Cleveland B. Brooks
September 15, 1934 - December 28, 2011
Obituary
A much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend too many. Cleveland was summoned by the Angel of the Lord on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Swedish Medical Center of Seattle, Washington.
He was the youngest of five children born September 15, 1934 in Denham Springs, Louisiana to the late Reverend Frank Cleveland Brooks and Janie Ricks Brooks.
Cleveland’s parents later moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he received his education from the public schools.
He started his work ethics early in life. During summer school breaks, Cleveland would work as a caddie at the Golf course in Baton Rouge; we believe this inspired his love for golfing. Through this hobby he met and formed a bond of life time friendships across the country.
Cleveland realized at an early age that he needed Jesus to make it in this world and to have a home beyond this world. Being reared by godly parents who showed him the way, he fell in love with his Savior. He then gave his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized by the late Reverend. Hayes at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. The family soon united with New Sunlight Baptist Church Cleveland sung in the youth choir and attended Sunday School BTU Bible Class until his move from Louisiana.
He moved to Seattle, WA in the early 50’s and united with Friendship Baptist Church, the late Reverend Tom Allen, Pastor. He met and married Ever Dean Ard and to this union two children were born, Donna and Larry of whom he loved dearly. In 1955 he united with the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, the late Reverend Norman Mitchell, Pastor, He served as President of the Gospel choir for a number of years
He retired from the Boeing Company after 30 plus years. Cleveland also served in the US Army National Guard.
Cleveland loved sports. He played semi pro baseball and softball. He also loved to roller skate and fish. His passion was golf. On October 11, 1963 Cleveland and the late R.L. Jones organized the East Side Men’s Golf Club. He served as president for a number of years and team captain. Cleveland was also a member of the Northwest Golf Association.
He later relocated to Ponchatoula, Louisiana and married Oreila Law. He became a member of the First Baptist Church. He was ordained to serve as a Deacon on January 16, 2005.
After a long battle with illness he moved back to Seattle to seek treatment to improve his quality of life.
He united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Seattle, Washington, Reverend Robert Jeffrey, Sr., Pastor
He leaves to cherish his memories wife Oreila; daughter Donna Brooks (Ronnie Hall); son Larry Brooks (Maria); ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sister Annie Mae Bush (Edward), Baton Rough, LA and a host of other relatives and friends.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8.
Cleveland was a great friend and great servant of the Lord.
He was very active in FBC of Ponchatoula, La.
During the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, he was my right hand man to help distribute resources out from our large warehouse to the needs of people.
Cleveland was a very enthusiastic choir member in our Senior adult choir.
Cleveland was also the best fishing buddy a person could have. We would spend hours fishing and talking about he Lord.
I will truly miss him, but I know I will see him again in Heaven.
In Christ
Dr. Johnny Presley
What a very special friend and family member was Cleveland. Although I did not know him personally, I work with his daughter, Donna Brooks, and she is a very special lady who holds him dearly in her memories.
You are all blessed by Cleveland and even in the sadness of his passing, you can take great comfort in the faith that he has fostered for others. It is a blissful place that he now occupies. All the best to everyone who loved him so dearly.
Cousin Donna and Larry may God be with you at the time of your loss.Trust in God and only God for his way is the only way. Mom and Dad and all of your Texas family have you all in our prays. May God Be With You. Uncle may you rest in peace. Darryl Sampson.
Cousin Donna and Larry may God be with you at the time of your loss.Trust in God and only God for his way is the only way. Mom and Dad and all of your Texas family have you all in our prays. May God Be With You. Uncle may you rest in peace. Darryl Sampson.
Larry I know this is difficult time for you and your family, My prayer is that God strengthen your heart and hold your hand as you accompany your father to his final resting place here on this earth. Knowing that our Lord and Savior has already receive his spirit home and he is resting until that final horn blows when we will all be caught up together again. Cherish the moments that you shared here on earth while looking forward to the everlasting that you will share for all eternity. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family….God Bless
To the Brooks Family,
Earth has no ills that God can not heal. Sometimes he brings us Home, and sometimes he leaves us here as a testimony. Your Dad was left here for a while, then the Father told him to “come on home”, and gave him rest….and peace
May the peace that only comes from God, our Father console you in your time of loss. Always know, “absent here on earth, is present with God in paradise!!!
We Love You……
Larry & Jan Alston
Donna,
My condolences to you and your family. I am praying for you to get through this time with peace that comes from the knowledge that God loves you and will take care of you.
God Bless.
Dear Donna and Family,
I know that you are held in God’s infinite love right now and always. Please know that you are in my prayers. May your faith bring you comfort and peace…
My heart is with you my friend.
Much Love,
Heather
Bless your family in the time of need. May the peace of the lord be with your family.
We have truly missed Mr. Cleveland since he went back to Washington. We have been comforted knowing he was in good hands and getting updates from Mrs. Orelia. He was very loved.
Mr. Cleveland was a mighty witness for Christ and lived the walk he talked. We will miss him and pray for all of his mourning friends and family, but we are excited for him that he is now sharing his time with the King!
In Him,
Al and Kelley
We were most fortunate to have had Cleveland as a friend. He was a true gentleman who, without fanfare, freely exhibited fruits of the spirit. He was well respected and loved. Our church, First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula, quickly recognized his nature. This was to such an extent that he was easily elected by the membership to serve as a deacon. We all miss him greatly.
Although I never had the pleasure in knowing Cleveland, I got to know his children. I’m sending my love to the loved ones he’s left behind, and cherish the memories past and those here and in the future. He’s gone home to be with our Lord, he’s in a better place (no more suffering). Larry and Donna I love the both of you. Your in my prayers.
My sumpathies to the family. I am a deacon who served along side Bro. Cleveland. He was a wonderful godly man. We were all enriched by his life and example. God bless.
I will be with one day my dear friend. What a great person, he was and great friend.
Cleveland was a well loved and respected member of the church. Although we miss him terribly, we are comforted that he is with the Lord. I am so glad he was part of our church family.