Ms. Jean Dare Brooks Elrod, age 88, of Cedartown, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2015.  She was born on September 21, 1926 in Cedartown, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Clarence Edward Brooks and Lennye Vida Phillips and sister of the late Carolyn Brooks Goss (Tom).  Jean was retired from many years of service to local radio station WGAA. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ms. Elrod is survived by her children; Mitch Elrod (Kelly Bird) of Feura Bush, New York, LuAnn Elrod Garmon (Don) of Cedartown, and Ned Elrod (Malee) also of Cedartown.  Ms. Elrod is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Elijah Garmon, Jeremy Garmon, David Garmon, Sarah Tolman, Rebekah Baird, Abel Garmon, Melissa Moore, and Luke Elrod, as well as 13 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Now let's get down to the heart of the matter.  From the day that she was born until the day that she died, Jean Dare Brooks Elrod was surrounded by friends and family who loved her dearly.  It was with many of these loved ones that Jean enjoyed some of her most memorable adventures in life.  Her first fellow adventurer was her sister, Carolyn. Jean and Carolyn did everything together whether it was attending school, chasing their dog Brownie, or working their first job at the West Theater.  In a time when soda pop and popcorn were just a nickel, Jean enjoyed serving concessions at the West.

Throughout her high school years, Jean rooted for the Bulldogs as a CHS cheerleader. After graduation, Jean started her next adventure writing for the Cedartown Standard.  Before long, she was also writing for the Polk County Times and the Austell Enterprise.  She especially loved covering weddings and writing about all of the beautiful details of each grand event.  Previous to 1955 when she was married to the late Chuck Elrod, Jean had a ball with her fellow little adventurers, Shelby, Brooke, and Carol Lynn.  They had the best time having "amateur night," and putting on a show.  Over the next five years, Jean was blessed with three wonderful children – Mitch, LuAnn, and Ned.  Jean and the kids had a grand time together, having adventures like going to Tanner's Beach, trips to Ideal Bakery, and spending time with Carolyn and her husband Tom at their home.  In the early 1960's, Jean embarked on an adventure that would last 30 years – working at Cedartown's own WGAA.

After her retirement from the radio station in 1991, Jean's adventures consisted of painting, sewing, weaving baskets out of newspaper, cooking for her family (potato candy and Granny taters were often requested), working at the Cedartown Welcome Center, buying unique Christmas presents for every member of the family, holding court with the Supper Club at Cedar Heights, and making people happy.  Jean had a giving heart.  She would insist that everyone who came to visit her have a Hershey's Kiss.  Jean also had many adventures playing pranks and telling jokes with her grandchildren.  Even with 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, she never met a baby that wasn't the prettiest baby she'd ever laid eyes on.  Her capacity to love people was enormous.  She had the ability to make people feel like they were the best in the world!  She had a testimony of her Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  She left this world at peace, excited for her next big adventure on the other side of the veil.  "Ah, me old Irish Granny!  She was mighty pretty, she was mighty sweet, she was my candy bones, and my little sugar meat!"

The family of Ms. Elrod will receive friends on Monday, February 2, 2015 from six o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock in the evening at Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel in Buchanan, Georgia.Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting the Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel website and signing the online guestbook at www.hutchesonsmemorialchapel.com .  The family asks that flowers please be omitted.  A private memorial service will be held at a later time.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.