Jessie Valerie Brooks

Jessie Valerie Brooks, 74, of Dryden, Virginia, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. Known by most as "Val", she was born on January 2, 1952, in Harlan, Kentucky to the late Daniel James Simpson and Agnes Long. She was a faithful member of The House of Prayer in Jesus Name. She will always be remembered for how much she loved God, her unforgettable cooking, and how deeply she cared for and loved everyone around her.

Along with her parents, Jessie is also preceded in death by her late husband, Sherman Ward; as well as three brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Brooks of Corbin, Kentucky; three sons, Mark Ward (Tammy), Matthew Ellis Ward (Aprille) of Richmond, Kentucky, and Marshall Edward Ward (Lesley); one daughter, Melissa Carter (Ronnie); four brothers, John Simpson, Fred Simpson, James "Pete" Simpson, and Tom Simpson; fourteen grandchildren. Jermey, Jordan, Brooke, Jessica, Mark Jr, Marshall, Little Sherman, Brendle, Mattilynn, Kolden, Kiersten, Courtney, Keyaria, and Kadin; as well as nineteen great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM with Pastor Bruce Helton officiating. Burial will be the following day, Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Resthaven Cemetery with a graveside service starting at 11:00 AM.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Jessie Valerie Brooks.