Ernest A. Brooks

Ernest was the oldest son of ten children, born to Jane and Simeon Brooks on June 10, 1925 in Berry Hill, Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies. He attended the Ebenezer Primary School but left at an early age to help his father doing field work on the farm. Determined to make a better life for himself, he went to trade school and became a stone mason and bricklayer. At least one of the churches that he helped build is still standing in Mandeville, Jamaica. It was while working on a church at West Indies College in Mandeville that he met Enid Louise Lewis (fondly known as Cissy), who subsequently became his wife. They were married on October 1, 1954 and were loving, faithful companions until her death on December 29, 2007.

Cissy and Ernest set sail to London, England in 1960 with their daughter Patricia, and Cissy's daughter, Sonia. Ernest worked in a linoleum factory in Staines, England but returned to his roots in construction, working with his childhood friend Webby Jamel, building and rehabbing houses. The family, which now included Everton and Marvia, moved to the United States in 1971 and put down new roots in Elmsford, New York. They made their church home at the Mount Vernon Seventh Day Adventist Church and are still warmly remembered for their service there. Ernest partnered with Alton Bowen to form Bowen and Brooks Construction. Ernest was a skilled contractor and worked tirelessly until his retirement in 1986.

He and Cissy retired to Palm Bay, Florida where they built their dream house, tended their vegetable garden and grew beautiful flowers. They were active members of the Palm Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church. Ever industrious, both returned to work in their respective fields, finally retiring again in their late 70's. Ernest was heartbroken when Cissy died, but continued valiantly on, volunteering his time to help others. Though his later years were fraught with health challenges, he remained cheerful, gracious, and always put his trust in God.

Ernest is predeceased by his siblings Mavis, Rita, Salome, Derry, Stanford, David, and Percy; and his wife, Enid. He is survived by his brothers, Amos (wife, Margaret) and Ezekiel (wife Cyrilyn), his children Patricia Brooks Hart, Everton Brooks (wife, Maryam), and Marvia Brooks Lyke (husband, Kent), as well as Enid's daughter, Sonia Watson. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Sara Hart, David Hart, Kyle Lyke, Morgan Lyke, Neal Watson and Carl Watson (wife, Keisha); and great-grandchildren, Victoria Watson, Myles Watson and Julian Watson. Also surviving are his beloved niece Eileen (husband, Sylvester), and his beloved niece and caregiver Sheron Brooks Frater (husband, Jacques), as well as countless other family members. Ernest was respected as a man of courage and integrity, and a faithful man of God. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Funeral Services are provided by Fountainhead Funeral Home. 7359 Babcock St. SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909.

Viewing will be on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. A graveside service will take place Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 10 am at Fountainhead Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Health First, Health First Foundation, 1131 West New Haven Ave, Suite 102, West Melbourne, FL 32904