Kathryn 'Kitty' Brooks

Kathryn R. Brooks, "Kitty" 87, died on April 24, 2013 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Highland City, FL to Susie and George W. Riddle on December 8, 1925, she grew up in Lakeland, FL. As a young girl she performed song and dance routines throughout central Florida. She graduated Salutatorian from Lakeland Senior High School in 1943, then Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL with a BA in 1947. While at Huntingdon she was President of the Alpha Psi Omega Drama Fraternity, Student Body Vice-President, Tri Sigma Senior Honor Society and Who's Who in American Colleges & Universities.

After graduation she worked as a secretary and teacher moving to Atlanta, GA in 1951 to work for National Manufacture & Stores where she met her future husband, Hubert L. Brooks. They married on August 5, 1951 eventually moving back to central Florida where Hubert joined Brooks & Riddle, Inc., a citrus management business with Kitty's father. There they raised 3 daughters. Kitty was a member of the Junior League of Lakeland, chairing numerous committees, Chapter O, PEO and the Heirloom Group of Antique Collectors Club.

She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as trustee, choir member, and circle leader for the Methodist Women, and Chair of the Centennial Observance in 1984. In 2007 she and Hubert moved full time to their home on Charlie Mountain in Tiger, GA. After 59 years of marriage Hubert died on January 28, 2011.

Kitty then moved to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, GA. Kitty's kindness, generosity, intelligence and grace impressed all who crossed her path.

Kitty is also preceded in death by her daughter, Becky Freeman in 2003.

She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Anne and Dick Vincent of Atlanta, GA and Karen and Charles Graves of Woodbury, MN; five grandchildren, Josh Freeman and his wife, Lindsay of Charlotte, NC, Katelin Freeman of Atlanta, Drew Vincent of London, England, Alex Graves and Mallory Graves of Woodbury; one great-grandchild, Logan Freeman.

A memorial service will be held at Lanier Village Estates in the chapel on Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 am. A graveside interment will be held in early June in Lakeland, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church for Children's Clothes Closet, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801 or Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc., 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 3050l, www.nghs.com/hospice.

Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.