Doris Brooks Sanborn

Doris Brooks Sanborn, lovingly known as “Mema” by so many, walked through the gates of Heaven on December 7, 2025. She was welcomed by her beloved parents, Sam and Sarah Brooks; her cherished son, Steve Cook; her sisters Polly, Louise and Wilma; and her brother John. What a glorious homecoming-joy, wholeness, and reunion in the light of God’s glory.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughter, Susan Hamby of Gainesville, Ga; her son Stan (Carla) Cook of Fort Valley; her grandchildren John (Melissa)Corry, David(Haley) Corry, Matt Cook, Laura(Daniel) Peavy, and John (Anna) Cook; ten treasured great grandchildren; her siblings Sam Brooks, Arnall Brooks and Jo Holbrook; and a host of nieces, nephews and cherished family members who absolutely adored her.

Doris was born on January 25, 1931, in GoosePond ( Oglethorpe County), Georgia and spent most of her life in the Athens area which she lovingly referred to as “the motherland” before moving to Fort Valley to live on the family property (jokingly referred to as “the Compound”) From her early days, she was given a spirit of strength, nurturing and steadfast faith. Her devotion to her family was a reflection of the deep affection she carried in her heart.

Her family-her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. Though her life held trials, she walked through each one with courage, grace and strength, leaning on God. Her faith was not loud, but lived and steady and evident in her resilience.

“Mema’s house” was a warm and welcoming sanctuary for so many. A place where doors were open, love was abundant and everyone felt at home and at peace. She tended to her gardens with the same care as her family. Her willing hands spent decades lovingly cooking wonderful meals, sewing, cleaning and caring for those she loved. She was delighted by hosting family events but also enjoyed the small moments in life, particularly with her great grandchildren.

She attended and later retired from the University of Georgia, carrying with her a lifetime of loyalty to her beloved Bulldogs. She found joy and excitement in traveling the world and experiencing other people and cultures, but also found joy in strolling the aisles of her local grocery stores and watching every Braves game.

To her family, she was the heart of the home- the matriarch, the steady presence that held generations together. Her beauty and strength were admired by everyone who knew her… as well as her piercing wit. Her absence leaves an ache and void that nothing in this life can fill. Doris was a long time member of Tuckston Methodist Church in Athens followed by Crossroads Methodist in Perry. Our grief is softened by the knowledge that she is now in perfect heavenly peace, fully healed, wrapped in the arms of her Lord and Savior and worshipping alongside her loved ones. “Yes we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” -2 Corinthians 5:8. For those who love the Lord, reunion awaits.

Family Visitation will begin Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, 4355 Lexington Rd in Athens. A memorial service and celebration of life will follow in the Chapel at 2:00 PM.

In honor of her life and legacy, the family asks that donations be made to Hope139 House in Athens, Ga.( www.hope139house.org) and or the Perpetual care fund for the Crawford Cemetery.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com