Bill

HMR 1012

TO REMEMBER HETTIE LUE BROOKS AS AN ARKANSAS LEGEND WHO POSITIVELY IMPACTED THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF ARKANSANS AS WELL AS PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 4 co-sponsors

House Memorial Resolution 1012 honors Hettie Lue Brooks as an Arkansas legend, recognizing decades of youth work, faith-based service, and Belize ministry impacting thousands.

READ AND ADOPTED.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HMR 1012

Summary of House Memorial Resolution HMR 1012

Overview

Bill Type: House Memorial Resolution (HMR)
Bill Number: HMR 1012
Title: TO REMEMBER HETTIE LUE BROOKS AS AN ARKANSAS LEGEND WHO POSITIVELY IMPACTED THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF ARKANSANS AS WELL AS PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.
Status: Read and Adopted (House of Representatives)
Introduced: April 7, 2025
Committee Action: Read the first time (rules suspended); referred to the Committee on House Management; Do Pass; Read and Adopted following committee action
Sponsors: Primary — Bentley; Co-sponsors — A. Brown, McGrew, Cozart, Warren

Purpose and Intent

The resolution memorializes Hettie Lue Brooks as an Arkansas legend and acknowledges that she positively impacted thousands of Arkansans and people worldwide. It serves as a formal expression of the House’s respect and recognition of her life and contributions.

Background on Hettie Lue Brooks

Lifelong Hot Springs resident; died April 2, 2025 (age 93).
Known affectionately as "Mim"; married Don Brooks in 1954.
Education and early service: Hendrix College graduate; youth pastor at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church; taught high school in Fountain Lake and Jessieville districts.
Foundational community work and ministries:
- Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp began in 1964; over 61 years of operation.
- Founded Christian Ministries Church in 1972; celebrated 53 years of ministry.
- Started Christian Ministries Academy in 1980.
- Involved with Hot Springs Women of Prayer since 1986 (over 39 years of praying for the city).
- Spent about 40 years ministering to Belize via an orphanage, school, and church.
- Hosted women’s seminars for 50 years; was planning to host another last year before health prevented it.
Family: Preceded in death by husband Don Brooks; survived by children Tim, Missie, and Rodney, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Effects

Core Provision: A formal House resolution recognizing Hettie Lue Brooks as an Arkansas legend and highlighting her broad community impact.
Recognition Mechanism: Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution is to be presented to Brooks’ family by the Chief Clerk of the House.
Nature of the Measure: Substantively symbolic; memorial resolutions do not modify law or authorize expenditures. They express official acknowledgment and tribute.

Procedural History and Timeline

Filed: April 7, 2025
First Reading: April 8, 2025 (rules suspended; referred to House Management)
Committee Action: April 9, 2025 — Do Pass
Floor Action: April 10, 2025 — Read and Adopted
Current Status: Adopted memorial in the 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Impact and Significance

The resolution formalizes the public remembrance of Hettie Lue Brooks and documents her lasting contributions to youth, education, faith-based community services, and international ministry (notably in Belize).
It acknowledges decades of leadership in camps, churches, academies, prayer organizations, and women’s seminars.
As a non-binding memorial, it serves primarily to recognize service and inspire community values rather than alter policy or funding.