Ms. Barbara Jean Brooks

Ms. Barbara J. Brooks of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at No Greater Love Baptist Church, 3015 S. 75th Street, Tampa, FL 33619, with Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr., Officiating.  Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, 4406 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, FL 33610.

Barbara J. Brooks was born on April 12, 1947, to the late Richard Sr. and Roberta Brooks. A woman of unwavering faith, she gave her life to Christ, a commitment that served as her compass throughout her life. She was a dedicated and beloved member of No Greater Love Baptist Church Tampa under the leadership of Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr., where she was affectionately known as “Mother Brooks”.

A proud product of Hillsborough County Public Schools, she was a graduate of Middleton High School, Class of 1967. Her years at Middleton forged lifelong friendships and a spirit of resilience that she carried with her through every season of life.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was a pillar of strength for her children and took immense pride in serving others. She was a woman of few words, but her life spoke volumes. A quiet current that moved with purpose and grace. Her role as a grandmother was one she cherished above all else, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and guidance for the next generation.

She is reunited in eternal rest with her parents, Richard Sr. and Roberta Brooks; her brother, Richard Brooks, Jr.; and her sister, Gloria Brooks-Griffin.

She leaves to celebrate her life and continue her legacy: her daughters, Nicole Smith-Brown (Curtis, Jr.) and Tiffany Watson; her nephew, whom she raised, Kenneth Butler; her grandchildren, Jeremiah Brown Watson, Curtis Brown, III, Michael Rucker, Jr., and Elisha Rucker; her siblings, Irma Brooks Hudson and Franklin Brooks, Sr. (Beverly) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends who were touched by her kindness and grace.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. 

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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