Ella Mae Testerman Brooks

Ella Mae Testerman Brooks, lovingly known to all as Mrs. Mae, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Ashe Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love and presence of several of her children.

Mrs. Mae was born in Ashe County on Tuesday, June 9, 1931, to the late Rev. Luther Testerman and Vertie Testerman. A woman of deep devotion to family and service to others, she lived a life marked by kindness, hospitality, and quiet strength.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Brooks; brothers, Ray, Sam, and Robert Testerman; sisters, Mildred Thomas, Ruth Eldreth, Ruby Eldreth, and Virginia Weaver; and half-siblings, Lydia Testerman, Stella Stanley, and Ethel Weaver.

Mrs. Mae was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and the heart of her family. She cherished family gatherings, especially those centered around her table, where she delighted in preparing big meals that brought everyone together. No one ever left her home hungry—she made sure of that. Her love was shown through her cooking, her open door, and her welcoming spirit.

She greatly enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and working puzzles, and found joy in shopping and visiting flea markets. For several years, she worked with students at Blue Ridge Elementary School and Ashe County Middle School, where her caring nature touched many young lives. In addition, she was a dedicated and compassionate caregiver to her husband, Howard, caring for him with unwavering love.

Mrs. Brooks is survived by her children: sons, Jimmy Dean Brooks and wife Darlene of Warrensville, and Johnny Brooks and wife Donna of West Jefferson; daughters, Joyce Neaves and husband David Wayne of Hickory, Judy Roland of Florence, South Carolina, June Neaves and husband Randy of Crumpler, Jennifer Richardson and husband Greg of Lansing, and Jonie Lewis and husband Rex of Warrensville. She is also survived by her brother, Ralph Testerman of Warrensville.

Also left to cherish her memory are her fourteen grandchildren—Sarah, Charlsie, Shawn, Jamie, Kevin, Amy, Nathan, Natalie, Mariah, Stephanie, Kendall, Devyn, Eden, and Ashton—along with seven great-grandchildren, eighteen great-great-granchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Margate Health and Rehab Center, Ashe Memorial Hospital, and Angela Prince with Medi Home Hospice for their compassionate love and care.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. David Blevins, Elder Fred Richardson, and Minister Danny Miller. Burial will follow in the Welch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00 noon prior to the service at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Generations Ashe, 182 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Mrs. Mae will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the love she shared so freely with all who knew her.