Heather “Brooks” Dabney, 33, Spring Hill, Kansas, a beacon of love and strength, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024, in Olathe, Kansas. Born on April 22, 1991, in Joplin, Missouri. Heather’s vibrant spirit and infectious energy were evident from the start. She grew up in a warm family circle that included her devoted parents, her dear sister Breanna Brooks.
Heather’s formative years in Sarcoxie, Missouri, were marked by her competitive nature and athletic prowess. A graduate of Sarcoxie High School’s class of 2009, she excelled in track and cross country, qualifying for state in both, and shone as a basketball player. Heather’s relentless determination and “tremendous motor” were hallmarks of her character, both on the sports field and beyond. She carried this same energy into her academic pursuits, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri.
Professionally, Heather dedicated her life to serving others as a Deputy Juvenile Officer in Cass County Missouri, and later as a Probation and Parole Officer in South Carolina. Her courage and adventurous spirit made her a respected figure in her field, where she worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those she supervised.
Above all, Heather was a loving and incredible mother to her two sons, Drew and Jonah. Heather’s role as a mother was her most cherished. Her love for her boys was boundless, and she instilled in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and joy.
Heather’s legacy is one of love and inspiration. Her adventurous soul led her to embrace life’s challenges with courage. She was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength to all who knew her. Her laughter was infectious, her smile unforgettable, and her dedication to her family and her work unwavering.
As we say goodbye to Heather, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by an unyielding spirit and a deep commitment to her loved ones. She will be profoundly missed by her family, including her husband, Jared, sons, Drew and Jonah, all of Spring Hill, Kansas; parents, Scott and Paula Brooks, Sarcoxie, Missouri; sister, Breanna Brooks, Joplin, Missouri; grandmother, Sally Clapper, Carthage, Missouri; grandfather, Ralph Brooks, Sarcoxie, Missouri; niece, Skaia Brooks, Sarcoxie, Missouri; aunt, Tammy Penrow (Michael), St. Thomas USVI; and a host of friends and colleagues who were touched by her vibrant presence. She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Harpo Clapper; and grandma, Patricia Brooks.
Let us honor Heather’s memory by living with the same passion and determination she exhibited every day. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. Heather “Brooks” Dabney’s story is one of a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a love unending. She has left us too soon, but the impact of her life’s journey will be felt for generations to come.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 11 am Friday, December 27, 2024, at Dudman Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
