William A. Brooks

William A. Brooks\nWilliam Alexander Brooks was born on May 5, 1919 to the late James Ernest and Carrie Simms Brooks in Brandywine, Maryland. He was called home for eternal rest on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.\nHe was baptized at an early age in the Methodist Church. He was joined in holy matrimony with the late Grace Oden Brooks. God blessed them with five wonderful children.\nWilliam, also known as Pill, will always be remembered for his gentle smile and loving ways. Pill’s successes were many; his love of the land was his best. As a man of the land, he farmed most of his life and loved every hard day of it. His employment included the Maryland State Highway Administration and the United States Department of the Interior, National Capital Parks-East. His last and longest position with the Department of the Interior was at the Oxon Hill Children’s Farm. As an avid farmer he took pride in giving demonstrations of old-world farming techniques and teaching the community, especially young children about the importance of farming. His love of people and the outdoors gained the attention of others and for many years he was selected to deliver the Christmas tree to the White House by means of a horse drawn buggy, giving him the opportunity to meet five presidents and first ladies.\nDuring his tenure at the Park Service, Pill received several awards including Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Farm Work; Winner of the NCP-East Safety Employee of the Year Award; Performance Awards/Special Achievement Awards; Special Act Service Award; and Unsung Hero Award. His love of his job ran so deep; he worked for 34 years and retired as a Supervisor at the age of 82.\nHe leaves to cherish his memory two sons Clifton Oden and Wade Brooks; two daughters Shirlene Garyu and Regina Owens; a special honorary son Barry Proctor; one son-in-law Carl D. Jones; two daughter-in-laws Pauline Oden and Sarah Hogan; 13 grandchildren Jeffrey Oden, Michael Oden, Darryl Oden (Robin), Jonathan Brooks (Bisty), Jason Jones, Cheryl Bannister (Kenneth), Lovette Owens (Zina), Charles Owens, Jr. (Rene), Lianko Garyu, Candace Fontaine (Elgin), George Garyu, Christopher Owens (Erica), Justin Garyu; 17 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; two sisters Frances Cofield (William) of California and Mary Green of Maryland; one devoted companion and friend Mary Alberta Cole and God daughter Susan Cole and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.\nFamily and friends of Granddaddy Pill can now rest assured that after a long and fulfilling life he has found joy and peace with Our Savior. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William A. Brooks please visit our Sympathy Store.