Funeral services for Barbara Gene Brooks Kelly, 55, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Brenham, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 173 F.M. 60, Lyons, Texas 77873.
Barbara was born on July 21, 1969, to Richard Lee Brooks and Vergia Faye Barrett Brooks.
She was raised in Lyons.
She received her primary education at Somerville Independent School District in Somerville.
She was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Lyons before she relocated to Arizona.
Barbara earned her Associate’s degree from Blinn Junior College in Brenham and furthered her education at Prairie View A&M University, enham.
She worked at the Brenham State School, TDCJ J.W. Hamilton Unit, MHMR, and later found her calling as a special education teacher in multiple school districts. She also coached junior varsity and varsity sports, including: basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
She died on July 15, 2025 She is survived by her husband, Derek Kelly; one daughter; one son; three brothers; one sister; and one grandchild.
Arrangements by Branford Dawson Funeral Home of Temple. www. branforddawsonfuneralhome. com.