Missouri Inez Thornhill Brooker's Obituary
Missouri Inez Thornhill Brooker passed away on June 8, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 90. Born in Eagle Lake, Florida, on December 28, 1935, she was a lifelong Florida resident who proudly called Gainesville home since the mid-1950s.
Inez was preceded in death by her parents, George M. and Hilda Polk Thornhill; her beloved husband, Marvin A. Brooker Jr.; her brothers, Paul and C.L. Thornhill; and her sister, Theresa Mickell.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Brooker; her son, Donald Brooker (Donna); her grandchildren, Wess Brooker (Heath) and Michael Brooker (Lindsay); and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Zoe Brooker. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jewell Brooker, Sue Rowand, and Glenda Thornhill, along with a large family of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Above all else, Inez loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She and Marvin were members of the University City Church of Christ since the mid-1950s. Gifted with the spirit of hospitality, their home served for decades as a warm, welcoming gathering place for countless church fellowships, Garden Club meetings, and tailgating for Florida Gators football games.
Inez turned her passion for travel and teaching into a distinguished, almost 70-year tenure with the Garden Club. As a Master Judge and Floral Design Instructor, her influence extended across the United States, Central America, and South America. The pinnacle achievement of her career occurred in 1994 when she and her close friend, Carolyn Smith, were asked to represent the Americas at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London, earning a Silver Medal for their floral arrangement.
Inez remained active in her church and the Gainesville Garden Club (Begonia Circle) until her health declined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to organizations which defined Inez’s passions:
The Gainesville Garden Club
Purpose: Dedicated to the Blue Star Monument Project in memory of Inez Brooker.
Information: https://ggcfl.org
The Florida School of Preaching
Purpose: Training ministers of the gospel in memory of Inez Brooker.
Information: https://fsop.net
Service Information
A viewing will be held at the University City Church of Christ on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM. The memorial service will begin immediately following the viewing at 1:30 PM.
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