Sulayne Elinor (Hornor) Brooks, 81, of Shinnston, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at United Hospital Center surrounded with the love of her “adopted” extended family by her side. “Adopted” daughter, Amy Wilson, her husband Chad, their children and other of their caring family members (all of surrounding area) were her devoted caregivers during her illness and the steadfast providers of courage and tenacity following the death of her husband of 50 years, soulmate and love of her life, Joseph “Joe” Delbert Brooks.
She was born in Clarksburg on October 25, 1942, to the late James “Jack” (Richardson) Hornor and Millofred “Millie” (Malloy) Hornor, and she was the granddaughter of Dr. J.S. and Gertrude Maloy of Shinnston. She was a dynamic and vivacious personality, who found great joy in caring for others. Her affectionate nature and wonderful sense of humor made those she cared for feel beloved.
A graduate of Lumberport High School, Sulayne spent much of her life self-employed and continuously pursuing greater skill and achievement personally as an artist but also as an art instructor. She was certified in the style of and by Bob Ross, Dorothy Dent, Peggy Harris and May Owens. Additionally, she was a member of the Artists United Fleet Reserve Auxiliary, National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters Inc.
Sulayne was a member of the APP Muzzle Loading Club, WV State Muzzle Loading Association, Eastern Star #103 Officer, Women in the Outdoors member of the Middle Island Longbeards/NWTF.
She was a collector of angels and possessed a magical green thumb for plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs. She enjoyed membership in the Shinnston Women’s Club and Garden Club of St. Marys, WV.
She is survived by her older sister, Shannon (Hornor) Tansey, nieces: Maureen M. Tansey and Colleen Tansey Keller; great nephews: Griffen J. Keller and Dylan J. Keller all of Richmond, VA. Sulayne is also survived by three beloved grandsons: Jeffery Adam Benbenek of Dunnellon, FL; Larry Allen Benbenek and wife Tatiana and their children: Shelby and Charlie of Bratislava, Slovakia and Joseph Benbenek and wife Sonya of Virginia Beach, VA and Joe’s daughter, Deb Marion and her husband Bob of The Villages, FL.
Though we are saddened by the loss of her in our lives, she is now relieved of all physical pain and rejoined with Joe, her everything, enjoying eternity with him in peace.
Family and friends will be received at Dorsey Funeral Home, 701 S. Pike St., Shinnston, on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm for visitation. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 1:00pm with Pastor Kevin Nuzum officiating. Entombment will follow to Floral Hills Cemetery.
Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Brooks family.