Joe Lee Brooks

Joe Lee Brooks, 77, of Watsonville, entered Heaven on Sunday, August 15, 2010, in Cincinnati, OH, due to an aneurysm. He was an accomplished author, orator, and singer, who was well-loved within the Santa Cruz community. His spirit, kindness and sartorial flair will be missed.

Joe was born on October 6, 1932, in Sardis, Alabama. Always having a spirit of adventure, as well as being a hard worker, he worked throughout the country, from the South, to the Midwest, and eventually settled on the central coast in 1967. As a dedicated driver for Discovery Charters in Castroville, Joe was the 2003 California Bus Drivers Association Driver of the Year. He was also a member of the Santa Cruz County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Joe was a deacon at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Santa Cruz, CA. He was a faithful, cheerful servant of the Lord; a former soloist in the choir; and a generous steward. He was survived by longtime companion Ruby Thornton; the ex-husband of Leola; beloved father of four children: Michael, Belinda, Angela and Ted; celebrated 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Joe Lee Brooks had a host of friends throughout the Santa Cruz community, the state, and, of course, the country.

A memorial service will be held at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 517 Center Street, Santa Cruz, on Sunday, August 29, at 3:00pm. Pastor Ken Williams will preside. Repast will follow the service. His funeral service was held in Cincinnati, OH, on August 20, at the Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home, where he was cremated.