Patrick Brookins

View Video GOD's seed, Patrick Arthur Brookins, sprouted on September 16, 1918 in Hazlehurst, Georgia in the St. Matthews community to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Madison and Idell Harris Brookins. He was the fourth of twelve children. At a very early age he sacrificed his education to work on the family farm to help support the family after his father became ill. He joined the St Matthews AME Church at an early age where he worked tirelessness and faithfully in many capacities over 85 years. For numerous years, he served as chairman of the Trustee Board, a Steward, a Class Leader, and Superintendent of the Sunday School. As a dutiful and faithful leader in the church, he was instrumental in supporting the work of the church, attending every Sunday when he was able and doing whatever task-large or small- that he was called upon to do. For many years, he organized the annual Homecoming activities for the church. You could always depend on 'Mr. Pat' to respond to any request at any time-day or night-as long as he was able. He was a life member of Gideon Masonic Lodge where he was the Worshipful Master for many years and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a World War II veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 211. He worked as an Orderly at Jeff Davis County Hospital for 20 years where he served with care and commitment and was well known and remembered for his skills and his kindness. During this time, he also received his EMT license. Also, he earned a Mechanics Certificate in Douglas, GA and was a community handyman for all. First and foremost, he was a farmer. A very skilled and knowledgeable farmer, he eagerly planted, nourished and harvested the fruits of GOD's green earth. He eagerly shared his harvest with neighbors, friends and anyone in need of fresh produce. He served on the Jeff Davis County Farmers Bureau Committee. He enjoyed walking amongst the silent forest; sitting silently in peace and tranquility and marveling at the quiet and calmness of nature. He was truly one with the Earth. Although not able to attend church the past two years, Patrick Brookins still enjoyed fellowship, prayer, singing and praising the LORD. His testimony was how the LORD saved him from a critical illness. HE would let him live so others can see the LORD's good work within him. Even as his body weakened, he could be heard in a great strong voice, declaring, 'I am a child of the KING! I am HIS and HE is mine! Praise the LORD!' In the quiet calm of the night, GOD harvested his matured fruit, Patrick, and on October 31, 2009, carried him to heaven. His work was completed on Earth. Just as he lived his life, quiet, calm, peaceful and full of GOD's glory, he entered heaven- GOD's kingdom, quiet, calm, peaceful and full of GOD's glory with a smile. Preceding him to GOD's kingdom were two children, Mary Alice Wright and James Arthur. He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife whom he lovingly called 'Dora', Isadora Sharpe Brookins; five devoted daughters: Marion (Yao) Ouphouet, Seattle, WA; Patricia (Paul) Maxwell, Indianapolis, IN; Jacquelyn (Milus) Burkett, Hazlehurst/Surrency, GA; Janice (James) Hall, Savannah, GA; Gwynette (Bernard) Clements, Lawrenceville, GA. Fourteen grandchildren: four whom he raised as his own after the death of his oldest daughter, Mary: Wendy Fedrick, Hazlehurst; Wanda Wright, Okinawa, Japan; Lynette Armstrong, Reidsville, GA; Patrick Stacy Wright(Tammie), Baxley, GA; David Everett Myles (D.); Paula Marcia Lynn Maxwell, Indianapolis, IN; Latonja Myles, Hazlehurst, GA; Jaron Hall, Savannah, GA; Tawana Clements and ShaRee Clements, Lawrenceville, GA; Jen Hall, Savannah, GA; Innocent Ouphouet, Guy Ouphouet, Denise Ouphouet, Atlanta, GA. Seven great-grandchildren: Mary Alice Armstrong, (Afghanistan), Patrick Armstrong, Whitney Johnson, Patrick Wright, Jr., Stephanie Fedrick, Traci Patricia Wright, Stacy Patrick, April Ouphouet, David Myles Hester One great-great-grandchild: Makia Johnson; Two surviving siblings: Pauline Williams, Hazlehurst, GA and Simon Brookins, Winter Haven, FL: Sister-in-laws: Ophelia Sharpe and Lucille Sharpe of Hazlehurst, GA, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday November 11, 2009 from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm at King Brothers Funeral Home. Wake will be from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Funeral service will be Thursday November 12, 2009 at 1:00 pm at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church in Hazlehurst, GA. Burial in the church cemetery with military honors.