Dr. Stephen Malone Brooks

Steve was born on September 10, 1950, to Dr. Milton and Mrs. Alta Brooks in Newport News, Virginia. Stephen was inspired by his father to pursue medicine. His father was a dentist and a graduate of Tuskegee Institute, he was also a Tuskegee Airman. Listening to stories from his father, Steve developed a lifelong interest in Tuskegee Airman, Inc. and continued his membership in TAI until his death.

While his father inspired him to become a doctor, his mother inspired his academic success. Mrs. Alta Brooks was a schoolteacher and naturally taught Steve to accept and excel in all academic challenges in front of him. His parents encouraged him to be well-rounded and supported his participation in several sports. Steve played football, basketball, and baseball during his youth. Unfortunately, Steve lost his father when he was 14 years old and lost his mother when he was 15 years old. Through these trying times, he never lost the values they instilled in him, particularly his drive to succeed and to be the best at every endeavor he participated in.

After the death of his parents, he was embraced by Mr. Ernest and Mrs. Hattie Sessions who became his guardians. The Sessions were close friends of his parents. Mr. Sessions worked for the government and moved to California while Mrs. Sessions stayed in New Jersey with Steve while he completed the school year. The family soon reunited in California and where Steve completed his senior year of high school. Upon graduation, Steve attended Stanford University for his undergraduate studies where he excelled academically while playing on the Stanford football team. His college football career highlights include winning the 1970 PAC-8 conference championship and playing in the Rose Bowl. He completed his medical degree at Harvard Medical School and a residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He was encouraged to move to Orlando by Dr. Oscar Sistrunk, a dentist and family friend. Dr. Sistrunk and Steve’s father initially met at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and remained close friends throughout the years. Taking Dr. Sistrunk’s advice, Steve moved to Orlando and started his Ophthalmology practice.

Steve started his Christian journey in Orlando as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Later, he joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where he served on the "Feed The Homeless" ministry. He also volunteered over the years with Orbis, the flying hospital, a nonprofit organization. Orbis performed free eye surgery in underprivileged countries. Steve enjoyed volunteering many surgical hours for patients who could not afford eye surgery. He said “the gift of sight was the best gift” he could bestow on someone. The last country he served was the Philippines.

Steve continued his love of sports as his practice grew. He also served as the team eye doctor for the Orlando Magic basketball team and developed a competitive tennis camaraderie with Reggie Theus, the current Athletic Director at B-CU. He loved tennis, but as he aged, he became an avid golfer. Dr. Tommy Dorsey taught him the rules of golf and how to play the game. Steve won many golf trophies and awards and as result, became a long-time board member of the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association, Inc. and a mentor to young students who participated in the program.

Steve was an active member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Inc., Beta Xi Member Boule of Central Florida. Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the oldest fraternity for African American professional males.

Steve is survived by his life partner, Thelma J. Brooks; daughter Ashley P. Brooks; and his son Patrick Brooks; cousins Bruce Brooks; Allene. McComb; Asa and David Cooper; and a host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association. It is a 501(c)(3) charity created to teach minority students the game of golf and life skills. The mailing address is 708 West Jackson Street, Orlando, Florida 32805.