John. J Brooks
His Life, His Story, His Legacy
John J. Brooks ”Son” went home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021, at the age of 96 years old, at Community Hospital in Anderson, Indiana after a brief illness. He was born November 1, 1924 to Elder Oliver Brooks, Sr., and Annie Collins Brooks in Schlater, Mississippi and raised by Oliver Brooks and his Step-Mother, Hattie Seal Brooks.
He was married to Bernice Jackson on May 10, 1949 in Mississippi and moved to Anderson Indiana shortly afterward. Mr. Brooks retired from General Motors and along the way he worked for the Anderson City School System and City of Anderson Transit. He was a faithful member of the Anderson Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years where he was baptized by Rev. J.T. Menifee. He was one of the first members and President of the Anderson Zion Baptist Male Chorus; he served on the Brotherhood, and Usher Board. He regularly attended Sunday School and served as a Trustee, on the Finance Committee, and other various roles in the church. He and his wife were among the first members of the James Warner Gospel Highlight Thanksgiving Day Dinner. He is affectionally called Bro Brooks and Uncle Son. He is a United States Army Veteran and Decorated with the WW II Victory medal, and the Occupation Ribbon ETO.
He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, three sons: Taszel “Toby” Brooks – Minneapolis, MN, John (Barbara) Brooks – Pooler, GA and Dr. Horace (Roberta) Brooks – Anderson, Indiana. Four daughters: Neva Brooks – St Louis, MO, Brenetta (Myron) Bannister – Columbus, Ohio, Shonnie Brooks – Anderson, Indiana, and Andrika Radford Brooks – Columbus, OH.
Twenty one grandchildren: Kelebra Patterson, Phyllis Patterson, Jason Brooks, Katie (Michael) Jones, Curt (Tami) Austin, Tyron (Kalisha) Hayes, Jabaar (Anisa) Hayes, Victoria (Kenny) Caldwell, Mia Harrington, Napoleon Harrington, Omega (George) Tandy IV, LaMonte Baxter, Varquise English, Patrick Raymore, Artanner Cooley, LyKia Richardson, Martez Alexander, Kaleah Spears, Mekel McCollough, Laniya Gullion and Tishawn Barnes. Thirty nine great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Brothers-in-law: John (Annie) Jackson, Horace Jackson Jr., Sylvester Jackson, and Willie Jackson. Sisters-in-Law: Queen Brooks, Nora Boyd, Dorothy McGrady and Dr. Lardie (Pastor Mario) Elcock.
Brother Brooks has several special friends and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his bride and the love of his life for 56 years, Bernice Brooks, his parents, and one granddaughter, Tequyla Brooks. Two brothers: Jester (Mary Francis) Brooks and Oliver Brooks, Jr. Sisters: Rosie Brooks, Minnie (Mose) Booker, Mary and his Best Friend and Fishing Buddy Joseph Hopgood, and Annie Williams. Sisters and Brothers-in-Law: Jerline “Red” (J.C.) Parker, Ella Dunson, Harson (Cindy) Jackson, Delano Jackson, Willie “Bill” Boyd, Josh McGrady, and Calvin Mack.
Our family wishes to voice appreciation to the staff at Community Hospital and Dr. Evelyn Bose.
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