Jerome Allen Brooks, Jr.

Jerome Allen Brooks, Jr. was born on June 5, 1987, in Jackson, MS. He departed this life on October 29, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Jerome is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Rufus Brooks, and his maternal grandparents, Ruby and Elmore Johnson. Jerome is survived by his parents, Jerome Allen Brooks, Sr. and Varia Johnson Brooks; His paternal grandmother, Mary Gardner; twin adoptive sons, Cameron and Sean Brooks.  A granddaughter, Kolbie Grey Brooks. His sister, LaMareshia Johnson; Brother Caleb Brooks. Goddaughter, Moneshia Ivory and god granddaughter, Malayiah Goldsby. Uncles, Olen Gardner; Earl (Marie); Elliot Sr., (Merlene); Ellis Sr., (Martha); Melvin Johnson.  Aunts, Mary (Linnie) Edmond & Faye (Micheal) Robinson. A distinguished aunt Linda Johnson-Phipps; an esteemed cousin Kendrick (SanTanna) Johnson & a host nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerome grew up in Jackson, MS, but moved to Choctaw County in 2003. He graduated from Choctaw County High School in 2005. He went on to study Political Science at Howard University. Government and Economics at Cornell University and University of Alabama at Birmingham receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also attended the Diversity, Acceleration, and Inclusion Academy at the University of Southern California.

Jerome worked in politics and nonprofits, serving many elected officials from mayors to the United States Congress. He served as the Director of the Living Room in Atlanta, Georgia, an organization devoted to tackling homelessness. Jerome most recently worked as a Global Director of Brand Creative/ Community & Culture at Nike based in Portland, Oregon.

Jerome was generous, larger than Life, and never willing to settle for less than the best. He lived a full life of unique experiences and cultivated lasting friendships wherever he landed. His passion for change and accountability drove not only his career pursuits, but everything in his life. 

Jerome loved to cook, travel, and tour different cities across the United States. He never met a Stranger or missed an opportunity to fellowship. He loved family gatherings and often traveled home to celebrate major holidays.

Our lives and hearts will never be the same. He requested burial at the feet of our beloved grandmother at Greater First Baptist Church, Lisman Alabama.