Gilbert Brooks Sr.

GILBERT GRIFFIN BROOKS, SR., the second of three sons of the late Randolph and Mazie Brooks was born in Glen Burnie, Maryland on March 29, 1930. He departed this life at his home after a short illness on July, 4, 2020. Gilbert, fondly known as “Gil”, graduated from Bates School which, at the time, was the only school for African American students in Anne Arundel County. After graduating in 1947, Gil attended Morgan State College for three years and studied English Literature. Gil left Morgan before graduating to join the Army where he worked in the Motor Pool and earned the rank of Corporal. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Gil went to work for a family friend where he gained his passion for carpentry and mastered his skills. He soon gained an interest in using his carpentry skills to teach others and completed additional college coursework at Howard University before beginning what would be a 25-year teaching career with the Baltimore City Public Schools. Along the way, Gil’s carpentry talent was recognized, and he became a local TV celebrity as host of “This Old House”, which taught home repairs to viewers. Gil was introduced to the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Peck, by his cousin in 1955. They were married on March 9, 1957 and enjoyed a 47-year union until her passing in 2004. From this union came three sons, Gilbert Jr., Randolph, and Jonathan. A master carpenter, Gil built his family’s Glen Burnie home in 1960 and lived there for 60 years. There he taught his sons how to farm the land and carpentry skills that they continue to use to this day. Gil was a longtime member, 50+ years, of The Church of St. Mary the Virgin where he was a Senior Warden. Gil was also a Vestry member, Board member and founding planner for the church’s senior living complex, Stevenson Court apartments. After Gil’s retirement in 1991, he spent his time doing what he loved, reading, farming, and building. As a lifelong learner, Gil read a lot and could discuss just about any topic in American history. He farmed his land, planting kale, turnips, string beans, corn, and sweet potatoes and gave much of what he grew away to family and friends. He also continued to use his carpentry skills to make improvements to his home, he built a storage shed for his tool collection, and built a sunroom for his Betty that she loved to relax in. In his later years, Gil tried his hand at painting and discovered a hobby that he was good at and enjoyed. His work now decorates several rooms of him home. Gil leaves to mourn his sons, Gilbert Jr., Randolph, and Jonathan; two daughters-in-law, Karen and Rhonda Brooks; three grandchildren, Courtney, Pierce and Amanda Brooks; one brother, William Brooks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Gilbert Brooks Sr.

March 29, 1930 - July 4, 2020