Community remembers educator Gerald Brooks
TEXARKANA, Texas — A longtime fixture of Texarkana Independent School District, as well as the Texarkana community, died Sunday.
Gerald Brooks, a member of the district’s Board of Trustees, as well as former teacher and assistant principal, died at age 86. Brooks is survived by his wife, Faye, as well as three children, 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Brooks began working with the district in 1963 at Dunbar High School as a classroom teacher, according to a news release from the district. He eventually became assistant principal at multiple schools of various grade levels. Brooks also taught history classes at Texarkana College and coursework at the Federal Correctional Institution.
Local attorney Rendi Wiggins met Brooks when she was a student at Pine Street Junior High and got to know him more when he was her principal at Texas High School.
“He was very involved with student life and interested in every student succeeding,” Wiggins said. “It didn’t matter your background, your race, your gender. He was for you and loved you, and you knew he loved you.”
Wiggins said that even after Brooks retired he still continued to be instrumental at TISD, whether assisting the TISD Education Foundation, participating in the Strategic Planning Committee or helping pass the district’s bond issues.
“He led with a gentle spirit, with such a loving spirit,” Wiggins said. “He had a heart for all students.”
TISD Superintendent Doug Brubaker offered sympathy to Brooks’ family and the district.
“Mr. Brooks was a pillar of our community and a strong advocate for education. His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us,” he said.
George Willige, a former TISD principal, said he met Brooks in the late 1960s, when Willige was a football coach and Brooks was a teacher.
“He was just a really nice guy, soft spoken, nice gentleman,” Willige said. “We were friends. We had the same lunch period. We would meet each other on our study time, and he made a good impression on me.”
Willige eventually became principal at Texas High School and chose Brooks to be one of his assistant principals.
“I really respected him and respected the way he worked with his teachers and how the students all seemed to like him pretty well. I thought that was great,” Willige said. “He was very easy to get along with.”
Brooks served on the TEXAR Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for over 20 years, as well as the board for Oak Street Baptist Church and the Texas Historical Foundation. He also was a Basileus member for the Theta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Texarkana Texas Police Department Chief Kevin Schutte called Brooks a friend and said he will be greatly missed.
A TTPD social media post described Brooks as a valued asset to the Police Department and Fire Department due to his role as a Civil Service Commission member.
Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (NETABSE) also expressed sympathy in a statement.
“On behalf of our NETABSE membership, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” said organization President Lee Williams III. “His dedication to education was evident through his roles as a teacher, assistant principal and adjunct professor, as well as his commitment to mentoring and community service.”
Williams attributed NETABSE’S founding to Brooks’ leadership and said Brooks had an unwavering commitment to promoting educational careers among underserved populations, as well as fostering professional development opportunities.
“Brooks’ life was a testament to the power of education and service,” Williams said. “His contributions will forever be remembered and celebrated. We are so profoundly grateful for his leadership and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.”
Funeral arrangements and further details will be announced at a later date, according to TISD.