Dulce Maria Muirhead Brooks
March 1, 1921 – July 24, 2015
Dulce Maria Muirhead Brooks died Friday, July 24, 2015. Dulce was born March 1, 1921 in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil to Dr. and Mrs. H.H. Muirhead. She was the eighth child born to the missionary couple and came to the states at 15. She earned her B.A. from Baylor University, married Richard H. Brooks in 1941, and was a mother to five children. After a career with a Dallas travel agency, she retired to Waco in 1989, living with her sister, Sudie Adams. Dulce was fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and was a member of the local French Club. Always vivacious, she loved music, dancing, reading, travel and most of all, people.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Brooks; her brothers, J.J. Muirhead, M.D., S.J. Muirhead, M.D., E.E. Muirhead, M.D., and Harry Muirhead; and her sisters, Sudie M. Adams, Bess M. Estes, and Elena M. Ware. She is survived by her children, Richard S. Brooks, Beverly B. Downward, Tom H. Brooks, Joe K. Brooks, and Cinda B. Lewis; her 10 grandchildren; and her eight great-grandchildren.
Sweet lady, you have certainly lived well, teaching us to enjoy the present moment and love generously. Com muito carrido, sentiremos saudades.
A memorial service was held in Dulce’s honor at Lake Shore Baptist Church on July 28, 2015, with worship leaders including the following:
Guilherme Almeida, Lecturer in Musical Theater, Baylor University
Bill Bellinger, minister and Lake Shore friend
Joe Brooks, son of Dulce
Richard Brooks, son of Dulce
Emily Downward, granddaughter of Dulce
Margaret Kimbell, fellow “Missionary Kid” from Brazil
Jennifer Martin, granddaughter of Dulce
Judy Prather, Lake Shore friend
Sharlande Sledge, Associate Pastor, Lake Shore Baptist Church
Stephanie Walker, granddaughter of Dulce