We are confident, I say; and willing rather to be absent from the body; and to be present with the Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:8

Mr. Willie Jay Brooks, age 84, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina departed this life peacefully at Forsyth Medical Center on September 12, 2021. He was born in Warrington, GA. And later migrated to New York and later to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He joined Shiloh Baptist Church and served on the Usher Ministry, advisor to the Dance Ministry and served on the Male Choir.

Parents: Reverend Willie C. Brooks (Father) and Mrs. Brooks (Mother), Marvin Brooks (Delores); Brothers: Barry Brooks (Dorothy), Joe Brooks, deceased; Sisters: Janice Brooks, Saundra Works, Mary Lue Benjamin, deceased, and Georgean Brooks; Aunt: Jacqueline W. Moore; Uncle: Marvin Wellington, deceased.

Mr. Brooks served in the United States Army in 1957 and moved to New York after the Army. His work history included: Eastern Airlines – Mechanic, retired after 29 years. He was an active Model for The Grace del Marco Modeling Agency.

Neighbors in several communities will best describe him as an excellent observer and many times they would thank him for being the complex watcher. His family knew him only as a kind and mild-mannered Christian man, an eager man who took pride in his service during his time spent in the Army, a model, a loving husband to Jackie, a great father who loved rearing, traveling, and flying to many parts of the world, with his spouse, "Buffy the Dog," two daughters, Marcie (deceased) and Monique, who emulated his occupation with the airlines.

Jay as we affectionately called him, was known for his long, entertaining stories regarding his upbringing and of his school days, which he loved to repeat often. He did it with an intelligent, impish smile, love for the spoken word, irreverent sense of humor, and stunning dreamy eyes that could make anyone fall in love with him. His acute awareness of the importance of a life lived with the ones you love over any material possession was only handicapped by his territorial attachment to the remote control to watch MSNBC. Jay was thoroughly interested in politics and religion. He enjoyed watching politicians act like preachers and preachers act like politicians. His father was a Methodist preacher.

He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. Of all the people he touched, both willing and unwilling, his most proud achievement in life was marrying the mother of his children, who supported him in all his glory during his heyday, and lovingly supported him physically during their last days together.

Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and devoted friends: Mr. Ray and Dr. Cathy Famble, and Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Daisy Routhac. Mr. Brooks took extreme pride in the intervention and wise instruction of his three grandchildren, Elise, Ahmaud, and Ahbria. He never fell short in taking an active role in their spiritual life and faith formation. "To both of my sons-in-law, Roc and NaShawn: "Thank both of you for being a part of my life throughout the years. I was blessed from start to finish and I want the best for each of you. I prayed to God everyday for your well-being." (Taken from notebook of the deceased).

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Friday, September 17, 2021 at Shiloh Baptist Church with Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr., officiating.