Brentford L. "Brennie" Brooks

July 22, 1957 - December 14, 2021

Brentford Leroy Brooks, lovingly known as Brennie, passed away at Toledo Hospital on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, with his family by his side. Brennie was born on July 22, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio, to Charles Brooks and Juanita Jay Brooks. He was the second child of four. Brennie received his formal education at Lincoln Elementary School, Robinson Jr. High and graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1975, where he was a member of the Football Team. He went on to attend Central State University studying Political Science. He was employed with the City of Toledo, Toledo Health and Retiree Center, then ultimately became a skilled Millwright with the Millwright Piledrivers Local 1090, after which he retired with 25 years of service. Brennie coached CYO basketball for several years for St. Jude’s School where his sons attended. He took pride in mentoring team members to achieve their athletic goals while also learning the value of teamwork. Brennie was a man of many interests, with a love for virtually all movies; a fondness for old school music; and a passion for debating politics. He closely followed current events and enjoyed lively conversations. Brennie was preceded in death by his father, Charles; grandmother, Viola Jay; son, John D. Mitchum; brothers, Patrick Porter and Jerome Brooks; father in law, James Scruggs; and brother in law, Petey Scruggs. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 40 years, Juliet Brooks, children Akil and Jamal (Brittany Taylor) Brooks, mother, Juanita Brooks Cole; sister, Constance Brooks; special aunt, Melva (‘’Bobbie’’) Scott; mother in law, Elizabeth Scruggs; sisters in law, Wanda Brooks, Olivia Hughes, and Sylvia Scruggs; special nieces, Kyatto Nelson, Alaka Hughes, Joanna Smith; special nephews, Raphael Porter, Dashuan Smith, Jerome Brooks, Jr., Donald Brooks, Harold Hughes, and Dominique Scruggs; and a host of family and friends. Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!