John "Johnny" Sandiford Brooks

John “Johnny” Sandiford Brooks, 64, formerly of Mathiston, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Day 2025, at the Carrington Nursing Center in Starkville, Mississippi. Johnny was born on September 30, 1961, to the late Joe Fred Brooks and Suretha Elaine Sandiford Brooks in Choctaw County, Mississippi. Johnny graduated from Mathiston High School in 1979. He attended Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and majored in civil engineering. Prior to graduation, he returned home to the family timber business to work alongside his father and brothers for many years to come. Johnny was a diehard Mississippi State Bulldogs fan. He loved to work hard and play hard. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, whether he was hunting, golfing, or riding a motorcycle. Johnny coached his daughters’ little league teams and spent many summers at Town Creek Campground on the Tombigbee River. He loved to barefoot and waterski also playing a hand in teaching the next generation these crafts. Johnny was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he had a large circle of friends whom he loved dearly. He had a radiant smile, a contagious laugh, and a “glass half full” mentality. Although his health declined later in life, he maintained his tenacious spirit and made the best of the time that he was given. Johnny is survived by his daughters, Brittany Brooks Frankel (Martin) of Leland, Mississippi and Alexis “Lexie” Elaine Cox (Kirby) of Starkville, Mississippi; his six grandchildren: Kellum Taylor Cox, John Martin Frankel, Lula Fay Frankel, Brooks Ellard Frankel, Margaret Abigail Cox and Robert Patrick Cox; the mother of his children, Betty Fay Brooks of Starkville, Mississippi; his brothers Michael (Gina) Brooks of Starkville, Mississippi, Tommy (Vickie) Brooks and James Hester (Tamera) Brooks both of Mathiston, Mississippi and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother, Suretha Elaine Sandiford Brooks and his father, Joe Fred Brooks. Funeral Services for John will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Eupora, Mississippi. The family will receive friends and loved ones for a time of visitation on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 12:30PM until time for services at 2:00PM at Oliver Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Blythe Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Choctaw County, Mississippi. Pastor Hardie Frankel will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be William Brooks, Bruce Edwards, Cliff Johnson, Robert Narmour, Greg Fondren, Ronnie Pepper, Shank Phelps and Mike Williams. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora is honored to be entrusted with all arrangements for the Brooks family. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of The Carrington Nursing Center in Starkville for their years of devoted care.