Johnnie Lee Brooks, Sr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 19th, 2024. He was born on August 27th, 1927, in Camp Hill, Alabama, to the late John and Ruby Jean Rowell-Brooks.

Johnnie was raised in Opelika, Alabama, where he attended public schools. Johnnie joined the U.S. Army, where he proudly served for 6 years. He moved to New Haven, CT, in 1955, where he met the love of his life, Fannie Brooks. They were happily married for an incredible 66 years. Johnnie’s career led him through various paths, working at Coast Lumbar in Hamden, CT, and later retiring from D.A.K Trucking, where he fondly drove Mack trucks and earned the nickname “Mack.”

Johnnie was known for his infectious smile, contagious laugh, and generous heart, Johnnie was a loving father who showered his family with affection. He enjoyed playing numbers, scratch tickets, and amusingly scaring people. His sense of community extended to buying ice cream for neighborhood kids on credit. If he did not have the money, he would return to pay it later. The children in the neighborhood would come to him to turn on the fire hydrant, which would bring them joy as well as him. Johnnie loved sharing his life experiences, driving people in his “Mack” truck, playing spades, fishing, and going to the casino. He was the neighborhood’s go-to handyman, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Fannie Brooks, (4) Sons: Johnnie Brooks Jr of New York, New York, Abdurrahim Shakir, Malcolm Brooks, and Eric Brooks of New Haven, CT. (5) Daughters: Linda Miller of Auburn Alabama, Deborah Brooks- Rodriguez of Meriden CT, Sarah Allen (Wayne) of New Haven CT, Denise McCrae of Fayetteville NC, and Pamela Brooks of New Haven CT. In addition, Johnnie leaves behind 33 grandchildren, 7 grandchildren-in-law, 55 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, John Brooks and Ruby Jean Rowell-Brooks, his sister Jeannie Kelley-Avery, and his grandson Johnnie Belle.

A Celebration of Johnnie’s life and legacy will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. A viewing and visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven. The service will be livestreamed via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/100091682711946/live_videos/