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Donald Brooks Obituary
Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Carter Metropolitan Church, 4601 Wichita St., Fort Worth. Entombment: Greenwood Mausoleum.
Memorials: Carter Blood Center, American Lung Association or United Negro College Fund.
Dr. Donald Arthur Brooks savored the simple things in life: his family, bridge, crossword puzzles and "less than fancy food." He was born and raised in Fort Worth and it was always a part of him. He was humbled by the blessings of a sharp mind and an opportunity for advanced education and used them to provide much-needed surgical care for the underserved black community here. A quiet but respected physician, he was the essence of a "Southern gentleman." Always kind, thoughtful and decent, he was loved by his patients and colleagues alike. He believed genuinely in treating all people with kindness, decency and respect. He was born Feb. 28, 1922, to Roy Brooks and his wife, Eula Mae. He grew up on Fort Worth's south side and graduated at the top of his class from I.M. Terrell High School in 1937. He attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas and after graduation in 1941 served in the 92nd Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. After completing his military service, Dr. Brooks and his older brother, Marion, decided to attend medical school. Even though the GI bill and money earned in summer jobs helped, it was a very difficult task. Still, he graduated third in his class from the highly ranked Howard University College of Medicine in 1950. Next, he completed his training in general surgery at the same institution. On June 24, 1956, he and the former Gloria Jewel Smith were married at her home in Washington, D.C. They returned to Fort Worth, where Dr. Brooks went into medical practice with his brother on Evans Avenue. Upon his return, he became the first black diplomate of the American Board of Surgery to establish practice in Texas, having been certified in 1957. He eventually rose to chief of surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald "Donnie" Jr.
Survivors: Wife of 48 years, Mrs. Gloria Smith Brooks; children, Dr. Ralph Brooks, Dr. Michael Brooks and Ms. Gloria Brooks; daughter-in-law, Dr. Jennifer Brooks and her mother, Ms. Elsie Ward; grandchildren, Alicia and Michael Jr.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Brooks
57 Entries
Zachery Maroney
August 18, 2018
Doctor Brooks perform surgery on me at the age of 11 when I had been shot,that was in 1977. I'll always be grateful for him saving my life. Love you and your family always.
Cheryl Walker
August 14, 2007
To the Brooks family Dr.Donald remove my tonsils when I was eleven years old and he was one of the nicest doctors I ever had. His bedside manner was one which made you comfortable even if you were scared. My prayers is that God will take you in his loving arms and comfort you till you fall asleep in his arms. His word says that He will send you a Comforter which we know as the Holy Spirit. May God bless your wonderful family.
Karen Lavore
April 7, 2006
Dearest Gloria & Family
We just found out about Donald yesterday, we are so sorry we were not able to comfort you during your initial loss. I guess being on the East Coast has its disadvantages. God Bless and watch over you.
Bessie Miles King & Family
Tanya and Edward Morris
April 7, 2006
Dr. Donald Brooks was a great doctor and a lovely man. In the 70's, when we were briefly living in Ft Worth, he and his wife Gloria, who was a childhood friend of my Mother, made us feel welcome and part of the community. During that time he was instrumental in the saving of my husband's life, literally, when my husband developed encephalitis. His kindness and friendship have never been forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to Gloria, and to the entire family, as he makes that final journey home.
Faith Cary-Ellis
January 25, 2006
I will miss Dr. Donald's kindness and compassion!
Sheryl Williams
March 30, 2005
Dr.C.J. Brooks and Family,
For every generation of doctors whom have come from your family; my family has been a patient. On behalf of my entire family,our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that the Holy Spirit abounds. It is when we praise HIM that HE will take a seat and sat down next to us. May GOD be with you and your family.
Rev. Roosevelt & Veronica Sutton
March 29, 2005
We wish to express our heart felt condolences to the Brooks' family. May God continue to keep you, especially in this difficult hour.
ANTHONY MILES
March 18, 2005
To Mrs.G. Brooks and family with love and sincere prayers from the Peggy J. McGruder- miles family i'm around the corner if if need me.
Yvette Collins
March 17, 2005
To The Brooks Family,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Less than eight months ago, we were where you are now, when we lost a husband, father and grandfather - Robert "Bob" Woods. Words cannot always express how we really feel but we hope it is a comfort to you to know that we understand. Our loved ones are not with us physically but they are always in our hearts and they will never, never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Davella Woods, Yvette Collins and son, Ryan Collins
Kelly Felps
March 16, 2005
I had the honor to work closely with Dr. Brooks for several years at the county jail prior to his retirement. He was a wonderful practitioner, a great friend, and tremendous influence on all who knew him. May God bless his entire family with sweet memories.
Kelly Felps, MD
Joyce T.
March 14, 2005
I read you bio in your guest book, & I must say you did a job well done. I know your missed by many.
Harry Haliburton & Family
March 13, 2005
We are so sorry about your loss, We will keep you and yours in our prayers
Susan Williams McElroy
March 12, 2005
To the Brooks Family:
We want you to know that we are thinking of you and that we share in both the sadness of your loss and the pride and joy of a life well-lived, that of your father and husband. We love you, and you are in our prayers.
Love,
Dr. Susan Williams McElroy
Ms. Martha Williams Chiles
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Williams, Jr.
Mrs. Charlesetta Lacy
joyce pool
March 12, 2005
what an amazing human .. he will be greatly missed and may god bless his familey.
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Miley
March 11, 2005
To the Brooks Family,
We are saddened by your loss of Dr. Donald, but we know that you all rejoice in the knowledge of his accomplishments. He was a respected colleague to me as a surgeon and, more importantly a good husband, father and grandfather. His legacy for the family and for the city is unparalleled.
Robert and Nola Miley
Kevin Johnson
March 11, 2005
To the family:
My wife and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Brooks. He was a man that stood for something and made a difference. He's left a legacy that will never be forgotten. Our only prayer now is that you all are comforted in your time of need. "Continue to throw your burdens upon God himself, and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter."(Psalms 55:22) We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Eddie Griffin
March 11, 2005
Our love and condolences to the Brooks family. From the Griffin & Haynes Family
Jennifer
March 11, 2005
This gentleman was an extremely well-respected, much loved physician in the Ft. Worth community.
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to his family at the loss of their patriarch and a tremendous role model for the children in our community.
He was a remarkable person, extremely concerned for the welfare of his patients and he was brilliant at his practice of medicine.
HE WILL BE MISSED!
CARLOTTA GRADY
March 10, 2005
I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE HOMEGOING OF DR. BROOKS. I PRAY THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT EARTH HAS NO SORROWS THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL. THE BROOKS FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS.
Jennifer Mehta
March 10, 2005
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a nice man. I remember working with Dr. Brooks at St. Joseph Hospital. My sympathy goes out to the Brooks family in their time of sadness. God bless you.
Carlotta Rhetta Campbell
March 10, 2005
Bootsie, Buffy, Butch, Moma(Wilhelmina) and I, send our deepest love, support, and condolences to you and the children. We love you always. Donald was a special and rare person for his time, a very honest, gentle and caring man.
Yours cousin,
Bunny
(Dr. & Mrs. Wilburn A. Campbell, Jr.
John&Freddie Breed
March 10, 2005
Thinking of your Family and praying that God will comfort you, because He is with you in your time of sorrow and always.
Rubynell Bloomer
March 9, 2005
To the Brooks family;
May God bless you & keep you in this your time of loss.
Wanda Mazone
March 9, 2005
My Love & Prayers are with the Brook's family.
David, Dianne and Family Capper
March 9, 2005
Dearest Brooks Family,
You know by Dr Broook's example as a man and a physician, a husband and a father, what a great man that he was. We have been blessed by him, by his contributions to our city, and by his selfless dedication as a physician and surgeon to his patients and his colleagues. We pray that The Lord comfort you in your loss.
Linda Abbs
March 9, 2005
To: Roy & Dr.Clarence Brooks and
The Brooks Family
I'm so sorry to here of the lost of Dr.Donald Brooks, Who delivered my brother.
I also enjoyed working with him at Tarrant County Jail on Medical 5th floor as his medical Secretary.
Getting his patients ready for sick call. He was a good man, and he touched many lives in the community .
We will miss him, We know GOD has a better place for him now.
Extending deep and heartfelt Sympathy to you and your Family
Linda Abbs of Fort Worth Texas
Enna Sue Brooks Aikens
March 9, 2005
To My Dear Family,
I am so sorry that I cannot be with you, but be assured that I am with you in spirit. I will always cherish the fond memories of my uncles Donald, Jack and Roy. They kept the memory of my father alive in me. Even though there were many miles between us, I never forgot that I was and will always be a Brooks. Please know that I love you all.
Patricia Hamilton
March 9, 2005
To: Mrs. Brooks
From: Big Pat & Little Pat
Yor have my deepest sympathy at your time of loss, if there is anything that we can do, please feel free to call upon me.
May God Bless & Keep You Always
Edward & Addie Guinn
March 8, 2005
We share your loss. Donald was a wonderful person and an excellent physician.
With deepest sympathy,
Edward & Addie and family.
Kim McKinney-Lyons
March 8, 2005
To: The Brooks Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May God Bless and comfort you in your time of need and sorrow.
Blake Woodard
March 8, 2005
Michael -
I did not know your father personally but only through his wonderful reputation in our city. Fort Worth has lost a great citizen.
God Bless You,
1-Yet Urbanstyle Adv.
March 8, 2005
Dr.D.Brook was caring doctor, and our heart felt sympathy and prayers are with all of you.
Terrie Elise Smith
March 8, 2005
I will always remember how much you were there for me...you will surely be missed.
love you!!!
Oswald Brookins
March 8, 2005
The Brook's Family are in our prayers.
Willie Carter
March 8, 2005
You have our prayers at this time of sorrow, Dr. Brooks was my father's doctor untill he went to be with the Lord in 1997, Elder Hughbert Carter Sr., Thank you for giving us your best.
Willie Felix Carter
Candidate for President of The United States, Graduate of I.M. Terrell High of Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. Air Force Retired Senior Master Sergeant.
Revs. Archie and Kyev Tatum
March 8, 2005
To The Brooks Family:
Our prayers and thoughts are WITH you during this time of sadness and reflections. Dr. Brooks was a good man and a true gentleman. Be encouraged and know that the bible is true, that "all things work together for the GOOD of them who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose," Romans 8:28. Be blessed.
"Be still sad hearts and cease repinning. Behind the dark cloud the sun is still shinning. Thy fate is a common fate of all, in to each life some rain must fall." Henry Longfellow
The Tatum Family
1333 E. Magnolia Ave
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817-348-8884
SHARON MASON-FORD
March 8, 2005
TO: MRS.BROOK & THE CHILDREN
WITH THE LORD AS YOUR STRENGTH KNOWING HE IS TOO WISE TO MAKE A MISTAKE AND TOO LOVING AND KIND TO NOT DO WHAT IS BEST FOR US.
HE CAME AND PICKED OF HIS JEWEL.
MY PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR YOU.
WE HONOR DOCTOR BROOKS FOR HIS COURAGE AND STAND IN OUR COMMUNITY
AS A AFRICAN AMERICAN DOCTOR CARING FOR HIS PEOPLE.
SENDING LOVE & PRAYERS,
EVANGELIST SHARON MASON-FORD AND PRESHAWN FORD
Glenn Forbes
March 8, 2005
To Mrs. Brooks,Michael, Ralph and GG, our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during your time of mourning. We cannot know your pain in losing Dr. Brooks, but we can encourage you that with faith in GOD, each day over time, the happier memories overshadow your present pain. When many have dissappeared, we will be there for you. The Forbes Family
Charlotte Graham
March 8, 2005
Mrs. Brooks and family,
While I did not have the opportunity to know Dr. Brooks well, the few times I was in his prescence were remarkable. I knew before me was a loving, decent, warm and respected man. I am truly saddened for your loss. A scripture that often brings me peace: Isaiah 25: 8, 9.
My prayers are with your family,
Charlotte Graham
Willie and Barbara Hobbs
March 8, 2005
Gloria,
Please know you and your family have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many happy memories of Don.
Gerald Hardgraves
March 8, 2005
To the Brooks Family:
May the LORD bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
KIM PIERCE
March 8, 2005
TO DR. C.J. BROOKS & FAMILY:
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY OF DR. A. BROOKS. ANYONE WHO IS OR EVER HAS BEEN A PATIENT OF BROOKS CLINIC, KNOWS HOW TRULY BLESSED WE WERE TO HAVE SUCH A MAGNIFICENT FAMILY OF BLACK DR.S WHO CARED ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND MORE THAN OFTEN NEVER CHARGED FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ALL OF YOU, WHO STOOD TRUE TO YOUR GROUND ROOTS, AFTER BECOMING PRESTIGIOUS PHYSICIANS WHO DEEMED OUR HEALTH MORE IMPORTANT THAN FILLING THEIR POCKETS. AND THE CARING GENES THAT MUST HAVE SURELY BEEN HEREDITARY, FOR IT TRAVELED THROUGH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. WE AS A COMMUNITY THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR US. AND FOR CONTINUING TO FOLLOW IN THE PATH OF GREATNESS AND INTEGRITY.
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL, FOR ONE DAY WE SHALL MEET ON THE OTHER SIDE, ON THE RIGHT HAND OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.....
WITH HEARTFELT LOVE
YOUR PATIENTS
Mary Khoury R.N.
March 7, 2005
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Dr.Donald Brooks at St. Joseph's Hospital in surgery.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless.
Tommy Edwards
March 7, 2005
To the Brooks family: I am saddened at this time. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences. Take care and stay strong.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaun L. Wiley
March 7, 2005
Our deepest and heart felt sympathies go out to you and your families. We have known your families all our lives. We are truly saddened by this event. Anything we can do to ease the sorrow of losing a loved one ,please let us know, Shaun and Daphne Wiley
Dr. Robert L. Jones
March 7, 2005
To Mrs. Brooks and Family:
It was my great pleasure to have met both you and the esteemed Dr. Brooks as well as having served as your optometrist. I'm going to miss Doc's wisdom and his gentle nature. In all ways imaginable, his passing is a great loss for both the medical and professional and the general community at large. Please accept my humble condolences as well as gratitude for the living of a life that helped to pave the way for the success of so many who followed.
James Brown
March 7, 2005
To: Roy Brooks and the Brook's Clan,
Now the laborer’s task is over;
Now the Battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyayer at last.
It is with great sorrow that we part with our brother on this side of Jordan, but oh what joy when we meet on the other side.
When we reach that blessed homeland, Where there's everlasting day; On that bright and blessed morning, God shall wipe all tears away.
Always bear in mind that spirit was never born and spirit can never die. Remember that God gives grace for each trial, and courage for each sorrow and faith to face in confidence a blessed, sweet, blissful and bright tommorrow.
With warm regards,
James Brown,
Ollie Green-Epps
March 7, 2005
My prayers are with the Brooks family. My family spent many days at the Brooks Clinic on Evans. Between seeing the Brooks Brothers, or Dr. Walter Williams, you always felt as if you were well taken care of. Look to the hills for your help, your help will always come from the Lord.
Ollie Green-Epps (Daughter of the late Flo & Sonnie Green)
Herbert Standifer
March 7, 2005
To Mrs. Brooks, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved husband! To Michael, Donald, and Gloria I am so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved father! I am sure that he will be truly missed, I am missing him already!
If there is anything you need please, make your wishes be made known, I am just a phone call away.And it shall be done!
Peace+,Blessings+,Love+,
Herbert Standifer
May God Make His Countenance To Shine Upon You And May God Be With You Until We Meet Again........AMEN!
Betty Sanders Russell
March 7, 2005
To:Dr. C.J. Brooks and family
My heart felt sympathy and prayers
are with all of you, Dr. Donald was a wonderful man and doctor. I worked with him at St. Joseph's for several years and was a patient of his on two occassions. We'll all miss him.
Jesse J & Val Miller
March 7, 2005
Our condolences are with you.
Richard and Patsy Mulholland
March 7, 2005
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Brooks family.
Keith Overstreet
March 7, 2005
To Roy & Family:
On behalf of the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and the Fort Worth-Dallas American Indian community, please accept our sincere prayers and sympathy. We did not have the privilege to know Dr. Donald Arthur Brooks, but we have known you and feel for that reason, honor and respect is appropriate from us to you and your family. What wonderful legacies continue onward from Drs. Marion and Donald Arthur! May the Creator bless all during this time.
W. Keith Overstreet
Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas
Pastor Edgar E. Roberson
March 7, 2005
Being a long time resident of Fort Worth, and as a former Pastor there I grew up watching Dr. Brooks reach out and help the black community throughout the years when others would not. We are eternally grateful for his pioneering and his contributions to the city of Fort Worth, especially the black community. It's possible that we never really realized his value while he yet lived. But in death his legacy speaks out from the beyond saying, What a great physician and a magnimonious testetimony left by this great man. I no longer pastor in Fort Worth but in Tyler, Tx. now but we send our heart felt sympathy from the True Vine Baptist Church of Tyler. Our prayers are with the family in this time of Sorrow.
Sherry Naumann
March 6, 2005
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. I have found that the scripture in Rev. 21:3,4 to be of solace to me, it quotes: "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: "Look the tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
The Bible promises us that some time in the future all will have everlasting life with their resurrected loved ones and no one will have to be sick or fall asleep in death ever again.
my smpathies,
Sherry Naumann
Maurice Simpson
March 6, 2005
Roy,sharing your burdens with you at this time. I just want you to know that you have my deepest sympathies. Your family has contribrited so much to Fort Worth in general and the black community in particular. You are on your way to in keeping the progress going. Thank you and your family for all they continue to do.
Reverand Maurice Simpson
Ps. tell Hobart hello.
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