Cornelius Leroy Brooks

Cornelius Leroy Brooks of Bear, Delaware was called to rest from this life on February 17, 2026. He was born on January 21, 1941 to the late Mavis Williams and Lascelles Brooks in Siquirres, Costa Rica. Cornelius was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Brooks and Alphonso Brooks, and his sisters Juanita Fox and Ester C. Duncan.

Cornelius completed his education in Costa Rica. His journey to the United States began when he enlisted to fight in the Vietnam War for the United States. Fortunately, shortly after arriving to the United States the war ended before his military registration paperwork was completed. Former President Gerald Ford signed an act that allowed those who came to fight in the war a green card and U.S. citizenship.

Cornelius settled in Brooklyn, New York and eventually moved to Queens, New York. Cornelius worked for an electrical company and eventually landed a job with the New York City Department of Transportation as a traffic device maintainer, retiring in 1999. He was dedicated to his work, and his work ethics and kindness impacted those around him; he was remarkable.

In 1998, he was introduced to his wife by mutual friends they shared. The mutuals friends wanted to have a couples dinner date so Cornelius asked her to be his date. At the time, the now Mrs. Brooks did not want to give the brother a chance for even one date, but he told the mutual friends she’s going and the rest is history. After they married, he moved to Hempstead, New York where he joined his wife’s church, Faith Baptist Church Cathedral under the leadership of Reverend Joe L. Brown, where he became a faithful member. He loved worshiping the Lord. In 2015 they decided they wanted to get away from the high real estate taxes in New York and decided to move to Bear, Delaware. In their desire to continue worshiping the Lord, they immediately began their search for a new church home in Delaware and through word of mouth they were led to Pilgrim Baptist Church, where they became faithful members under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Lonnie E. Rector.

Cornelius was a devoted husband to his wife for 25 years, however before their union he was not a well-traveled man. Delphine was a game changer in his life and introduced him to the world of traveling. Together they traveled to Italy, Germany, Spain, Turkey, France, Belgium, Alaska, and many other places. Cornelius also had a unique sense of humor. He told his jokes without smiling, which made his shared moments with his wife more humorous. In his spare time, Cornelius enjoyed tuning into Pilgrim Baptist Church daily prayer line, listening to his gospel CDs, painting, drawing, playing cards with family, and watching his favorite TV shows.

Cornelius was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife and sweetheart Delphine Brooks, his son Shawn Brooks, his daughter Tashana Brooks, two grandsons Noble Chambers and Nyle Chambers, two bonus daughters Pamela Webb-McLean and Tracey Hartley, bonus son-in-law Oscar Hartley, brother-in-law Grayland Reaves, sisters-in-law Dora Brownley (Stewart), Mary Barnes, and Betty Reaves, special bonus niece Jane Lofton, seven bonus grandchildren, sixteen bonus great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Last, but not least his faithful furry baby girl Peaches who misses his presence. Cornelius’ legacy of kindness, love, and support will always be a beacon of light in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be truly missed.