Pauline Richardson Brooks, age 91, of Lansing, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday. Born on January 8, 1935, she was the beloved daughter of the late Jones and Ethel Sexton Richardson. In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Richardson and her husband, Lake Brooks.

Pauline was a woman of profound faith and a shining example of a Christian life. For over 65 years, she was a devoted member of Tuckerdale Baptist Church. She embodied the very essence of a true Proverbs 31 woman. As the King James Version so beautifully states, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Pauline's life was a daily testament to those words. She dedicated herself entirely to caring for others, invariably putting the needs of her family, friends, and neighbors before her own. At any gathering or family meal, she was always the last to sit down and eat, moving tirelessly to ensure that everyone else was lovingly taken care of first.

A fiercely hard worker, Pauline retired from Hanes Knit Products after more than 40 years of dedicated service. Her hands were rarely still, fulfilling the scripture: "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." At home, she took immense joy in tending to her garden and was an excellent canner, preserving the harvest to share with those she loved. A wonderful and nurturing cook, her kitchen was the heart of her home, and she will long be remembered by all who knew her for her legendary homemade, old-fashioned fried apple pies.

Her beautiful legacy lives on through the family she so dearly cherished, and "Her children arise up, and call her blessed." She is survived by her son, Donald Brooks (Brenda) of Lansing; three sisters, Kathleen Kenton, Irene Woodie, and Anna Lee Oliver, all of West Jefferson; and her foster brother, Blair Lambert of Mountain City, Tennessee. Pauline was the proud grandmother to two granddaughters, Deva Darnell (Cody), and Laken Brooks; and two great-grandchildren, Addilyn Brooke Darnell and Lake Maxwell Darnell. She is also survived by two step-granddaughters, Lacy Anderson and Kayla Phillips (Doug); six step-great-grandchildren, Chloe Barnett, Kendel Barnett, Layla Anderson, Cyrus Phillips, Danny Phillips, and Alexandria Campbell (Keela); as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

Funeral services to celebrate her remarkable life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Day. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the 1:00 pm service hour on Saturday at Ashelawn.

Flowers will be warmly accepted, or memorials may be made in Pauline’s memory to the Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project, c/o Ashe Baptist Association, PO Box 850, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, Pauline leaves behind a beautiful legacy of selfless love, hard work, and devotion. Her family finds great comfort in knowing she has finished her race and is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior.