Willie James Brooks was born in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Mary Ellen Brooks and Jake Brooks on March 9, 1946. He was the third child of seven children.  He completed High School there and later moved to New York before making Cleveland, Ohio his official home.  Willie began working for Ford Motor Company where he happily retired after 37 years.  He took time to enjoy the pleasures of life before seeking employment several years later. Staying busy was what “Willie B” was accustomed to doing, so he decided to seek employment with Menorah Park Nursing Home for almost 9 years, until his health began to decline.  Outside of work, “Willie B” was a great cook, enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and friends.  Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his King of King and Savior at an early age.  He was a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church where he song in the Male Chorus.“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Willie is preceded in death by his parents: Jake and Mary Ellen Brooks Aiken, South Carolina; brother- Robert Brooks Washington, D.C.; sisters- Vivian Cullum Aiken, South Carolina, Christine “Peggy” Jackson Columbia, South Carolina, and Sectria Williams Batesburg, South Carolina; granddaughter- DaNica “Tugga” Nelson Cleveland, Ohio; nephew; Lamont Cullum; parents in law- Douglas and Corrine Crowder Cleveland, Ohio.

He leaves to cherish his wife, Vanessa Brooks; daughters- Teresa Morris (Marvin) Macon, GA, Tyjuana Tarleton Mayfield Heights, OH, Vivian Johnson (Charles) Cleveland, OH, Avanti Evans Bedford Heights, OH; son- Darnell Crowder (Rose) Garfield Heights, OH; siblings- Earnestine Parrish (Roy), Decatur, GA, Alvenous Lee, Augusta, GA; sisters in law- Joann Crowder, Dorrine Reed (James), Kimberly Crowder; brothers in law- Douglas Crowder Jr. (Cheryl) and Larry Crowder (Lorna); 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, followed by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.