Add a Memory
Make a Donation
John Brooks Obituary
Once home, John began his career with General Motors and met and married the love of his life, Cynthia Manning Roberson in 1975. They moved to West Virginia and had two daughters before relocating the family to Lawrenceville, Georgia in 1984. In Georgia, John began his role as Regional Sales Manager for GM, a position he would hold until his well-earned retirement in 2017. Through the years, John and Cindy raised their daughters and shared their home with a few toy poodles and several Shar Peis they loved and spoiled endlessly.
In 2018, Cindy preceded John in death after a long battle with ovarian cancer. John is survived by his two daughters, Allison Dumonjic and Blair Keenan; his six grandchildren, Santana Ricardo, Orlando Ricardo, Effy Keenan, Sullivan Keenan, Sayer Keenan, and Hawk Dumonjic; and his two siblings, Robbie Brooks and Mary Lester. He is missed and well-remembered by family, friends, and colleagues.
In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Ovarian Cancer Institute (ovariancancerinstitute.org) or ASPCA (www.aspca.org) in John's memory. Please also share your memories and photos of John here in celebration of his life.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
16 Entries
Orlando Ricardo
January 22, 2024
This is kinda a many moments but my favorite memories of GP are the car rides I would have with him. Whenever he would drop me off somewhere I would always have the chance for us to talk and he would tell me so many stories of his past and it would always be funny and just really enjoyable.
I´m glad it was peaceful for him and I know he´s in a better place continually watching over and supporting me as he always did. I love you GP and I´m so thankful to have you as my grandad.
Andrew Mitchell
January 22, 2024
What I want to remember most about my Brother-in-law John, is the time before he lost Cindy and encountered health issues. They were both taken too soon from family.
Whenever we visited him in Georgia, he was always a kind and gracious host. We would sit at the kitchen table and talk about work, our children, the expanding hoard of grandkids, and dogs, both his and ours. Or we'd be up late in the den, continuing our conversations, lots of time just spent listening to his stories. I was always the one to give up first and head to bed.
At first our arrivals and departures were accompanied by the traditional handshake. At some point he decided that a hug was needed. The first attempt, he was a bit awkward, but thereafter it was always in family-like comfort.
I always new what was going on with his grandkids, as he was very much into providing updates on each. And when they would be there with us, he was always interactive with them. He really seemed to like being their GP!
Those are the things I want to remember about him.
Rest in peace Brother John.
Marc Chatfield
January 18, 2024
Lots of good memories of John, Robbie and Mary growing up on Griffith St. in South Ashland. He was a good man and I´m sure will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Kim Mitchell
January 16, 2024
Those were the days!
How you can show support
Kim
January 16, 2024
Ah, Johnny, all the memories. From trips to Flordia after Dad died, to weddings, births, deaths, family gatherings, and parties, not the least of which was a disco bash in the basement on James Court. All the visits and hamburgers and long talks into the night. So much to cherish in a life well spend. Your generosity is noted by all those that knew you. Secret generosities like buying tiny Whitman samplers at valentine's day which you sent through the tube of the bank's drive in windows to the tellers inside may not have been known my many, but was a part of the John I knew. The past five years have been difficult for you at best, but you persevered through the loneliness, grief, fear, despair, and illness. Now you are free, dear John. May you find peace. Love you.
Blair Keenan
January 16, 2024
Blair Keenan
January 16, 2024
Blair Keenan
January 16, 2024
The man, the myth, the donut legend...GP always came bearing gifts for the Grands and 99.9% of those gifts were in donut form. Gift-giving was his love language, and Effy, Sullivan, Sayer gobbled up every sweet bit of it. Also pictured, Dad and I on Halloween 2019. Technically the 2nd Halloween after mom passed, and I remember being really happy he still came out without mom. Our street has thousands of trick-or-treaters, and he got so much joy from seeing the kids and handing out candy. You are and will be missed, Dad. Sending you donut vibes, sticky hands, and all the love from the Keenan Crew.
Beth Sterling
January 15, 2024
The Sterlings always enjoyed our special times with John. From enjoying the Holidays together, Friday night dinners & just sitting on his back porch visiting with him & Blondie. He could tell stores for hours. Such a joy to be around and we were so happy he came to Ashland to spend the last couple years.
Cindy Truett
January 15, 2024
Allison and Blair,
I am so very sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. He was a fine man and I admired him and your mom so much. You were blessed with the gift of incredible parents. I will be holding you all close in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Truett
Santana Ricardo
January 15, 2024
I´ll never forget how generous GP was with us, his grandchildren. All any of us had to do was say what we wanted, and if it was in the realm of possibility, he´d absolutely do it. As a man who worked for everything he had, his willingness to use that money for us whenever possible speaks to the love he held for his grandchildren. I love you Grandfather, rest in peace.
Cyndy Palmer
January 15, 2024
I am so sorry for the loss of John. He was a good man, and very good to my family. One of the first things he ever said to me was " Don´t ever buy a vehicle without talking to me first." And so, we never did. I think of Cindy every day. Now I will think of them together again.
John didn´t call me by my first name...he took his lead from when Orlando was a 3 year old, and simply called me Palmer.
Love and hugs...thoughts and prayers
Nina Bowden
January 15, 2024
My heart just shattered into a million pieces. John was my mentor, my co-worker/co-conspirator, and my true and dear friend. So many laughs and great memories between us during our years working together. He always affectionately called me "Princess" and every time he did it made me feel special. I know his hear was forever broken when Cindy passed and while he lived for his girls and their families they created, I knew his heart still belonged with her. Rest in peace dearest friend. I´m so glad you are reunited with the love of your life. Thank you for living on forever in my heart and memories together.
Allison Dumonjic
January 15, 2024
Allison Dumonjic
January 15, 2024
Allison Dumonjic
January 15, 2024
Hopefully you are now at peace. Dancing and Skiing with mom. We love you Dad.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in John Brooks's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Brooks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more