Joe Willie Brooks

Mr. Joe Willie Brooks, 62, of Blytheville, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro. Born to the late Henry and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Lee Brooks, he was a 1969 graduate of Blytheville High School and attended Arkansas M&N College (UAPB), and was a Vietnam veteran. Before retirement he worked for the Blytheville Public Schools and Cyro Industries. He had been a member of True Light Missionary Baptist Church before becoming a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He was a deacon and served as chairman of the Building Fund Committee at St. Paul.

In addiction to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Bernice; and two brothers, John and Willie.

Mr. Brooks leaves his wife, Deborah Brooks of the home;

Two daughters, Tawanda Tyler of Charlotte, N.C., and Marico Brooks of Blytheville;

One son, Judge Dewayne (and Telida) Parker of Atlanta;

Two grandchildren;

Two sisters, Ruthie Brooks of Blytheville, and Bobbie Harris of Waren Robbins, Ga.;

Three brothers, James (and Louise) Brooks of Brookhaven, Miss., Edward (and Eddie Mae) Brooks and Robert (and Dorothy) Brooks all of Chicago; and

A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnny E. Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Arrangements are by McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.