Mar. 26, 1917 - June 28, 2010SOUTH BEND - God-fearing Clara L. Brooks (Coley), 93, of South Bend passed away. Her pain ended June 28, 2010. She was born March 26, 1917 to the union of Robert and Leora Coley, in Elkhart. Master cook and baker, she was known on the West side in the late 50's and early 60's for her homemade cookies, dressing, greens, pies, cobblers, exceptional ho'cakes, rolls and daily baked bread. Mrs. Brooks had a loud political voice. For years, national, and most definitely locals, heard from her. Ma was often printed in the Voice of the People. Clara belonged to St. Augustine Church of South Bend and Christian Tabernacle of South Bend. Mrs. Brooks was a skillful antique collector and seller most of her 93 years. Ma rarely missed a rummage sale; "That's where you'll find the best glassware" she would say. Mama Dear gave birth to 22 children. Mourning her are Elizabeth Leoretta (Coley) Jennings, George D. (Adulnur) Coley, Willa Bonnita (Coley) Belanger, Leonard F. (Coley) Brock, and Gilbert L. Brooks Jr.; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren. Clara loved our departed and talked of them often. In her soft body was much love for her husband, Gilbert Brooks Sr., cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, Christian friends, and the Regency Place compassionate care providers. Thank you, from the Coley Family. "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." No more pain Mama Dear. Services for Mrs. Clara L. Brooks will be held on Tuesday, July 6 in Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home Inc. Visitation will take place at 11:00 a.m. with services following at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memoirs with the family, please visit our website at www.clarkoneal.com.