Rev. John E Brooks

John Edward Brooks was born on May 31, 1949, in Hinds County, Jackson, Ms., to the union of the late John Henry and Emma Brooks. John is the firstborn of only two children. John's brother, Alvin Henry, preceded him in death.

John was raised and educated in the Rock Hill community and became one of the first African American students to graduate from Starkville High School. John confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and became immersed in church life, attending both Baptist and Methodist churches throughout his childhood.

A graduate of Jackson State University and the Interdenominational Theological Center, John went to college after being drafted into the US Army and serving during the Vietnam Era, where he endured multiple injuries and lost his right arm.

In 1991, John graduated from ITC seminary and started his first student appointment at Bethel Lamar United Methodist Church in Forest Park, GA. Next, he was appointed to the Wesley Chapel Church in Elberton, GA. After graduating from seminary, Bishop William Morris appointed John to become the pastor at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL. From Saint Paul in 2007, John was appointed to the Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Montgomery, In June of 2014, Bishop Paul Leland invited John to join his cabinet as a District Superintendent of the Montgomery/ Prattville Districts. In 2019, Bishop David Graves appointed John to serve as the first Director of Multi-Cultural Ministries of the Alabama West Florida Conference. Having served for over 29 years, in June 2020, John retired. Throughout his ministry, John always valued people before numbers and endeavored to leave each congregation better equipped to make disciples and transform the world. To that end, training opportunities, study series, and relationship building activities were the hallmarks of his ministry.

At the age of 75, on June 9, 2024, at 4:20 p.m., John entered into peace and eternal rest. He leaves everlasting memories with his devoted wife Reda and six children: Ronald (Gloria) Brooks of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Angela Ellison of Brandon, Ms. Darlene Brooks of Columbus, Ms. Tarra Brooks of Lawrenceville, GA, Thomas Brooks of Providence, RI; and Juliette Tate (Quinton) of Starkville, Ms. Left to cherish fond memories and engaging "teaching chats" are eight grandchildren: Christopher Brooks, Nicholas Brooks, Darius Brooks, Rashawd Ellison, Zyheir Baker, Zahara Brooks, Natalee Brooks, and Myles Minor. John is blessed to have four aunts: Roxy Ware, Natha Harris, Carol Mead, and Emma Gillespie. Another blessing is having three uncles: James Little, Claude Little, and Abraham Little. John has a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues, and friends.

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