January 4, 2020
A Tribute to Kathy Brooks
Editor’s Note: Many in our community were saddened to learn of the death of Kathy Brooks. I got to know Kathy through her photography. In 2014, Kathy sent this photo, one of many, for our Amelia Island revealed . . . series. As a lover of shrimp boats and sunsets, her photo is one of my favorites.
When first posted, Steve Crounse wrote, “Kathy somehow always captures the essence of our beautiful Community. Our lives are enriched by her art.” Bill and Susie Birdsong wrote, “Beautiful illustration of why we are lucky to live here! Thanks for keeping us reminded.”
So to Kathy’s family, we are grateful for a life well lived, for Kathy’s devotion to volunteering with Wild Amelia, and for her willingness to share through her photography her love for this beautiful place many of us call home.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Brooks
A 2014 biography follows:
Kathy Brooks’ family moved to Fernandina Beach in 2000 when her husband accepted a position at UF Health/Jacksonville. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Kathy has taught high school, elementary school, and preschool–including Head Start–for forty years. For the last seven years, Kathy has worked at Nassau County.
Kathy claims to be a “strictly an unschooled amateur photographer” and she has enjoyed taking photos of family, friends, and nature her whole life. She says Amelia Island is a treasure for photographers, and she enjoys donating photographs to various charities for silent auctions and just sharing the beauty of this island in photo gifts to friends and family. She is now consumed by taking photos of her first grandchild–a grandson.
We are all saddened, and shocked by Kathy’s untimely death. We will all miss her uncanny capability of capturing the natural beauty of our island home in her photography. Her volunteerism with Wild Amelia will be hard to replace. Our Island was a better community because of Kathy.
A very big loss for this Island. She will be truly missed. Heartfelt condolences for John and entire family.
Kathryn will be missed by many. My sister and I met Kathryn & John several years ago at the Georgia Sea Turtle Hospital in Jekyl Island. We became FB friends right afterwards and kept up with each other over the years via our pictures. We were also like two ships in the night … passing each other at various locations (St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, the beaches on the Cape, etc.). When ever I was anywhere where there was a Coast Guard ship I would alway snap a picture and post it via what ever adventure I was on. She and John are so proud of their daughter and family. My last photo fun with Kathryn was the Grandmother challenge. I thanked her for inviting me to the challenge and was once again thrilled to be sharing pictures of our grandchildren. I will miss her and am so thankful for our FB friendship after meeting just the one time. While we are both Kathy’s … I somehow always called her Kathryn. My condolences to John and the entire family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to the Brooks family. Kathy was key to the success of Wild Amelia and an a good friend.
We will all miss Kathy dearly, such a sweet person & wonderful photographer. It was a lovely memorial held for her on Thursday…..sincere condolences to John & the family. May the perpetual light shine upon her.
I spent many hours on the beaches during the summer months on Fernandina Beach. I saw her searching for sea turtle tracks as an early morning volunteer with Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch. We worked hard and laughed much. I will miss her. God bless John, Megann and those three beautiful grandchildren. I will miss her and her love of nature through photography
Rest in Peace, Kathy. Your spirit is still with us.