Claude A. Brooks

Claudius Agladius Brooks, aka “Claude” was the second of five children born to the late Calbert and Victoria Brooks of Bull Savannah, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies. He attended Bull Savannah Primary and Elementary Schools where he graduated with certifications in the first and second Jamaica Local Exams. While in school he frequently helped his Mom in her self-employment efforts, often missing school to accompany her in purchasing and selling produce. He often spoke of doing his homework on the truck while traveling to and from the market Thursdays to Saturdays. He was very close to his Mom who unfortunately passed away when Claude was 15 years old. At that tender age he assumed responsibility for his family which included his baby sister who was just a few months old.

After leaving school, Claude gained employment with a local bauxite mining company. His discipline and diligence, as well as natural affinity for numbers impressed his supervisor in the workplace, and he rapidly ascended the ranks to become a “bookkeeper.” His Mom’s dream for him was to be either a teacher or bookkeeper, so he fulfilled one of her dreams early on. On the advice and encouragement of older guys on the job, he enrolled in Mico Teachers College from which he graduated in 1963 and fulfilled his Mom’s second dream for him. He became a teacher. Claude spent several years in teaching, first at Bethel Town Elementary School and then at Clarendon College where he later met his wife, Rachael. Claude transitioned to the bauxite industry this time as a statistician with ALCAN in the mining division. He started part-time studies at the University of Technology in Accounting. Later he was awarded a scholarship to complete his studies at the London School of Accountancy. He graduated with his ACCA certification and resumed his employment at ALCAN in the accounting division where he specialized in budgeting and planning.

Rachael and Claude had three children together, and their family migrated to the United States in 1980 with the intention of spending a couple of years to allow Claude to do advanced studies in budgeting and planning. To his horror and disappointment, his British certification failed to meet U.S. accreditation standards. While the family and close colleagues were fuming from this “injustice,” Claude obtained employment with Konica in a much-diminished role and quietly enrolled at NY Institute of Technology. Over a span of several years, he obtained his B.A., Master of Finance, and his MBA while working full- time and raising his children. He continued at Konica and was Vice President of Finance by the time he retired in 2001. He was a strong believer in education and encouraged others to keep striving in the professions of their choice. He was a beloved adjunct professor at York College for several years. He was particularly passionate about young people not wasting opportunities. His life experience taught him that if you dedicated yourself and remained focused, you could achieve your goals.

Claude’s priorities in life were first his Creator, second his family, third his career, and fourth music. He was a member of Bethel AME Church in Westbury, NY for several years, where he served as a member of the finance committee and the men’s group. Later he joined Acworth United Methodist Church where he attended services until his acute illnesses prevented him from doing so. His children meant everything to him. No sacrifice was too great to ask, and they were undoubtedly his reason for living. On the job he was focused and driven. He was exceptional at what he did, and somehow was always able to see the “big picture.” He applied the same principles to his personal finances, always ensuring that his family’s finances were whole.

Music was a big factor in Claude’s life. That was his primary method of relaxation. All genres of music could be found in his vast collection. He would serve as a DJ in his younger years, traveling around on the bus with his case of LPs. Some of his favorite artists were Charlie Pride, Jim Reeves, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Vic Taylor, Skeeter Davis, and other artists including Beres Hammond, Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths, the Grace Thrillers, Nicole Mullen, the Gaither’s and Homecoming Friends, Sandra Brooks and an occasional Buju Banton selection. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Claude was somewhat shy and humble, however he made and cherished his lifelong friends. From MICO in the 1960s, to Clarendon College (CC), ALCAN and Konica in the 2000s, he’s been a friend, a brother and a counselor, and just a genuinely caring and compassionate human being. He always looked for the good qualities in people because he truly believed there is good in every person just waiting to be nurtured. Even as illness ravaged his body over the years, he never lost his faith. He remained polite and gracious until the very end.

So, as we say goodbye to you Claude, our sweet memories of you will sustain us. “In the arms of the angels may you find some comfort there.” Sleep in Peace.

Claude A. Brooks, age 84, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023. Claude is survived by his wife, Rachael Brooks; his daughter, Audene Brooks; his daughter, Leonie Brooks; his daughter, Sharon Brooks (Runa); his son, Chevon Brooks (Nyoka); his brother David Brooks (Patricia); his grandsons Chandler and Christian, nephews Dave, Kevin, Seon and Dimitri, and numerous beloved extended family members. Claude was preceded in death by his parents Calbert & Victoria Brooks, his sisters Pearl and Amy Brooks, his brother Albert Brooks, and his daughter Sandra Brooks.

A visitation for Claude will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, Georgia. Following the visitation will be a chapel service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Claude's memory may be made to American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association; and American Parkinson Disease Association. Services may be viewed remotely at https://vimeo.com/event/3761087.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.winkenhoferpineridgefuneralhome.com for the Brooks family.