Donald Brooks

Donald James Brooks, age 72, of Lavonia, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. Born on March 16, 1953, in Fort Benning, Alabama, he was the son of the late Joe Alex and Emmy Auguste Brooks.

Donald was a man of music and education, deeply passionate about his role as a band director and educator for over thirty-nine years. He spent the first part of his career in Cordele, where he enriched the lives of students at Crisp County Schools. Later, he relocated to Lavonia and continued to inspire young minds at Franklin County Schools. Donald concluded his career with Tamassee-Salem High School in Oconee County, South Carolina.

A man of diverse interests, Donald delighted in fishing and was an ardent supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Troy State Trojans. His involvement with the Senior Citizen Band brought him great joy, but nothing compared to the happiness he found in the company of his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He was a dedicated member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church.

Donald leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Cynthia Brooks; his daughter, Melody Jenkins and her husband Ben; stepchildren Joshua Joiner with his wife Brigette, and Lauren Joiner-Ramsey. He was the proud grandfather of Jaiden Joiner Baum, Grayson Joiner, Ana Claire Jenkins, Kyndall Joiner, Reid Jenkins, Everett Jenkins, Camille Jenkins, and Faith Jenkins. Additionally, his faithful canine companion, Benny Boy, will deeply miss him.

A funeral service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the funeral home chapel, with the family receiving friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Springs, Alabama.

The arrangements are under the care of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. For those wishing to leave condolences or sign the online guest register, please visit http://stricklandfh.com.