Freida Wenona Faulkenberry Brooks,
beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Freida was born on August 30, 1932 in the Ogden community of Paducah, Cottle County, Texas, to Faunce Albert Faulkenberry and Mary Pauline Wise Faulkenberry. Freida attended Floydada County Schools and graduated from high school in 1949 as a Floydada Whirlwind.
Freida started her banking career in the First National Bank of Floydada at the age of 18. She worked there until her marriage to Delwin C. Brooks, June 21, 1952, at First Baptist Church in Floydada, Texas. After marrying, the couple moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, where Delwin worked for Dow Chemical.
While in Hobbs, they had one daughter, Connie Suzanne. After the birth of their daughter in 1954, they moved back to Paducah to farm. Freida then continued her banking career in 1956 at the First National Bank in Paducah. She worked there for more than 50 years and for four different presidents. Freida was recognized in 2015 by the FDIC in Dallas for her 60-plus years of distinguished service in the banking industry. She received the award for meritorious service, leadership and excellence in banking. She retired from the First National Bank in 2015 and continued to serve on the board of directors for a short time.
Freida was baptized as a child and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Floydada. When she and Delwin moved back to Paducah she moved her membership by letter to the First Baptist Church of Paducah. Freida was a faithful member there for 73 years and wore many hats. She served as children’s choir director, taught children’s Sunday School and organized the puppet program. She made the puppets and costumes and directed the skits as well. She was instrumental in getting Delwin to construct the puppet house that is still used today in Vacation Bible School. Freida was also involved in the Adult Choir for many years. She also served on many church committees as well as served as church treasurer for 20 years.
Freida was known as Wenona to Floyd County citizens but upon moving to Paducah, an aunt began referring to her as Freida and that remains to this day.
Freida was a very civic-minded woman who was very involved in community affairs and club activities. She was a member of the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans Association, the 1923 Sorosis Club, the Euterpian Music Club and the Art Club, and she organized the Old Settlers Program for a number of years. She was a charter member of the 1964 Study Club.
Freida is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Delwin; son-in-law Steve Paschall; granddaughter Cacey Anne Paschall; and two brothers, Scott Faulkenberry and Wayland Faulkenberry.
Left to cherish her memory are daughter Suzanne Paschall; grandson Cole Brooks Paschall and wife, Cristi; and granddaughter Lindsey Anne Paschall. She leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Camden Paschall and Jace Albus; one brother, Don Faulkenberry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Paducah.
Special thanks go to Matador Health and Rehab and Interim Hospice Care for their excellent care.
Graveside services were held Saturday July 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery Paducah, Texas, followed by a memorial gathering at the First Baptist Church Paducah, Texas.