Orvene Brooks

Funeral service for Orvene Brooks will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Oxford, Nebraska, with Pastor Albert Longe officiating. Following a luncheon and time of fellowship, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at rural Maxwell, Nebraska.

Orvene Johnson Brooks, 96 years of age, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege, Nebraska, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and devotion to her family, her students, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born November 8, 1929, in Antelope Township, Nebraska, to Oscar and Vendela Johnson, Orvene was raised in the Brady community and graduated from Brady High School in 1947. She earned her education degree at Kearney State College, where she was a member of Phi Delta Sigma and was crowned Christmas Queen in 1950.

Teaching was her calling. She taught at several schools and colleges before joining Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where she inspired countless students and coached track, tennis, and volleyball.

On May 22, 1982, Orvene married Eugene Brooks, lovingly embracing his four children as her own. They made their home in Oxford, Nebraska, wintering in San Carlos, Mexico, and shared a love of traveling, golfing, dancing, and bridge. Orvene was also a longtime Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and an active volunteer in her community. She never missed a birthday, always making sure loved ones felt remembered and celebrated. She had a rare gift for kindness, greeting everyone with a warm smile and a genuine interest in their lives that made people feel instantly at home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her son, Eugene Brooks Jr.; her parents; her sister, Eileen Johnson Hubbard and Hubert Franklin; her grandson, David Brooks; and her nephew, Kit Hubbard.

She is lovingly remembered by Dennis and Renae Brooks, Jody and Scott Lau, Toni Brooks, Doug and Ann Brooks, Kelly and Darcy Hubbard, and Kirk and Shyrl Hubbard, along with several grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and countless friends.

Whether a teacher, coach, wife, mother, grandmother, or friend, Orvene lived with compassion and grace. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with family greeting friends at the United Methodist Church in Oxford.

Memorials in Orvene's honor are suggested to the family for a later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.