Elder Donald Brooks, Jr.

Donald Brooks, Jr. was on born February 26, 1950, to Donald and Doris (Howard) Brooks Sr. On October 29,2023 at Tristar Centennial Medical Center, Nashville TN., God called him home to enteral rest. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Jonathan, and David.

He was educated in the Toledo Public School system, graduating from Jesup W Scott High School. He participated in various sports activities, winning many awards and setting records, which at times he used to illustrate points while preaching. For a time, he attended the University of Toledo where he was studying for a degree in social work.

After retirement he became a CASA volunteer earning many awards for his diligent work with children.  He also attended Winbrenner Theological Seminary, graduating with a diploma in Biblical Studies.

He married young, to Brenda A. (Sturdivant)Davis and from that union two daughters, Doris, and Tina, were born.  Years later he met and married Cherri and to that union Crystal was born. With her two children Michael and Deanna they formed the family they are today. He has taught many that a blended family can work but you must have God in your life and in the home for it to work. 

While being a family man he worked at General Motors Powertrain retiring with thirty- seven years of service.

At the tender age of ten the late Rev. I. J. Johnson pastor of the St. Marks Baptist Church baptized him.  At the age of twelve his mother passed away but before her passing she instilled in him a prayer life.  She let him know that know matter what the circumstance was nothing was too hard for God.  That, which his mother taught him had stuck with him all his life. Some even refer to him at times as a “Prayer Warrior”.

After a period of living a life of doing what he wanted to do outside of the church but never stop praying he recommitted his life to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  In December of 1981 Donald along with his family joined Harvest Time Holiness under the late Elder James Rowlett Jr., founder, and pastor.  Not knowing what the Lord had planned for him. He fulfilled many capacities at the church such as: cleaning the church weekly, shoveling the snow, teaching Sunday school, served on the Board of Trustee, and an adjutant to Elder Rowlett at times, even driving him back and forth to Detroit, MI.  As he continued walking with Elder Rowlett, his walk with the Lord grew and his prayer life developed even the more. At times he didn’t understand the lessons he was being taught, but he remained faithful.

On May 24, 1987, Elder Brooks preached his first sermon and received his minister license from Elder Rowlett.  In 1988 he accepted his call to preach the Word of God with Ezekiel 33 as his charge.  In 1992 the Late Bishop William James ordained him as an Elder.  Later that same year Elder Rowlett appointed him Assistant Pastor.

On May 28, 2006, he was installed as pastor of Harvest Time Holiness Church.

Elder Donald Brooks Jr. has had many ups and downs, trials and tribulations and victories with his walk with the Lord.  One of the most joyous times was being able to baptize his wife and children while working along with Elder Rowlett. He has taught those around him, especially his children, to pass the blessing on to others because you are blessed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Cherri, daughters, Doris, Toledo

Tina, Mason, OH, Crystal, Nashville, TN, Deanna David, Richmond Hill, GA, son, Michael J. Lawler, Mason, OH. Adopted by heart Kenya (Marvin) Hooker, Las Vegas, NV, stepmother Jennie Brooks, Columbus, Oh, sisters Donna (Craig)Mims, N. Little Rock, AR, Diana (Will)Hughes, Jacksonville, AR. goddaughters, Trinity and Danielle, godsons, Michael Marshall and Myron Lanier, and a host of loving relatives and friends.