Brooks Carl Smith Sr.

Brooks Carl Smith Sr. was born on April 27, 1952, in Washington DC to the late Franklin Smith Sr. and Lilla Jane Griffin-Smith. There were 8 children born from this union, Helen (deceased) , Eddie( deceased) , Frank (deceased) , Annie Mae (deceased) , Marion (deceased) , Willa (Sis), William (Bill) (deceased) , and Brooks. Being the “baby” of this bunch definitely had its advantages!

Brooks was a native Washingtonian in its truest form. He attended DC Public Schools and supported every DC sports team win or lose, and God knows, that’s a hard road to travel. Brooks married Denice Louise Wilson, his Dunbar High school love, in 1970. From this union they had 2 children, Brooks Jr, and Nichelle Denise.

Brooks was baptized into Christ in February 1971 at the East Capitol Street Church of Christ. There he served as one of the song leaders and was a member of the East Capitol Street Choir. He later moved his membership to the 13th & Irving Street Church of Christ where he sang with “The Sounds for Christ”. God blessed Brooks with a melodious voice and an ear for music.

To support his family and serve his country, Brooks enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1972, where he served for 14 years, separating with the rank of Tech Sergeant. After his military service, Brooks worked for the United States Marshal Service. For 13 years he continued his mission protecting and serving the country in a different way. Brooks worked a few other odd jobs after the Marshall service, (PCF Publishing Services), but ultimately his declining health made it impossible for him to continue working.

Brooks lived and loved the best he could. Determined not to be defined by anyone else's expectations, he ruffled feathers, stepped on toes, and was unapologetic for most of it; but if you had him as a friend, you knew you could count on him.

Sadly however, on Thursday, September 2, 2021, Brooks passed at the home he shared with his son and family.

Brooks is survived by his sister, Willa Mae, and his children Brooks, Jr (Shiela) and Nichelle Marks (Kevin); Eight grandchildren, DeQwan Haight, Naiya Jordan, Angelina Smith, Shafon Smith, Kevin Marks, Keith Marks, Kayla Smith, and Brooks Smith, III; Two great grandchildren, Aaliyah Haight, and Serenity Smith; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.