss Kentucky in 1955. Her trip to Atlantic City was a memorable one, as it was the first televised Miss America pageant with then newcomer Bert Parks singing “There she is, Miss America” for the first time. She played Bach’s “Prelude in B-flat“ on the organ, coming in 12th place overall. With her pageant scholarships, Ann Shirley enrolled in the University of Kentucky, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Communications, and began her career in 1957 as secretary to the Hambletonian Society with Tattersalls Sales in Lexington. She married William L. Brooks (now deceased) in 1957, and they moved to Frankfort where they raised their son, motherhood becoming her favorite role in life. She was active in South Frankfort Presbyterian Church, serving as choir Director from 1960-1975 and as deacon, Vacation Bible School director and flower arranger. Active in state government and politics, she served as the Regional Director of the Kentucky Historical Events Celebration Commission, coordinating the bicentennial activities across 56 KY counties. She was Director of Public Relations for the Kentucky State Parks Department when she retired. She formed the UK Alumni Association, Frankfort Chapter and served as its president, and served as Clerk of the Kentucky Senate in 1972. Ann Shirley enjoyed serving the Frankfort community and Democratic politics. She reactivated the Democratic Woman’s Club (DWC) of Frankfort and served as its president; served as chairwoman, first vice president, and publicity chairman for the state Democratic Woman’s Club Convention; was on the Franklin County Democratic Party board of directors where she also served as secretary; and was vice chair of the United Way Fund in Frankfort. She also enjoyed her time spent serving as county chairwoman for two statewide candidates. By far, her biggest accomplishment in this life was the gift of her devotion and love of her family, as could be felt by anyone who knew her. She had a servant’s heart and put her family and friends before herself. Always considerate of others, she personified the Golden Rule. Truly a one of a kind woman, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a loving partner to Howard “Sonny” Hunt for many years. She was the proverbial life of the party, and was always sought after to be the organizer of community and social events. She always made sure things were done right. She is survived by her partner Howard “Sonny” Hunt, Frankfort, KY; son William Gillock (Candee) Brooks, Orlando, FL; grandsons Kyle William Brooks, Orlando, FL and Lee Daniel (Elizabeth) Brooks, St. Petersburg, FL; granddaughter Lilly Ann Morgan Brooks, Orlando, FL; great-granddaughter Anna Catherine Brooks, St. Petersburg, FL; nieces Deborah Dawn Shelton, Lexington, KY and Donna Jo (Tom) Szarwark, West Chester, OH; and nephews Michael Scott (Pam) Shelton, Versailles, KY and James Stacey (Kendall) Shelton, Frankfort, KY. Services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM at South Frankfort Presbyterian Church followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow In Frankfort Cemetery and a reception at Frankfort Country Club will follow the service. Funeral arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home in Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Children's Tumor Foundation at ctf.org.