A Celebration of Life

Jeffery L. Brooks, Jr.

January 19, 2001-March 24, 2023

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Officiant

Pastor Daryl L. Brace

Processional Opening Hymn Scripture Prayer Musical Selection Words of Comf ort Musical Selection Words of Comf ort cont'd

Reading of the Obituary (In silence) Sermon Benediction Recessional

Anyone who knew and loved Jeffery, surely experienced the special way he could warm a soul. He had an infectious smile that could brighten up a room. Jeff was genuine, always a standup guy and a thoughtful constant wisecracker. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 19, 2001, to Jeffery L. Brooks Sr. and Jacqueline Brown-Brooks, he came into the world with ease and ready to make his mark. . As a child Jeffery was never fearful. In fact, he was friendly with everyone. As he grew older, he became more in tuned with the world and felt compelled to experience life to the fullest. He had an opinion and would effortlessly express his views on any given topic. Indeed, he was blessed to have a different way of looking at the world and he delighted in sharing this gift with one and all.

Jeffery especially looked forward to spending the summers with his grandparents in Florida. It was during his one-on-one time with them, he acquired his newfound wisdom, which taught him to be more analytical in his approach with people. He became a "Quiet Storm," to his circle, which decreased as the years grew. This played a significant role in how he allowed his new understanding of life to direct his path and approach to the world.

As the youngest of four siblings, Jeffery was not afraid to debate and stand on his beliefs, even if he was outnumbered by Damon, Sequoia and Janae. He made sure his views were heard and earned the respect of his family and peers. In the midst of a slew of cousins, Jeffery had no problem flexing his philosophical prowess and making his presence known. During countless family gatherings, Jeffery's sense of humor was shared by many, especially when it came to "packing" on others and which cousin could get the bigger laugh. Jeff had a fierce competitive drive that showed up in chess, dominos and all things "games" oriented. He especially enjoyed playing dominoes with his grandfather and his grandfather's friends. Jeff would often compete with older family members and friends in spades and would not stop playing until he won, which at times, took hours to end.

Jeffery was introduced to spirituality at an early age. As a young child, he attended Jesus of Nazareth and from there, Mount Pleasant Christian School until second grade. Both schools provided a spiritual foundation. Later in his journey, it was his partaking of the Passover Seder that fostered his growth in the Hebraic faith. Ultimately, Jeff was moved to accept the covenant of salvation promised by the Messiah. It is through this promise that we know Jeffery will be resurrected and reign with the Messiah.

His public-school education included his time at Leith Walk Elementary and The Crossroads middle school. He would go on to complete his secondary education at BARD Early College High School. It was during his time at BARD that he met and fell in love with Danielle. The two shared an unbreakable bond. It was also during his formative elementary and middle school years that Jeffery met and formed relationships with his lifetime friends, Tychonne and Nigel. These friends would further channel his competitive energy, all the while becoming a part of his family.

During the 2013-2014 school year, and as part of the TCAP Leaders Go Places program, Jeffery was recognized by The Crossroads School and Living Classrooms Foundation as a student leader. After working with NASA and Goddard scientists to research the James Webb Space Telescope, he and several good friends wrote and produced a 30-minute documentary titled, "The First Light Machine." The documentary premiered on PBS locally and nationally. As life continued, Jeffery welcomed new challenges. While seeking out his purpose, he decided to enlist in the United States Army Reserves. It was through this new and proud endeavor that Jeffery was lead to embrace and nurture even more meaningful relationships with that brotherhood.

Jeff leaves to cherish his most precious memories, his parents, Jeffery Sr. and Jacqueline Brooks; grandparents, Igal and Beulah Brown; siblings Damon, Sequoia and Janae Brooks; a Great-great aunt, Retha Dilbert; special friend, Danielle Clapperton; confidantes, Nigel Campbell-Christie and Tychonne Slaughter; two nieces, Kylee Brooks and Nevaeh Anderson; several aunts, uncles and a host of cousins and fellow soldiers.

Son, you were a welcomed gift from the Most High Living God; a beautiful heart, true to yourself, honest and loyal. I was blessed to have you for a time and that time was full of laughter and thought-provoking conversations that taught me to look at things from a different perspective. You worried that you needed to be more in life. You were already everything that The Creator designed and much more than I knew. I thank Almighty God for choosing me to be the vessel to bring you into this world. Love, Mom

Jeffery, you are the best part of me. I appreciate and loved knowing you wanted to have a father and son relationship as much as I did. You were different in many ways. Mostly, you were a deep thinker which sometimes would confuse people. You were a breath of fresh air, honest, faithful, truthful and even sometimes just unbelievable. Your thoughts were heard, concerns were understood and your drive to become a strong and upstanding man was seen. Listening to you speak made me realize how much we were the same. Two feet and 10 toes down, your opinion of yourself meant more to you than anyone else. I will always hold that close to my heart, and I'm sure you're going to make the people in heaven proud to be your relative. I miss you, and some day soon, we will be reunited.

Love, Dad

Baby brother, I love you. I appreciate you and as your big brother, I am proud of you. You not only grew to be a smart and amazing young man who spoke freely with a strong enough voice to show all aspects of any subject but also humble enough to have the ability to search for guidance when needed. I will miss you dearly, until the day I can hug you with a touch, I know I have the eyes of an angel watching over me in spirit. -Damon

Jeffery, thanks for making me the big sister I always wanted to be and letting me protect you in the best way I knew how. I always appreciated how outspoken you were even as a young kid. I have memories that I'll cherish forever. I'll miss giving you long hugs while you're telling me that's enough but that's the only way I could show you. I'll miss everything about you. I appreciate you for protecting me and being the little brother that you'll always be to me. I love you and I can't wait to see you again. Love, Your big sister Quoia

Jeffery, you were the greatest person I've ever met in my entire life. Everyone has faults but everything about you seemed perfect to me. You were so strong, intellectual, pure and understanding with a smart mouth. You understood life in a way that I hope I will one day. I know you looked up to me but in so many ways, I looked up to you way more than you knew. I wish I would've told you sooner that you were and are still such a big aspect of my life. I love you so much. I'm so happy you got to be with Milo for the time being. You were not just my brother but my first best friend, my confidante, and my ally. I will live the rest of my life for you, my precious. I will see you soon. You are my heart and soul. -Janae

Jeffery, you are the love of my life. I never knew it was possible to fall so hard and so fast. Our connection was intense and unbreakable, and it was so easy to be completely in love with you every single day. You treated me like a princess and you were certainly my Prince Charming. We were bonded through our shared core values, plans for the future, and our undying —sometimes melodramatic—love for each other. I fell in love with your realness, your loyalty, your beauty, your passion, your love for family, and so many more countless qualities. You were a dream come true. Jeffery, you were absolutely one of a kind, and I admired your disconnection from the typical ways of the world. You had complete faith in God, and I fell in love with that too. You had plans to propose to me, and I already knew my answer was going to be yes. -Danielle

Acknowledgements

The f amily gratef ully acknowledges the many loving acts of village synergy and heartf elt prayers f rom you, our extended f amily. A special note of gratitude to

Mount Pleasant Church The Living Classrooms Foundation &The Crossroads School Josh Barron, Tray Inc. Richmond Catering

Pallbearers Army Personnel

INTERNMENT Arbutus Memorial Park 1101 Sulphur Spring Road Baltimore, MD 21227 Prof essional Services Entrusted to Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services

4905 York Road Baltimore, MD 212122