Peggy Lee Dawson Brooks

Peggy Lee Dawson Brooks, 77, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in 1949 in Monroe, Louisiana, to Mildred and Olan "Swede" Dawson, Peggy lived a life defined by devotion — to her family, her students, her faith, and her community.

Peggy was the beloved wife of James "Jim" Thomas Brooks for 51 years. Their marriage was a source of great joy and a steadfast partnership. She was a proud and loving mother to Holly Brooks Stout (Todd) of Coppell, Texas, and Lee Ann Brooks Armstrong (Brian) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Known affectionately as "Brooksie" by her four grandchildren: Leo Stout, Henry Stout, Meredith Armstrong, and Gretchen Armstrong. She cherished every moment spent with them and delighted in watching them grow. A devoted LSU fan her entire life, she encouraged the next generation to share her enjoyment by teaching her grandchildren the LSU fight song and cheering on the Tigers together.

A graduate of Neville High School (1967) and Louisiana State University (1971), Peggy dedicated over 30 years to education in Ouachita Parish, teaching middle and high school English Language Arts. She touched the lives of countless students through her work at Wossman High School, River Oaks School, Lee Junior High, Ouachita Parish Junior High, and Ouachita Parish High School, retiring in 2014. For many years she also served as Yearbook Sponsor at Ouachita Parish Junior High, helping students chronicle and celebrate their school years. She had a gift for making language arts come alive, and her playful, creative spirit was perhaps best captured in her legendary end-of-year "vocabulary workbook burning" parties, a beloved tradition that sent her students into summer with a smile. Her investment in her students did not end at graduation; she took great joy in keeping up with former students throughout the years, cheering their milestones as proudly as she had their classroom achievements. She was beloved not just as a teacher, but as a mentor, an encourager, and a lifelong friend.

Outside the classroom, Peggy found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She sang with the choir at North Monroe Baptist Church, where her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She tended her yard with care and pride, cultivating day lilies and roses that reflected her nurturing spirit. A lover of nature, she took great pleasure in feeding the birds. She watched them year round on her backyard patio, which was a quiet, cherished ritual that brought her peace and joy. She also enjoyed needle crafts, sharing her handmade creations with those she loved. And on any given Saturday in the fall, you could find her in front of the television, cheering on her beloved LSU Tigers.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Olan "Swede" Dawson.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters, Holly and Lee Ann; and her grandchildren, Leo, Henry, Meredith, and Gretchen.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kerry Anders, the staff of The Gardens at Georgia Tucker, and the Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care team for the compassionate and attentive care provided to Peggy. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to longtime friends Frances Self and Marilyn Kincannon for their unwavering support and friendship throughout Peggy's illness.

Services will be held at 2:00PM Friday, April 10, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe with Dr. Garrison Griffith officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00PM Friday, April 10, 2026, until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Doug Self, Jack Walker, Robert Biggers, John Hunter, Randy Armstrong, and John Tolar. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Johnson and Johnny Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.