William J. Brooks Sr.

Published 3:46 pm Thursday, June 13, 2013

NEW JERSEY, June 13 – William J. Brooks Sr., the son of the late John Crump and Dorothy Brooks, was born on October 26, l926 in Cumberland County. He departed this life on Saturday evening, June 8, 2013 at the Carneys Point Care Center in Penns Grove, New Jersey.

Mr. Brooks attended school in Virginia but left at an early age to work helping the family. At the age of 17 he left Virginia, moved to New Jersey, worked on various farms including the Abe Bonner farm in Elmer, NJ. His last employment was at Delmonte in Swedesboro, NJ working there 35 years until his retirement October 26, l988 due to illness.

He was a faithful and active member of Spencer U.A.M.E. Church, Woodstown, NJ serving as a Trustee and Usher until his health began to fail. He loved to cook. Many enjoyed his corn pudding at home and at church. Whatever he did he would always say “Thank the Good Lord.” Mr. Brooks loved the Lord and did not mind telling others about the Lord. He also loved music (especially Blues) playing the harmonica and guitar for the family in the evening.

Mr. Brooks married the late Mary E. West Brooks. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, a daughter- in-law, Patricia Brooks, and three sisters-in-law, Gloria Frances Johnson, Clementine Johnson and Elsie Mae Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, James W. West (friend Flossie), Mary Frances Wilson (Elmer), William J. Brooks Jr. (Darlene), Jimmie Lee Brooks (Toni), and Alexander Brooks; 22 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren; brother, James Brooks (Elizabeth); three brothers-in-law, Clifford Johnson, James Johnson (Rev. Anna Mae Johnson), and Joseph Johnson and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Spencer U.A.M.E. Church, Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m., 314 Bailey Street, Woodstown, NJ 08098.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, June 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Bagwell Funeral Home, New Jersey, is in charge of arrangements.