John O Brooks

John O. Brooks was born on September 20, 1937, to John R. Brooks and Cornelias Holliday Brooks in Brandywine, MD. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Frances S. Brooks. John is survived by three daughters, Janet Hill, Ellen Crowell and Joan Hummons; a bonus son, Stephen Hurd; five grandchildren; Bajon Brooks-Hummons, Shantay Brooks-Hummons, David Crowell, Spencer Crowell and Nora Hill; two great-grandsons Ayden Mayo and Hendrix Brooks; one sister, Eunice Smith; one sister in-law, Dorice Butler; and host nieces, nephews, family and friends. John grew up in Brandywine ,MD as the only son and the baby boy of the family. John was his parent’s pride and joy and doted on by his older sisters Dorothy and Eunice. His father John R. was a businessman, with a general store, a farmer and an owner of a negro league baseball team with a ball diamond where the team would play home games. John took interest in all things related to the family business. John excelled in sports, playing semi-pro baseball before enlisting in the Army. John was a hard worker, a provider and a protector of his family. He returned home from the Army when his father had a stroke to assist with his care and to work the farm. John met and married Frances and they started their family. John was a loving, protective, nurturing and playful father. As children he read us bedtime stories every night before leaving for work. He truly was the best dad any child could ever ask for. He always made time for his children and grandchildren. John worked full-time for the State of Maryland as a residential counselor at Boys Village at night for over 30 years and worked full-time as a Farmer during the day raising black Angus cattle, tobacco, soy beans, hogs, chickens, goats and we had a milk cow named Cloxy. John grew a year-round garden and always shared his harvest with the community. John was awarded Farmer of the Year by Prince George’s County. John provided summer jobs on the farm. He cleared snow from driveways with his tractor every year for neighbors. That’s just who he was; very generous, very loving and very caring. John was known for his big smile and always waving with that one finger as people would drive-by. John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting and raising hunting dogs. He is an award-winning Beagler making history with his AKC Champion bloodline beagle name Sandman. People flew their dogs from as far as St. Louis and California to mate with Sandman. Named after the sandpit John would run his dogs in every morning when he got off work. John hunted rabbit and deer mostly. He was an excellent cook and made the best homemade sausage you will ever taste. The main thing and most important thing that John should be remembered for is his strong faith and his deep relationship with God. He dedicated his life to serving God and in service of others; Including being a board member and trustee of the church for many years, keeping the grounds and singing on the choir. John had the most beautiful voice. If you knew him, then you know he would give you the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. I have never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone. That is John’s legacy. Love was his superpower.

Tributes

John O Brooks

September 20, 1937 - December 29, 2025