Herbert Brooks, Sr

Herbert Brooks Sr. was a husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia. On January 12, 2024, he passed away peacefully at his home in Decatur, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones, family, and friends. Herbert was born on June 18, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to loving parents, Mildred Pempton and Frank Brooks, Sr. He inherited his tireless work ethic from his father and a heart full of kindness from his mother. Herbert was the third child of seven siblings. At an early age, he was baptized at Salvation Baptist Church. Herbert graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1970. After graduation, he worked as a physical therapist at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in Jefferson, Louisiana to ensure his financial stability. He was recognized for his exceptional work ethic, caring for the patients, and providing niceties for the staff. Red beans and rice were his favorite foods. He would often cook a large pot of them in the breakroom using a crockpot, filling the entire hospital floor with its delicious aroma. He would then sell plates of the dish, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Businesses Herbert’s time at Ochsner was not wasted. There is where he had a revelation that changed the course of his career forever. It became crystal clear to him that entrepreneurship was his true calling, and he pursued that calling with passion and dedication. In 1975, Herbert founded his first business, Brooks’ Cleaning Service. He worked as a commercial building and parking lot engineer on a contract basis. That business flourished for more than 30 years. Later, he established Angels of Mercy Assisted Living. Today, it is Angels of Mercy LLC, Personal Care Home. It offers compassionate care to both veterans and individuals with manageable disabilities, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. This establishment continues to thrive even today. Herbert was a unique individual who had a desire to help anyone who sought his assistance, no matter how large or small the favor. People naturally gravitated to “Mr. Brooks” whenever they needed help. Later Years Following the devastating Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans in 2005, Herbert relocated his entire family, his friends, and the business to Decatur, Georgia. He joined New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Herbert was dedicated to his family. In 2012, Herbert married Lillian and was married for 12 years. Theirs was a blended family. Together, he and Lillian traveled the world, visiting historical sites, museums, and beaches just to relax. Herbert was willing to experiment with different types of cuisine, but he did not deviate much from the traditional recipes that are deeply rooted in New Orleans’ culture. Herbert is survived by his wife, Dr. Lillian Hudson Brooks; six children, Herbert (Brenda) Brooks, Jr., Atlanta, Georgia; Dusty (Mark) Ducros, Houston, Texas; Nancy (Gregory)LeBlanc-Aldridge, Houston, Texas; Reginald (Arianne) Williams, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teia C. Hudson, Atlanta, Georgia; and Michael (Alex) Eaddy, Houston, Texas; three siblings, Delores (Undrey) Clay, St. Louis, Missouri; Mildred Brooks, Atlanta, Georgia; Raymond (Dora) Brooks, New Orleans, Louisiana; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandsons; and a host of other relatives and very close friends. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Brooks, Sr., and Mildred Brooks; and siblings, Warren Brooks, Frank Brooks, Jr., and James Brooks.

Tributes

Herbert Brooks, Sr

June 18, 1950 - January 12, 2024