Bishop Ignatius Brooks

Bishop Ignatius Alexander Brooks, 94, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on April 29, 2023, surrounded by family.
Bishop Brooks was born on December 24, 1928, to Oscar and Arabella (English) Brooks in Flamstead, Hanover in Jamaica. Affectionately nicknamed “Egbert” by his brothers and sisters, he was the third of 8 children.

Bishop Brooks left home at an early age. His father insisted he work as a tailor but Ignatius (and God) had other plans. Ignatius accepted Christ into his life at an early age and was called into ministry. In 1955, he attended the Jamaican Bible Institute. Soon thereafter he and his wife were chosen to be pastors at the Open Bible Church in the Content District in the St James Parish of Jamaica. He later founded the Full Gospel Church in Content and would eventually oversee Full Gospel churches in both Jamaica and in the US.

Ignatius devoted his life to serving God and his community. In 1976 he and his family immigrated to the US. And a decade later he founded a new Full Gospel church in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a faithful pastor, who served his congregation with passion and dedication. He was known for his warm and welcoming spirit, his inspiring sermons, and his unwavering faith. Bishop Brooks served as the Associate Pastor at Saint Luke’s Memorial Church of God In Christ where he worshiped until his failing health.

Throughout his life, Ignatius was blessed with a large and loving family. He loved children. He and Viris had 8 children and together fostered more than 130 children in the Kansas City area. He was a member of the Foster Grandparent Program and was an adoptive parent to many.

Bishop Brooks never met a stranger. He took great pleasure in meeting new people and sharing his wisdom and knowledge. He was a dedicated volunteer at many schools and local events and was a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration to his community.

He was preceded in death by his wife (Viris), daughters (Nova, Marica, and Eleanor), and sons (Everton, Wayne, and Wishart “Max”). He leaves to mourn his sister, Pearline “Zena” McKenzie, and brother, Levi Brooks; his daughters Ruth (Ron) Craig, Carol Brooks, and Angela Brooks, and sons Pastor Frederick Samuels (Conceita), Andrew (Mistah) Brooks, Kenny Brooks, as well as a host of previous foster children, 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Bishop Brooks will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral service Saturday, May 6, 2023, 2:00pm at St. Luke's Memorial COGIC  3100 E. 31st., K.C.MO. visitation 1:00 pm- 2:00pm. Interment in Content, Jamaica WI. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. 

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