Emmie Joy Brooks, 13, of Columbus, left her earthly home at 8:32 a.m., Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Emmie was born January 15, 2009, in Columbus, Indiana, the daughter of Tom G. Brooks and Tracy Joy Rucker Brooks.
Emmie was a current student in the eighth-grade class at Central Middle School in Columbus, IN. She had a strong faith and an inspiring way about her that can be described as infectious, as she had a way of inspiring friends, family and even the other children receiving care at Riley Children’s Hospital. Emmie was a heroic fighter of cancer that refused to give up. She was spunky and loved animals, especially her beloved dog, Marley. Emmie also enjoyed playing Pokemon. During the last year, she found enjoyment in making and selling dog treats. Emmie will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her mother, Tracy Brooks; father, Tom (Sara) Brooks, both of Columbus; grandparents, Lynne (Marvin) Hutchins, of Live Oak, Florida, Buddy (Kelly) Brooks, of Lake Placid, Florida; Steve (Janet) Rucker of Hartsville, IN; siblings, Brandon (Hanna) Brooks, Blake Brooks, Elise Brooks, all of Columbus; aunts, Lori (Steve) Hunnicutt, of Columbus, Jennifer (Pete) Pinholster of Asheville, N.C.; uncles, Scott (Rachel) Rucker, of Noblesville, IN, Stephen (Paola) Brooks, of Silver Spring, MD (formerly from Live Oak); along with many cousins. Services were held in Columbus at Parkside Baptist Church.
Her Nana, Lynne Hutchins, wants to thank the many people in Live Oak who have been praying over the years for Emmie’s recovery. While she finally succumbed to multiple types of cancer, the prayers were answered as she left us peacefully and without fear, and we were given many more years with her than predicted by doctors.