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Obituary For Irma Ruth Brooks
Columbia, SC
Irma Ruth Brooks, beloved wife, mother, daughter, attorney, educator, tennis enthusiast, and woman of unwavering faith, passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 57, following a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer. Fittingly, she was called home on Palm Sunday—a day symbolizing victory, promise, and peace.
Family Visitation will be held 3PM til 6PM Friday, April 3, 2026, at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning, SC.
Memorial services will be held 1PM Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Manning High School Gymnasium, 2155 Paxville Hwy. Manning, SC.
Born on October 12, 1968, Irma was the second eldest daughter of Ruth Thelma Williams Ratchford and John Lucious Ratchford, Jr, and the cherished granddaughter of Lena Esther King Williams and Henry Williams. She was raised in Clarendon County, South Carolina, where she received her early education and graduated from Manning High School, Class of 1986. From an early age, there was a quiet strength about Irma—a sense that her life was destined to reach beyond boundaries. That calling shaped her into a leader within both her family and community.
A true trailblazer, Irma became the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. With courage and determination, she pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, earning a degree in Journalism before continuing on to law school. In 1995, she began a legal career that would span more than three decades.
Irma was a force in every space she entered. As a prosecutor, mediator, guardian ad litem, and advocate for justice—especially for children—she carried herself with integrity, excellence, and purpose. Her presence in the courtroom was commanding, yet her approach remained deeply rooted in compassion and respect for others. She understood that behind every case was a human story, and she never lost sight of that truth. Throughout her career, she built lasting connections across legal, educational, church, and community spaces, leaving an indelible mark on all who encountered her.
Her passion for learning and service extended beyond the courtroom. Irma later earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, reflecting her deep love for children and commitment to shaping future generations. Whether homeschooling her children or leading educational initiatives, she poured into others with intention, joy, and an unshakable belief that anything was possible through faith.
Irma was married to Charles Thomas Brooks, III, and together they built a life grounded in love, faith, and family. She was a proud and devoted mother to four children: Lena Elizabeth Pringle, Charles “Chase” Thomas Brooks, IV, Julia Victoria Brooks, and Jada Kathleen Brooks. Of all her accomplishments, motherhood was her most cherished calling. To her children, she was their protector, their greatest supporter, and their living example of strength, grace, and unconditional love.
Irma lived life with beauty, intention, and joy. She expressed love through gathering, thoughtful gestures, and meaningful connection, creating spaces filled with warmth, laughter, and belonging. She found peace in nature, horseback riding, tending to plants, flowers, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors, and she carried a deep appreciation for style, elegance, and the essence of a true Southern woman.
She also embraced her passions wholeheartedly. Irma had a deep love for tennis—not only as a player, but as a mentor and advocate. She became a certified USTA official and dedicated herself to growing the game, particularly by offering free and reduced lessons to children from underserved communities. She was an active member of several tennis clubs and traveled to major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, Indian Wells and Cincinnati Open.
She was also known as an exceptional doubles partner—someone who uplifted those around her with both her knowledge of the game and her genuine encouragement. She had a unique ability to lift the spirits of her partners, even in difficult moments, and everyone who shared the court with her valued not just her skill, but her heart.
Above all, Irma was a woman of steadfast and unshakable faith. She often reminded others that “revelation is golden,” encouraging them to seek God deeply and trust fully in His plan. Her life was a testament to that belief. Even in her most difficult moments, her faith never wavered.
In her final chapter, Irma demonstrated extraordinary strength and resilience, enduring nearly two years of treatment with courage, grace, and unwavering belief. Though given limited time more than once, she continued to fight, love, and stand in faith. Her life became a living testimony of perseverance and the power of trusting God through every season.
As written in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”—these were not just words to Irma, but the foundation upon which she lived.
She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured—one of faith, perseverance, love, and impact. In addition to her husband and four children, she is survived by her siblings; Sandra V. Ratchford Woods (Pastor David Jr), John L. Ratchford, III and Dr. Shawanda Ratchford Matthews (Michael Singleton, Sr), aunts; Willie Mae Williams, Dorothy Williams, Inez McMillan (Gus), a host of nieces and nephews and a large and loving extended family, dear friends across many communities, and her beloved pets, Peaches and Ace.
Irma Ruth Brooks lived a life of purpose and poured into others without hesitation. She was a light, a force, and a vessel of love.
Though her absence is deeply felt, her legacy will continue to speak for generations to come.
“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
In lieu of flowers, the Brooks Family asks that you donate to “The Irma Brooks Foundation” which will fund equine therapy, tennis scholarships to support young people, publish her children’s books series she started, and support ongoing advocacy efforts. You can also donate to causes that are near and dear to Irma’s heart including: The Kidney Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Literacy Council.
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Deborah Jordan sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 03, 2026
Bryson Johnson sent Traditional Floor Basket for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 02, 2026
Allan C Keitt sent Sympathy Spray for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 02, 2026
Cathy Kightlinger Indy Ignite sent Precious Heart Bouquet for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 02, 2026
David Matthews planted 1 trees in memory of Irma Ruth Brooks . - April 02, 2026
David Matthews sent Beautiful Dreams for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 02, 2026
Angela R. Taylor sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 02, 2026
Sharon Baker Clark sent Ocean Devotion for Irma Ruth Brooks - April 01, 2026
Lola Richey planted 1 trees in memory of Irma Ruth Brooks . - March 31, 2026
Lola Richey sent Beautiful Dreams for Irma Ruth Brooks - March 31, 2026
Words cannot express my sorrow for Erma and the family.I love you all.Sending prayers for God's love, strength and comfort
My love and condolences to the Brooks family and the Ratchford family. May the peace of God bring comfort to the family and May her legacy and memories keep you. Love, Dr. Mary Ratchford ThD
To Mr. Brooks, Chaise, Julia and Jada my heart is saddened by your loss. Mrs. Brooks was a special sweet lady and I send my condolences. I pray for your healing!!
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Thinking of the family during this incredibly difficult time. My condolences for your loss.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Irma Ruth Brooks.
Condolences and prayers to our family from your Family in Miami Dozier family
Our condolences to the Brooks family,on the loss of Irma,a wife, mother, sister, friend you will be missed. You fought a good fight. We will miss you.RIP. We will keep the family in prayer. Cousin Joyce Daniels and family. Troy NY
My sincere condolences to Irma's family and all who loved her
To the family God is still in charge but you must keep the faith. Classmate 1986
To Attorney Charles Brooks and family, With deepest Sympathy! May your memories and the support of all who know and love you and family comfort you at this difficult time. Irma will forever be remembered as an outstanding and kind person, mother, wife, Deaconess, Attorney and friend. We pray that you, your children and family will be strengthened as you hold to God's Unchanging Hand! Stay encouraged and know that God is able to keep you and your family!
George and I send our love and condolences to the family.
To the entire Brooks family. We are thinking of you and sending strength as you grieve the loss of our beloved Irma. Mrs Brooks has been a light in our family and will be missed by all. She was more than our attorney she was a very close friend and confidant. She always encouraged everyone she came in contact with. Coach Chapman has taught Irma, Chase, Julia and Jada tennis. And participated with her church to provide tennis to young people. Our favorite memory with Irma was when we went to the Family Circle Cup in Charleston for tennis. I have the picture of her kids as her profile picture in my phone when she calls. We will miss Irma so much. In closing remember God is with Irma and will be watching over your family. Continue to make her proud and if there is anything we can do for you please don't hesitate to let us know. Love always Coach Chapman and Sarah.
My thoughts and prayers are with Charles and the family.irma was a very special person. I enjoyed the time we had at the Solicitors Iffice.
I feel truly grateful to have known Irma. She touched so many lives, and her kindness will never be forgotten. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that your family is surrounded by thoughts and prayers.
Sending Our Deepest Condolences And Prayers To Her Entire Family May Our God Cover You All 🙏🙏
My condolences and prayers go out to the family 🙏🏾. My God give the family the strength everyone needs to get through this trying time. Tracy Taylor and family
To the Family of Mrs. Irma Brooks,
On behalf of the kids and the entire DD&J Junior Tennis Foundation family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of loss.
Mrs. Irma Brooks was a special part of our DD&J family. She worked faithfully with our children and was instrumental in helping with our very first fundraising tournament. Her kindness, service, and dedication made a lasting impression on our organization and on the lives of those she touched.
We are grateful for the love and support she showed to our program over the years. Please know that her contributions will always be remembered, and her memory will remain in our hearts.
May God comfort and strengthen your family in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy, The Kids and DD&J Junior Tennis Foundation Family
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Irma, a Manning High Classmate, USC-freshman Roomate, but most of all, a true friend. I love you and I'll miss our heart to heart conversations. I admire how you kept the Faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. You fought the good fight and finished the race. Rest in Peace my Friend. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and close friends. 🧡
Thank you for the memories. You have enriched our lives and you will forever live on in our hearts we love you and we will miss you. With love, your brother-in-law, David.
I pray the love of God surrounds all of you during your journey through grief now and days ahead. Remember, "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal"...Isaiah 35:10
With loving thoughts and condolences. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. We will continue to pray for you all and are here should you need us.
Such a wonderful lady. Sincere condolences to Charles and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was sorry to learn of Irma's passing. Although we did not see one another on a regular basis, I enjoyed our long conversations when we did see one another. She will be missed.
Sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Brooks and Ruth Family. I shall surely miss my Sister and my Friend. Thank you Irma for all of the wisdom and all of the sisterly love. I bless God for your Life. I am at peace because You are finally free! 💜🕊
Sending my condolences and prayers to the Brooks family.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Windi King
Sincere condolences to the family.
To Irma and my classmate, you will be missed and remembered. May you rest in peace and comfort with Jesus forever. Lola and Rodney Richy
I'm so very sorry for this huge loss, Mr. Brooks! You and your family are in my Thoughts and Prayers.
My condolences to Mr. Brooks and The Brooks family. Praying for your strength during this time. Samantka Miller, Esq.
Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of our dearly, departed Irma. We have so many beautiful memories of you because you touched our lives in an extraordinary way. Gone but never forgotten. With sympathy, Addie, Dorothy and Climmie.🕊️
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
