Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Sr.

On Friday, September 30, 2022, Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Sr. was called home to be with the Lord. Kendrick, Sr.  was born on March 29, 1962 in Elmhurst, IL to Sarah Ruth and Napoleon Brooks.  He was the only son and the youngest sibling (as he reminded his sisters on every possible opportunity).

Kendrick, Sr. attended elementary schools at St. James and St. Paul Lutheran. He graduated from Walther Lutheran High School. After graduation, he attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. 

On March 3, 1984,  Kendrick, Sr. and Chameko Maria Williams married and from that union one son was born, Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Jr.

Kendrick, Sr. and Chameko left their hometown to begin a new life in Virginia when he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as Third-Class Petty Officer from 1984 - 1990.  Kendrick, Sr. was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia on the USS EL PASO (LKA-117).  While serving in the Navy, Kendrick, Sr. was afforded opportunities to spend time in many countries.  During three Mediterranean cruises he visited Africa, Israel, Germany, Spain and France.  While cruising in the Caribbean, he visited the Bahamas, Jamaica and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He enjoyed the travel and his shipmates, who have remained lifelong friends. He was a proud Navy Veteran. Upon an honorable discharge from the Navy, Kendrick, Sr. and his family returned to Illinois to reside in Schaumburg.

Kendrick, Sr. was baptized at an early age at St. James Church. Later in life, he joined the Potters House Ministries (Maywood) where he served as an administrator and Elder in their Outreach and Ministry program.

Kendrick, Sr. cherished his family, friends and shipmates.  He loved life and always found a reason for laughter. He enjoyed grilling and was delighted to use his culinary skills to prepare special dishes for family and any one who enjoys good eating. He remained a faithful fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears, each year eagerly anticipating “a winning season”. He always enjoyed spending quality time with his one and only son, Kendrick, Jr. .He enjoyed talking on the phone about the Bulls games with his mother and controversial discussions on all sports with his dad, son and nephews. He could always depend on his eldest sister, Anita for guidance. His younger sister, Jean always reminded him to be true to himself. His grandchildren kept him young at heart.  Kendrick  was in the process of starting a Podcast because he always had an opinion.

Kendrick, Sr. was preceded in death by his father, Napoleon Brooks and brother-in-law, Carl James Bishop, Sr. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories:  a committed wife, Chameko Brooks; devoted mother, Sarah Brooks; faithful son, Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Jr. (Ashlie); two sisters, Anita Brooks Bishop and Annie Jean Brooks; grandchildren, Jazzmyn, Mariah and Ezekiel; aunt, Betty Johnson; niece and nephews, Ivy Cheffer, Carl Bishop, Jr. (Carolyn), Justyn and Jonathon Polk; mother and father-in-law, Judy and Larry Williams; sister-in-law, Cherie Williams; godmother, Sandra Henderson; a host of other relatives, friends and shipmates.

Kendrick’s mission is complete. Well done Sailor!

Originally drafted by: Kendrick Napoleon Brooks, Sr.

A link will be made available on this page at 10:am Thursday October 6, 2022 to access the live stream service.

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