Martel Thomas Brooks

Martel’s Journey

Martel Thomas Brooks Sr., also known as “Hev”, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Margaret Brooks-Wood and Henry Thomas Brooks. He was the firstborn of three children.

As an infant, he was baptized into the Roman Catholic Faith at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (Homewood-Kelly Street). Later in life he attended Trinity Tower United Methodist Church and was a strong believer in our Lord Jesus Christ.

As a Pittsburgh native, he attended Wilkinsburg high school where he played football all four years. He was an intellectual who loved to play chess and poker.

After graduating from Wilkinsburg high school, he entered the Marines from August 1983- August 1987 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Many of his awards and accolades included: Rifle Badge Award, (2) Letter of Appreciation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, (2) Certificate of Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the (2) Metorious Mast. He was a true force!

After the Marines, he attended Robert Morris University and worked at the University of Pittsburgh, Pitt Bookstore. He settled into a career as a CNC (Computer Numeric Controller) Machinist, handling heavy machinery designed

for the production of parts, tools, and various plastics and metals. Martel worked in this profession until he sustained a work-related injury.

He had many interests including entrepreneurship where he owned and operated a nightclub, Ragtime, in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, PA.

Later in life, he found a love for stocks, 3D etching, fantasy football, video games, and using his lyricism for battle rap.

Martel was a mentor and loved to help others, constantly spreading encouragement to those in need.

During life’s journey, Martel became a proud father to twins Martel Brooks Jr and Marissa Brooks, Bryant Boyd, Danny Coker, Devlin Brooks, and Bryce Brooks.

On September 12, 2015, Martel met his fiancée and the love of his life Rowena Moore, through BlackPeopleMeet.com! They dated long-distance for a few years before Rowena moved to be with him in Pittsburgh, PA. On January 02, 2023, Martel got on one knee and presented her with a proposal, a ring, and a pendant asking her hand in marriage, in which she happily said YES.

He was also the proud grandfather to Bryce Thomas Brooks Jr, Braydin Thomas Brooks, and Chaniah Boyd.

Martel found eternal peace on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. On his paternal side, he was preceded in death by his father Henry Thomas Brooks, grandmother Iona Johnson, Great Uncles John Brooks and James Brooks, Great Aunt Skippy Wilson, Aunts Evelyn Brooks, Michelle Lesesne, Gene Poole, Uncles Charles Brooks, Mitchell Brooks, and James Brooks.

On Martel’s maternal side, he was preceded in death by his grandmother Willia B. Moore, Uncle Joseph L. Moore, and first cousin Suzette A. Moore-Fulton (Pennie).

He leaves to cherish a lifetime of beautiful memories with his family:

(mother) Margaret Brooks-Wood (step-father Rodney Wood), (sister) Naomi Wood, (brother) Rodney Wood Jr, (niece) Kalyn Flournoy, (nephew) Kush Flournoy, (niece) Ariana Dunson.

His wonderful children (son) Martel T. Brooks Jr., (daughter) Marissa C. Brooks, (son) Bryant Boyd, (son) Danny Coker, (son) Devlin Brooks, (son) Bryce Brooks (Tori).

His beloved fiancée Rowena Moore, her children Brittany Cunningham (Joel), Kyle Cunningham, and Justin Cunningham.

He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

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