Charles L. Brooks

Deacon Charles Lewis Brooks was an honorable man of God who loved his family and lived his life on purpose, guided by the Spirit of God. He was born to the late Dewitt Brooks and Mary Beatrice Branch in Meridian, Mississippi on December 13,1932. His mother later married Roosevelt Branch, who was both father and friend to him. He was baptized at an early age at Ebenezeer Baptist Church and attended East End Elementary School, Weschler Junior High School. T.J. Harris Senior High School and Jackson State College.
In 1952, after a year of college, he joined the United States Air Force thinking he would see the world, instead, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He wasn't too disappointed because he was only 165 miles from Flora May, the love of his life. who he married on November 7,1964 at the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the father of four children: Cathy, Curtis, Miatta (Andre Carter) and Nigel. They are blessed with seven grandchildren: Lamar, Deniesha, Nigel Jr., Alexis, Noel, Elijah, London, Jalena, Kiyanna, LaShayla, LaShanté, and Jamal, and 3 great grandchildren: Braxton, Ariyah, Hazel, and Milan. They have 3 Goddaughters Sidney Person Hammond, Jeannie Irving, and Marcia Kirksey Staten. Deacon and Deaconess Brooks have been spiritually and harmoniously blessed for 59 years.
Deacon Brooks continued his service in the United States Air Force, after 30 years he retired May 19, 1983, at the rank of Chief Master Sargent. His military career included six years as a Communication Electronic Systems Manager, 21 years as Ground Radio Communications Superintendent; and 3 years as a Personnel Specialist. He retired while serving as manager of the Angus Support Center, Andrews Air Force Base, MD. He served his country with valor and vigor while being stationed at seven Air Force Bases in seven states across the United States and four bases around the world to include Vietnam, Greenland, Japan, and England. In honor of his dedicated and exceptional service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. While his service in the United States Air Force was with dedicated and distinguished service, complete with medals, ribbons, and oak leaf clusters, his passion in life was sharing his God given talent of helps in every community he lived. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service before moving on to the Library of Congress.
Deacon Brooks responded to the call of God in 1966 and was ordained as a Deacon at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. In January 1983, Deacon Brooks united his family with Antioch Baptist Church of Clinton, Maryland. It was at this time that he organized the Youth Usher Board and served as the Team Leader. This organization grew to be the largest team at Antioch with his members affectionately referring to him as "My Deacon". Deacon Brooks first served Antioch as financial secretary in the mid-eighties, becoming treasurer in 1989. Deacon and Deaconess Brooks chaired the Pastor and Church Anniversary in the early eighties. During his tenure at Antioch, he has been instrumental in providing the financial data needed for several building projects, the church audits and maintaining all financial records. Deacon Brooks was a trusted steward and advisor, he served as the liaison Deacon for the Trustee Board, Benevolent Board Committee, Usher Board, and the Curtis B. Latimore Multi-Purpose Center. In conjunction with his varied obligations, he still found time to serve as President of the DC Chapter of the Meridianites and two terms as Regional Director for the Eastern Region. The Meridianites is an organization established in 1967 to reunite and celebrate family and friends from Meridian, Mississippi. Their conventions are held each year. Deacon Brooks had a passion for people that was relentless. He was an avid supporter of the Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry delivering food monthly to neighbors in the community. His last food distribution service was the week prior to the Lord calling him home.
Deacon Brooks worked wisely and diligently in fulfilling the calling of God on his life as husband, father, grandfather, godfather, and friend. He was a servant warrior and encourager as he worked to honor God. He loved God's people and he loved his "fur babies"; yes four legged canines, known as a dog. It is said that all dogs go to heaven; Charles, Deacon, Dad, and Grandad will be happy to see each of them; we are not sure that Ares (London's Pomeranian) will make it!
Deacon Brooks life scripture is Psalm 116: 1-4
"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath declined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, And the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul."
Deacon Brooks was called home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, his mother's birthday. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Flora; daughter, Miatta (Andre); son, Nigel (Athena); sister-in-law, Clarice, and grandchildren, Deniesha, and London. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who know him, he will be missed but never forgotten.
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