Macon's first black councilwoman dies at age 80

In 1975, Delores Ann Brooks became the first black woman elected to Macon City Council.

On Sunday, the retired educator died at age 80.

Brooks served four terms on City Council, until 1995.

The Rev. Henry Ficklin, who served with Brooks on council, said she was one of the best friends he ever had.

"Delores was probably one of the most skillful legislators that have been through Macon," he said.

Not one for attention or grandstanding, Brooks could work with all mayoral administrations and council members, he said.

"She could maneuver her agenda in such a quiet and peaceful manner until you realized she had gotten it done."

Former Macon City Council President Gene Dunwody Sr. remembered Brooks as a formidable ally who helped him fend off a challenge to his position.

"She was a delight to have on council," Dunwody said. "She would look at the facts and always worked in what was best for the community as a whole and not one specific agenda."

Brooks could sway a committee by weighing the pros and cons of an issue, he said.

"She was pretty outspoken on things," Dunwody said. "She always took a position and was always able to convince people that her position was the right one."

In 2012, Brooks was honored as a "drum major for justice" by the Evangelical Ministers Alliance for her commitment to civil rights.

Her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church at 1180 Bartlett St. before burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Hutchings Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

To contact writer Liz Fabian, call 744-4303 and find her on Twitter

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Macon's first black councilwoman dies at age 80 ."