Phillip J. Brooks

Phillip J. Brooks was born on January 31st,1948 to Joseph and Marie Brooks in Pittsburg, Pa. and departed this life in Canton, Ohio on February 17th, 2025. Phil graduated from Schenley High School in Pittsburg where he was an outstanding player on the football team. Phil went on to attend Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga. 

Phil called Atlanta home for many years before moving to Canton, Ohio in 1995 when he joined the Timken Company. Phil started working in the Timken Company’s bearing plant but retired from Timken Steel in 2016.  Phil was an avid tennis player. He was a member of the “Gentle Mules” tennis team in Atlanta for many years before relocating to Ohio. Phil also loved music and dancing. He was known for his signature dance moves. 

If there was one word to describe Phillip, it was “loyal”. If he knew and liked you, you could depend on him to be there for you in your time of need. Phil was very active in the Stark County NAACP. He served on the organization’s Executive Board as well as serving as Chairperson of the Legal Redress committee. 

Phillip’s life was filled with love, laughter and countless cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marie Brooks. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Gaylon Wesley-Brooks; daughter, Leah Brooks of Miami. FL.; son, Torin Brooks of Canton; grandson, Isaiah Brooks of Washington, DC; granddaughters, Milanie and Maleah Brooks of Daytona Beach, FL. and Lorin Brooks of Canton. Along with countless family members and friends who are mourning his loss are special friends, Stefeyne Ponders of Detroit, MI., Mr. Oscar Howard of Atlanta, GA. and Mr. Jim Prince of Washington, DC. 

A celebration of Phil’s life will be held in May.  Condolences and special memories of Phil can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com