Willie Ellis Brooks

Willie Ellis Brooks was born March 31, 1939 in Red Banks MS, to the late James and Winnie Walls Brooks. He was the third child of seven siblings. Willie had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a youth, he was a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Red Banks, MS. He was called from his earthly home to his eternal home Thursday, January 23, 2014 at his residence. He received his elementary education in Red Banks. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Rust College, Holly Springs, MS. He earned two Master of Science degrees in Human Growth and Development and Education Administration from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Willie married Drucilla Simmons on February 24, 1968 in Blue Mountain, MS. They were blessed to be the proud parents of three children. He started his career as a teacher in New Madrid, MO, completing seven years of service before relocating to Springfield, IL. He served as a teacher, coach and administrator for District 186 schools. He retired with twenty-nine years of service. Willie served as president of both the Rust College Alumni Club and Minority Teachers Caucus. He was an active member of both the local Springfield Education Association and National Education Association. He coached youth soccer and basketball teams. He was an active participant in local community and civic organizations. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known for his dapper attire. He loved baseball and was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He touched the lives of many youth in this community. To cherish his memories: wife, Drucilla of Springfield, IL; two daughters, Lizabeth (Womack) Stokes of Westlake, OH, Jennifer Rene Brooks of Washington D.C.; one son, Christopher Ellis Brooks of Springfield, IL; two granddaughters, Isabella Rene and Mackenzie Dru of Westlake, OH; two brothers, James Brooks, Jr. of Holly Springs, MS, and Donald Brooks (Yvette) of Memphis, TN; two sisters, Fannie Douglas of Detroit, MI, and Mattie Brooks of Memphis, TN; aunt, Alma Walls of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Henry Simmons; two sisters-in-law, Anne Walls and Betty (Homer) Judon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will truly miss him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse Walls and John Walls. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1601 East Laurel St., Springfield. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769.