The Original Memory Book for the late Nathaniel Brooks Jr
During his childhood, Charles faced a significant challenge when his mother, Nurse Shirley, became gravely ill. This period was crucial in shaping Charles into the devoted family man he became. It was during this time that Charles learned the essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning and managing the household. He took on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, Yvette and Andrew, especially after his mother’s passing. These experiences instilled in Charles a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, qualities that defined him throughout his life.
A TIME FOR LOVE AND FAMILY
In the early 1970’s Charles was introduced to Daphne through mutual family connections. What began as a warm friendship between families gradually deepened into something more meaningful. Over time, their bond grew stronger, evolving into a loving relationship built on trust and shared values. After several years together, Charles and Daphne decided to take the next step in their journey, and on October 11th, 1986, they were joyfully married.
This union was blessed with two children: Diallo and Charlexis.
Charles was a devoted husband and father whose boundless love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was always ready to meet their needs, no matter what was required of him.
Charles never missed a family vacation, school program, or outing, always making sure to be present for the moments that mattered most. He invested deeply in his children, ensuring they felt supported and cherished every step of the way. His unwavering commitment and affection were the foundations of his family’s happiness and unity.
A TIME TO WORK
In the early 1980s, Charles gained employment with Fargo Express where he carried out courier services to and from South Florida. He then joined J.S Johnson Insurance Brokers where he served as an Underwriter for a short time.
After leaving J.S Johnson, Charles fully embraced entrepreneurship by becoming a Taxi Driver. With the support of his father Nathaniel Sr., Charles obtained his own taxi plate, which marked the beginning of Brooks Limousine and Taxi Services. Charles thrived in the transportation industry for an impressive 38 years. His passion for both people and the Tourism & Hospitality industry allowed him to connect with visitors from diverse backgrounds, forging lasting friendships along the way. Charles was a proud and valued member of the Bahamas Livery Drivers Union where he served diligently at the Lynden Pindling International Airport until January 2025. The union awarded
him a certificate of achievement in recognition of his pursuit of excellence and commitment to the livery industry and professional growth.
A TIME TO DIE
In January 2025, after undergoing numerous tests and scans, doctors discovered that Charles had developed a large tumor on the left and temporal sides of his brain. Faced with this serious diagnosis, Charles made the difficult decision to step away from his business & daily work life so that he could concentrate solely on his health.
While Charles was at home, he began to deepen his relationship with The Lord. Many days, the Brooks’ household was filled with sermons and the uplifting melodies of gospel music, providing Charles with the strength he needed to navigate the challenges life had presented him. The spiritual communion became a source of solace and resilience, helping Charles to persevere and find hope amidst adversity. The presence of faith and music in his home was a vital part of his journey, offering him comfort and fortitude during this difficult time.
On Tuesday, April 15th, Charles had to be rushed to the hospital where it was later found that he had contracted a severe case of pneumonia. Prior to entering the ambulance, Charles held the hands of his family one last time where he uttered the sinner’s
prayer and accepted, the Lord as his Savior. At 2:50am on April 17th, Nathaniel Charles Brooks Jr. passed away peacefully from time into eternity leaving behind a legacy rich in love, wisdom and service.
Charles was predeceased by his parents: Nathaniel Charles McNeal Brooks Sr. & Nurse Shirley Cooper-Brooks.
Left to cherish his legacy and memories are:
His Devoted Wife of 38 years: Daphne; Daughter: Charlexis; Sons: Diallo & Teron; Grandchildren: Terez and Tyrion; Sister: Yvette Brooks-Stuart; Brothers: Andrew & Henry; Mother-in-law: Maudline Pinder; Sisters-in-law: Betty-Mae Brooks, Charlene Bosfield, Julia Pinder, & Chantel Pinder; Brothers-in-law: Clifton, Stephen, Dwayne & Ashley Pinder; Nephews and Nieces: Andrew Jr, Stephen, Antoine, Julian and Ricardo Brooks, Kimalee (Mark) Charlamoux, Richard and Otis Brooks, Teran (Rickera) Pinder, Charles Higgs & Raquel (Ricardo) Miller;
ORDER OF SERVICE
PRESIDING: Pastor Nelson McFall
THE PROCESSION OF THE FAMILY
OPENING SENTENCES | Pastor Nelson McFall, Associate Pastor Mount Tabor Church
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption And this mortal has put on immortality
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written
Death is swallowed up in victory
Oh Death where is your sting” Oh Hades where is your victory?
The sting of death is sin
And the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
Through our Lord Jesus Christ”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
THE PROCESSIONAL
In-House Pastors
The Bishop
THE CASKET
OPENING HYMN | “Heaven’s Jubilee”
Some glad morning, we shall see Jesus in the air
Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share
What rejoicing, that will be, when the saints shall raise
Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies.
(Chorus)
Oh what singing, Oh what shouting
On that happy morning, when we all shall rise
Oh what glory, hallelujah?
When we meet our blessed Saviour in the skies.
Seems that now I almost see all the sainted dead
Raising for that jubilee, that is just ahead
In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be
All the living saints to fly to that jubilee
When with all the heavenly host, we’ll begin to sing, Singing in the Holy Ghost how the heav’ns ring
Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be
Praising Christ thru ages long, Heaven’s jubilee.
The Recession concludes with In-House Pastors
The Bishop The Casket
The Family
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
His Grace Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Presiding
OPENING SENTENCES | His Grace Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Founding Pastor
THE PRAYER | Pastor Reno Brennen, Associate Pastor Mount Tabor Church
HYMN | ”Glad Reunion Day”
There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day.
(Chorus)
Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day.
There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day.
When we live a million years in that wonderful place
Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace. That will be glad reunion day.
THE COMMITTAL | His Grace Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Founding Pastor
THE HYMN OF COMMITTAL | “It’s Alright Now”
There was a time I traveled a lonely sinful road
Beneath a heavy burden bending low
But now all things are different for Jesus took my load
It’s alright now I’m His I know
It’s alright now for I am in my Savior’s care
It’s alright now my Savior hears and answers prayer
He’ll walk beside me ‘til I climb the heav’nly stair
And ev’rything is alright now
A-down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone; ‘Til Jesus came and found me and drew me to His side
It’s alright now for I’m His own
No more in sin I wander no more in darkness roam
The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining my soul is nearing home
It’s alright now I’m heaven bound
HYMN OF DEPARTURE | “City of Gold”
There’s a city of Light, where there cometh no night; ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that city of gold.
(Chorus)
When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that city of gold
There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friend I’ve known When we get to that city of gold.
Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? If you will come along, we will sing heaven’s song When we get to that City of gold.
EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE | Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium
THE BENEDICTION | His Grace Bishop Neil C. Ellis Founding Pastor
TO MY DEAR HUSBAND, CHARLES
As I write this tribute to you, my heart is heavy. Charles, you were my best friend and an extraordinary husband. I saw you as a giant of a man and a role model to others. Thank you for the love, laughter, and joy we shared together. I know you cared deeply for our family because this was displayed through your words and actions each day.
Charles, you were the protector, provider, chef and mechanic of the family. Over the years, I will always remember the great meals you prepared for our family, the Sunday drives around the island for conch salad & fritters, and our family vacations, which were an exciting time for us all where we would spend time shopping, eating and enjoying entertainment parks.
You were a family man and a hard worker during your time here on earth. I was blessed to have a husband like you. You had a heart of gold always helping and looking out for others. I am grateful to God for allowing me to care for you in the last three months of your life, while working from home. It was not easy experiencing what you went through.
Even in the toughest moments, I held onto hope that you would recover and return home. But God had a different plan—a plan to bring you complete healing and call you home to be with Him. Knowing that you are now resting in the Lord’s arms brings me comfort, especially after witnessing you accept Christ before your passing. I will always love you and carry the memories of us in my heart forever.
Your presence will be greatly missed. Sleep on and take your well-deserved rest. Until we meet again.
Your Loving Wife, Daphne
TO THE BEST BIG BROTHER IN ALL THE WORLD
You were the eldest and I was the youngest. We bonded right away .... I spent more time in your room than my own as we would share jokes and when we played checkers you would let me win. I loved listening to your latest 45s [records]. We protected each other especially when we knew punishments from Daddy were eminent.
You would be left in charge to look after Andrew and I, taking this responsibility seriously even to the day God called you home. You took charge of our home cooking and carrying out other household chores after our mother’s passing.
As you grew into young adulthood, you were wise beyond your years proving yourself to be capable and knowledgeable from an early age in so many areas, particularly given there was no internet to Google anything. You quickly became the “go to” person to me and so many others.
Whenever you wanted to do something, you would always formulate an in-depth plan to get it done with alternative plans A, B, & C. You would never give up.
I remember when you took me to Florida to buy my first car. You convinced me to buy a standard shift (manual shift) car because
you said everything about it was perfect except, I could not drive standard shift. You promised to teach me how to drive it. I kept that vehicle for 10 years before purchasing another, standard shift of course.
You were there for all the milestones in my life cheering me on and supporting me in all that I did, in good times and not so good times.
You taught me so many important life lessons like treating everyone with dignity and respect and when you are in position to help others, help them.
I will miss all the happy times we shared, travelling during family trips that you led, our calls throughout the day, your sound advice and counsel but most of all your wisdom, kindness and love that never wavered. You showed me that I had a treasured place in your heart, just like the one I have in my heart for you.
Rest in peace my brother, we will meet again. I love you but Jesus loves you best.
Yvette
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family of the late Nathaniel Charles Brooks Jr., wish to extend our sincerest appreciation to all those who have been present in the midst of this challenging time in our lives. You have been a light in the middle of our darkness. Your love, prayers, & generosity means more to us than words can express. We ask that you continue to uplift our family in prayers as we navigate this new journey without our beloved Charlie. With God’s help, we will have the strength and comfort to continue on.
