Obituary

James Mayo Brooks born May 4, 1930, was the youngest of 12 children, parents Espize (Thierry) Brooks and James Madison Brooks in Long Tree OK. Mayo sibling included: Zedia Mae, Enola Buford, Roberta Davis, Ruth Sales (James), Viola Cohn (Graham), Aaron Enette (Cherry), Agatha Leblanc (Alvin), Daphne Nelson (Stanley), Cepheus (Mattie) and Velma Perryman (Quinton), Opal (d). Mayo attended school in Long Tree till the 8^th grade. Then he attended Boynton High School where he graduated in 1949 as class vice president.

While attending high school Mayo met his high school sweetheart Colleen Ward. They were married June 21, 1949, at Uganda Martyrs Church in Okmulgee OK and lived on the family farm in Long Tree OK. To this union they had three children James Mason, Ethel LaDetra and Sharon Fay.

Mayo worked for American Airlines for 37 years from 1955 to 1992.  Mayo made the decision to move his family to Tulsa in 1958.

Affirmative action was prevalent during Mayo’s generation as a young man. Affirmative action opened doors that were closed to black people during the 50’s and 60’s. At American Airlines, the jobs were limited to a few jobs for black folks. Mayo was able to see changes even though there was a union that was not supportive of affirmative action during those times. Because the federal government had mail coming into the Tulsa plant, American Airlines had to open doors and training for all people. This gave Mayo the opportunity to move from part washer and building cleaner to base supply (responsible for airplane parts).  After his retirement he and Colleen built a home and moved to their current address in 1997. He said he worked hard all his life and he had money in the bank and wanted to have a house that showed his hard work in his retirement which he paid cash he wanted to provide Colleen her dream home.

Mayo was a member of St Augustine Church where he donated his time to cut the large soccer field and spend his own monies on parts and repairs for the tracker until he was well into his 80’s. Mayo delivered meals on wheels, served food at the homeless shelter.  Mayo enjoyed his spare time with the family including summer dinner with John and Sharon Thierry, you could find him playing solitaire cards or dominoes and watching old western movies. He loved to travel to California, Florida, Wichita and Omaha to visit family. He loved working in his oversize garden planting variety of greens and vegetables  well up into his late 80’s. Providing fresh vegetables for the family and friends.

Mayo is preceded in death: wife Colleen (72 years of marriage), his mother Espize and father James Madison. Sisters and brother-in-law’s and brothers: Zedia Mae, Enola Buford, Roberta Davis, Ruth Sales (James), Viola Cohn (Graham), Agatha Leblanc (Alvin), Daphne Nelson (Stanley), Velma Perryman (Quinton), Brother Ceaphus (Mattie), Aaron Enette(Cherry), Opal. Grandson Oshay Walker and daughter-in-law Margaret Elizabeth, nieces Irma Prescott, Vickie Woodruff and Gretha Cohn.

Mayo is survived by his son James Mason, daughter Ethel and Sharon Brooks. Eight Grandkids – Trina Brooks Vallejo CA, Erica Curl  Pensacola Fl, Jamesa Brooks  Atlanta Ga, Toyia Brooks (Anthony) San Francisco CA, Jacinta Brooks  Atlanta GA Jelani Handy (Janice) San Pablo CA, Jahmila Parris Vallejo CA and Jahmal Parris San Francisco CA. Twenty-Two Great Grandkids- Parrish Palmer, Kenneth Curl Jr, Kemore Curl, Jayland Benjamin (Raja), Jaydis Coward, Anthony Taylor, JaKobe Handy, Jordynn Handy, Leylande Andrew, Trae Harris, Shakari Brooks, Dion Daniels, Diondre Daniels, Javon Whorton, Jahvona Whorton, Domico Craft, Sierra Walker, Anthony Fletcher Jr., Samira Parris, Nasira Parris, Jesus Sanchez and Sheriaya Hicks. Great Great Grandkids -Zuri and Zoey Benjamin, Marquis Ahmad Craft and Adonis Oshay Daniels, Best friends and family John and Sharon Theirry, Shirley Hayden, Godson Ben Theirry (Katie), Zolla Brooks.  Host of nieces and nephews.