Creed Flavious Brooks was the son of Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks and Evaline "Eva" Mathis Long. His father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks was an evangelical Baptist preacher.

He married Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey on Christmas Day 1909 at the Downey Family Home in Sale Creek, Tennessee. Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey was the daughter of Dr. Columbus Edward Downey and his second wife Margaret Jane Cross.

The Chattanooga News (Chattanooga,Tennessee)
27 Dec 1909, Mon Page 6
Brooks-Downey Wedding.
(Special to The News)
Sale Creek, Dec. 27.
A marriage of local interest was that of Miss Kittie Downey, of this city, to Mr. Creed Brooks of Chattanooga.
The marriage occurred at the home of the bride's family at 7 o'clock on Christmas morning, there being present only the immediate members of the family and a few relatives and friends. Rev. W. A. Wilholte, of Hill City, a kinsman of the bride, officiated.
The young couple left on the 8 o'clock train for Knoxville to spend the holidays with the groom's family.
Miss Downey is attractive and popular, and will be missed by her friends, who regret that her marriage takes her from their midst.

Creed Flavious Brooks and Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey had six children (James Downey Brooks, Frances Cathryn "Sister" Brooks Tucker, Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks Berryhill, W. J. "Buster" Brooks, Roy Albert Brooks, and Nancy Almeda Brooks Wiese.

Bio by Sharon Brooks Brimmer, the granddaughter of Creed Flavious Brooks and Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey and daughter of W. J. "Buster" Brooks.

Google (genealogy.az.gov) to view death certificate

Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona) 04 Jul 1962, Wed Page 16
CREED F. BROOKS
Creed F. Brooks, 72, of 320 S. Ruston Ave., died yesterday (3 July 1962) at St. Joseph's Hospital.
He was a Tucson resident for six years.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Catherine, of Tucson; three sons, Lt. Col. James D. Brooks, of Atlanta, Ga.; W.J.Brooks, of Victorville, Calif.; and Roy A.Brooks, of El Paso, Tex.; a son-in-law, G.H. Tucker, of El Paso; two daughters, Mrs. Carl A. Wiese, of Tucson, and Mrs. R.H. Berryhill, of Fort Worth, Texas; a brother, A.N. Brooks, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; four sisters, Mrs. Bessie M. Burk, of Atlanta; Mrs. N. T. Roach, of Grass Valley, Calif.; Mrs. M.K. Eades and Mrs. R.B. Crawford, both of Chattanooga; and 13 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Palms Mortuary.

Tucson Daily Citizen, Thursday, July 05, 1962, Tucson, Arizona, United States Of America
Creed F. Brooks
Funeral services for Creed F. Brooks, 72, of 320 S. Ruston Ave., who died Tuesday, will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Palms . Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. John W. Salzman of First Southern Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in South Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m.
today.

On 1 June 1900, Creed Brooks age 12, was residing in residing in Morrilton, Conway, Arkansas with his father Reverend B N Brooks age 38, & mother Eva M Brooks age 37, and siblings Arthur Nathaniel Brooks age 18, Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks age 16, Bessie Matilda Brooks age 14, Bonnie "Grace" Brooks age 6. His father's occupation was Minister and his brother Arthur was a Photographer. (Morrilton is less than 50 miles northwest of Little Rock).

On 11 OCT 1901 his sister Margaret Faye Brooks was born in Morrilton, Conway, Arkansas.

In 1903 Creed Brooks; was residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was stock boy for Beal-Doyle Dry Goods Company, engaged in the wholesale dry goods business. Pop's father the Rev. Benjamin N. Brooks, was pastor of First Baptist Church, Argenta, Arkansas on 20 October 1903. His sister Miss Bessie Brooks was a clerk at Wolf-McGrath Dry Goods Co. and boarding at 218 Maple, North Little Rock (Bess would have been age 17). (North Little Rock has a long history, dating back to the Burial Mound People. It was once known as Argenta, a name currently applied specifically to downtown North Little Rock in 1890).

In 1904 Creed Brooks was residing in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee where his father was the minister at Highland Baptist Church 1904 - 1906.

In 1906 Creed F Brooks was residing at 313 Vance Ave in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His occupation was Electrician.

In 1908 Creed F Brooks was residing at 610 Beech St. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was an Electrician for Scott Bros Elect. Creed installed the first self-leveling device on Otis elevators in Chattanooga, including the elevators in the new Patten Hotel that opened in 1908.

On 25 Dec 1909 Creed F. Brooks married Nancy Catherine Downey at the Downey Residence in Sale Creek, Hamilton, Tennessee. Creed's father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks, performed the ceremony. At that time Rev. Brooks was the pastor of St Elmo Avenue Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee on 21 Apr 1910 he moved to Harriman, Roane, Tennessee where he was the pastor at Trenton Street Baptist Church until 1914.

On the 22 April 1910 Creed F Brooks age 20 & Kittie Brooks age 21, were residing at 703 Anderson Ave. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was an Electrician for the Water Company and the Patten Hotel.

In 1911 Creed & Kitty Brooks were living in the Burk Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Creed was an Electrician for Scott Bros Elec Company. Burk Hotel was owned the mother-in-law of Creed's sister Bess Brooks Burk.

On 11 Oct 1911 their 1st son James Downey Brooks was born in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee, USA

In 1912 Creed & Kitty Brooks were residing at 701 Anderson Ave. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Creed was the owner of Brooks Electrician Co.

On 07 Aug 1913 their daughter Frances Cathryn "Sis" Brooks was born in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee.

In 1915 Creed F Brooks and Kitty Brooks were residing at 322 E 8th St. in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Brooks Electrician Co. was the Electrician for the Hotel Patten.

In Jan 1916 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing at 1504 S Beech, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Brooks Electrician Co. was the Electrician for the Hotel Patten.

17 Jun 1916 their daughter Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks was born in Woodstation, Catoosa, Georgia (Woodstation Community is abt 12 miles from Ringgold, GA. Creed was working for his brother-in-law John Burk as the Manager of John's Automotive Garage. His father Rev. Benjamin Brooks and his mother Eva Brooks lived next door to Creed Brooks and "Kitty" Downey. His father was Pastor of 1st Baptist Church in Woodstation. His father retired there in 1920.

On 5 Jun 1917 Creed Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing in Hartselle, Morgan, Alabama, with their three children (Jimmy, Cathryn "Sister", & Margaret "Teddy"). Creed worked for his brother-in-law John Burk, & was the Manager of Burk Auto Company in Hartselle, Alabama.

On 10 May 1918 their son W.J. "Buster" Brooks was born in Athens, Limestone, Alabama (about 28 miles from Hartselle, Alabama).

On 19 October 1919 their son Roy Albert Brooks was born in Graysville, Rhea County, Tennessee.

On 10 Jan 1920 Creed & Kitty Brooks were residing at 421 Pryor St E, in Athens, Limestone, Alabama. Their children were: James D Brooks [James Downey Brooks] age 8, Catherine Brooks [Frances Cathryn Brooks] age 6, Cordella Brooks[Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks] age 2, W J Brooks age 1 and Roy A Brooks [Roy Albert Brooks] age 3 months. The campus of Athens State University is now at 421 Pryor. Creed was Manager and Agent for Ford Car's. (John Burk, had two Automotive Garage & Ford Car Dealership's in Chattanooga, TN and Decatur, AL (Decatur was about 15 miles from Athens). John & Bess (Brooks) Burk sold their dealerships in 1921 and moved to Harlington, Texas where they built the Reese-Wil-Mond Hotel.

Creed & Kitty Brooks moved to Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia in 1921.

His father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks died 30 MAY 1922 in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia at the age of 59. He is buried in Forest Hills Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

From 1921 - 1928 Creed & Kitty Brooks resided in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia. Creed was a partner in the Home Stores, they had two stores one in Chattanooga, TN and the other in Ringgold, GA; sold anything electrical or that had a motor for use in homes, like refrigerators, radios & etc. These were the new inventions of the time!

1925 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1925; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1925

Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
05 Jul 1925, Sun Page 31
RINGGOLD
Chattanooga Times Special.
RINGGOLD, Georgia.,July 4.
Little James Brooks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Creed F. Brooks, is able to be out again after a severe illness.
Mrs. Creed F. Brooks returned home this week, after spending several days in Macon, Ga., attending the Grand chapter, Order of O. E. S.*, of Georgia.
Creed F. Brooks, of Chattanooga spent last week-end with his family here.

*The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic appendant body open to both men and women. It was established in 1850 by lawyer and educator Rob Morris, a noted Freemason, but was only adopted and approved as an appendant body of the Masonic Fraternity in 1873.

1926 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1926; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1926

1927 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1926; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1927

Creed F Brooks;
Residence Year: 1928;
Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia;
Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.;
Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1928

29 Dec 1928 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Family Visit
Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
29 Dec 1928, Sat Page 6
Mrs. J. J. Williams, of Oliver Springs, is the guest of Mrs. Meda Crawford and Miss Evelyn Crawford. She has also been visiting Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Brooks in Ringgold, Ga.)
Other information
Mrs. J. J. Williams (Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks) was the daughter of James Albert Brooks and Mahala Almeda Roberts Brooks. Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks married Joseph Jackson Williams. (Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks) was the sister of Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks. She was the aunt of Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks Crawford and Creed Flavious Brooks, and his wife Nancy Catherine "Kittie" Downey Brooks (Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Brooks). She was the great-aunt of Evelyn Elizabeth Crawford Snead (daughter of Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks and Rhuel Bradford Crawford).

Creed F Brooks & Catherine Downey Brooks;
Residence Year: 1929
Residence: 325 Wiley Ave. in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee.
Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.;
Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1929

2 January 1930 their daughter Nancy Almeda Brooks was born in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee.

22 April 1930 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing on 325 Wiley Ave in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee about 7 miles from Chattanooga. Occupation Partner & Salesman for Home Stores, Motor Supply Co. Children shown as: James D Brooks [James Downey Brooks] age 18, Katherine Brooks [Frances Cathryn Brooks] age 16, Margaret Brooks [Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks] age 13, W J Brooks [W. J. "Buster" Brooks] age 11, Roy Brooks [Roy Albert Brooks] age 10 and M Almeta Brooks [Nancy Almeda Brooks] age 3 months.

From 1932 - 1935 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia (no street address shown). Occupation Partner & Salesman for Home Stores, Motor Supply Co.

They left Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia in May 1935. Creed was able to keep working during the Great Depression (1929-39)by opening up a new area selling sawmill equipment for Corley Manufacturing Co. in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas.

23 May 1938 they were still residing in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas as shown in the engagement announcement of their daughter Frances Cathryn Brooks.

Death of Creed's Mother Evaline Mathis "Eva" LONG on 17 Jan 1939 in Cleveland, Bradley, Tennessee.

On 1 Apr 1940 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing at 2209 South Martin, Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas. Occupation: Saleman- Corley Manufacturing Co. Children: W J Brooks age 21 and Nancy Brooks age 10.

1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F. Brooks (Catherine Brooks); Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. home address: 2212 Valmar, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Sometime after 1 Apr 1940 Creed was made the Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. and they moved from 2209 South Martin to 2212 Valmar (Valmar is one street over from South Martin).

27 Apr 1942 in Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks; Age 52; Birth Date/Place: 8 Oct 1889, Cleveland, Tenn. Res: Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas. Race: White; Ht: 5'6 1/2", Wt: 162 1/2; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Brown; Spouse: Nancy Catherine Brooks; Occupation: Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. Residence: 919 E. 2nd Street, Little Rock.

1944 in Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas
Creed F Brooks Gender: Male Residence Year: 1944; Street address: Kanis Road, Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas; Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Company; Spouse: Catherine (Downey) Brooks.

1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks Gender: Male Residence Year: 1949; Street address: County Road 6 (Chicot Road), Little Rock, Arkansas. Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Company; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks, Manager of Corley Manufacturing Co; Residence: County Road 6 (Chicot Road), Little Rock, Arkansas; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks & (Nancy C.); manager Corley Mfg Co; Residence: 2005 S. Filmore, Little Rock.

1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks & (Catherine Brooks) Residence: 1005 S Denison, Little Rock, Arkansas. Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Co.

1956 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks, Gender: Male; Residence Year: 1956; Street address: 1713 Pinewood Dr, Little Rock, Arkansas; Occupation: District Manager for Corley Manufacturing Co.; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1958 in Tucson, Arizona, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks, Residence: 320 S Ruston, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Occupation: Retired; Spouse:Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Brooks.

1959 in Tucson, Arizona, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks, Residence: 320 S Ruston, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Occupation: Retired; Spouse:Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Brooks

Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona) 25 Dec 1959, Fri, Page 15
Photo - Mr. and Mrs. Brooks
50th Wedding Date Noted
Special Christmas observances in the Creed F. Brooks residence, 320 S. Ruston, will mark the couples golden wedding anniversary today.Married Dec. 25, 1909 in Sale Creek, Tenn., the pair resided in Sale Creek and Chattanooga, prior to making their home in Tucson, four years ago.
Among those honoring the elderweds will be three sons, two daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Death
Creed Flavious Brooks died 03 July 1962 in Tucson, Pima, Arizona

My grandfather Creed Flavious Brooks had what he called a "God Given Talent".

One of the things I remember the most was "Pop's" incredible voice, "Nanna" said his mother told her that he started singing as as tiny tot, and his voice grew to be magnificent.

My Aunt Teddy, described his tenor voice as being so effortless that it was a delight to hear and after listening to him sing to me as a child I fully agree with her. He could sing four full octaves. He could sing with basses or sing counter tenor with the sopranos.He sang at church, for fund raisers,and various other occasions. He could sing quite a variety of material from opera to gospel.

His incredible talent was well known in the Chattanooga area and he refused to ever accept money for his God-given talent. He was called the "Caruso" of Chattanooga. Creed also participated in Blackface minstrel shows. Although that would be considered controversial now, in the South in that time, that did not make him a racist. It was just entertainment and a way to raise funds for community projects. Blackface shows were typically vaudeville style shows consisting of songs, dances, and comic repartee performed by White actors made up to appear Black.

My grandmother said that a voice teacher for their daughter Teddy was retired from the Chicago opera and had her friends from Chicago come to Chattanooga to hear my grandfather sing. They were so impressed, they wanted him to become a professional in their opera company.

They offered him a full sholarship to study at the Juilliard School of Music,including support for the entire family, and this was in the depths of the Great Depression! However, my grandmother said that they could not see this as a prudent choice and did not want that life-style for their family. Furthermore, he knew from what he saw with his father's voice problems (Rev. Brooks had a time during his ministry when he lost his voice), that a future of singing opera could easily be lost.

My Aunt Ted said that one morning in the mid-1970's she was watching NBC's Today Show and they were discussing the truly great operatic voices. They were discussing the great Enrico Caruso, probably the most famous tenor in the history of opera. The question was whether those truly great voices were born or trained, or some combination. During that interview, they referred to the "untrained Caruso" in Chattanooga area in the time period when "Pop" was singing there. There was little question to her, who that was.

My memories of my "Pop" singing are a little different, since he was older by the time I was born. He would sit and sing hymns to me, his favorites were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In the Garden".

He would also sing simple little fun songs that made me laugh, here are a couple that I remember.

(Pop acted like he was singing this song about my Nanna, just to get her to say, "Oh, Creed!")

She's my darling, my daisy
She's hump backed and crazy,
Bow-legged, pigeon toed and blind.
(Got the rheumatism!)
Her teeth are false
From eating Epsom Salts.
She's my one-lunged, consumptive Clementine.


Tommy Duncan had an old grey mule,
and he rode him around the farm.
That mule he know'd--when that rooster crow'd
That the day twas about to dawn.
And he'd go Haw, HeeHaw, HeeHaw. (Pop would actually bray like a mule here)
Tommy Duncan had an old grey mule,
and he curryed him down with a rake.
That mule he know'd--when that rooster crow'd
That the day twas about to dawn.
And he'd go Haw, HeeHaw, HeeHaw.

Creed Flavious Brooks was the son of Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks and Evaline "Eva" Mathis Long. His father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks was an evangelical Baptist preacher.

He married Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey on Christmas Day 1909 at the Downey Family Home in Sale Creek, Tennessee. Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey was the daughter of Dr. Columbus Edward Downey and his second wife Margaret Jane Cross.

The Chattanooga News (Chattanooga,Tennessee)
27 Dec 1909, Mon Page 6
Brooks-Downey Wedding.
(Special to The News)
Sale Creek, Dec. 27.
A marriage of local interest was that of Miss Kittie Downey, of this city, to Mr. Creed Brooks of Chattanooga.
The marriage occurred at the home of the bride's family at 7 o'clock on Christmas morning, there being present only the immediate members of the family and a few relatives and friends. Rev. W. A. Wilholte, of Hill City, a kinsman of the bride, officiated.
The young couple left on the 8 o'clock train for Knoxville to spend the holidays with the groom's family.
Miss Downey is attractive and popular, and will be missed by her friends, who regret that her marriage takes her from their midst.

Creed Flavious Brooks and Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey had six children (James Downey Brooks, Frances Cathryn "Sister" Brooks Tucker, Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks Berryhill, W. J. "Buster" Brooks, Roy Albert Brooks, and Nancy Almeda Brooks Wiese.

Bio by Sharon Brooks Brimmer, the granddaughter of Creed Flavious Brooks and Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Downey and daughter of W. J. "Buster" Brooks.

Google (genealogy.az.gov) to view death certificate

Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona) 04 Jul 1962, Wed Page 16
CREED F. BROOKS
Creed F. Brooks, 72, of 320 S. Ruston Ave., died yesterday (3 July 1962) at St. Joseph's Hospital.
He was a Tucson resident for six years.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Catherine, of Tucson; three sons, Lt. Col. James D. Brooks, of Atlanta, Ga.; W.J.Brooks, of Victorville, Calif.; and Roy A.Brooks, of El Paso, Tex.; a son-in-law, G.H. Tucker, of El Paso; two daughters, Mrs. Carl A. Wiese, of Tucson, and Mrs. R.H. Berryhill, of Fort Worth, Texas; a brother, A.N. Brooks, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; four sisters, Mrs. Bessie M. Burk, of Atlanta; Mrs. N. T. Roach, of Grass Valley, Calif.; Mrs. M.K. Eades and Mrs. R.B. Crawford, both of Chattanooga; and 13 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Palms Mortuary.

Tucson Daily Citizen, Thursday, July 05, 1962, Tucson, Arizona, United States Of America
Creed F. Brooks
Funeral services for Creed F. Brooks, 72, of 320 S. Ruston Ave., who died Tuesday, will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Palms . Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. John W. Salzman of First Southern Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in South Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m.
today.

On 1 June 1900, Creed Brooks age 12, was residing in residing in Morrilton, Conway, Arkansas with his father Reverend B N Brooks age 38, & mother Eva M Brooks age 37, and siblings Arthur Nathaniel Brooks age 18, Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks age 16, Bessie Matilda Brooks age 14, Bonnie "Grace" Brooks age 6. His father's occupation was Minister and his brother Arthur was a Photographer. (Morrilton is less than 50 miles northwest of Little Rock).

On 11 OCT 1901 his sister Margaret Faye Brooks was born in Morrilton, Conway, Arkansas.

In 1903 Creed Brooks; was residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was stock boy for Beal-Doyle Dry Goods Company, engaged in the wholesale dry goods business. Pop's father the Rev. Benjamin N. Brooks, was pastor of First Baptist Church, Argenta, Arkansas on 20 October 1903. His sister Miss Bessie Brooks was a clerk at Wolf-McGrath Dry Goods Co. and boarding at 218 Maple, North Little Rock (Bess would have been age 17). (North Little Rock has a long history, dating back to the Burial Mound People. It was once known as Argenta, a name currently applied specifically to downtown North Little Rock in 1890).

In 1904 Creed Brooks was residing in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee where his father was the minister at Highland Baptist Church 1904 - 1906.

In 1906 Creed F Brooks was residing at 313 Vance Ave in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His occupation was Electrician.

In 1908 Creed F Brooks was residing at 610 Beech St. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was an Electrician for Scott Bros Elect. Creed installed the first self-leveling device on Otis elevators in Chattanooga, including the elevators in the new Patten Hotel that opened in 1908.

On 25 Dec 1909 Creed F. Brooks married Nancy Catherine Downey at the Downey Residence in Sale Creek, Hamilton, Tennessee. Creed's father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks, performed the ceremony. At that time Rev. Brooks was the pastor of St Elmo Avenue Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee on 21 Apr 1910 he moved to Harriman, Roane, Tennessee where he was the pastor at Trenton Street Baptist Church until 1914.

On the 22 April 1910 Creed F Brooks age 20 & Kittie Brooks age 21, were residing at 703 Anderson Ave. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was an Electrician for the Water Company and the Patten Hotel.

In 1911 Creed & Kitty Brooks were living in the Burk Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Creed was an Electrician for Scott Bros Elec Company. Burk Hotel was owned the mother-in-law of Creed's sister Bess Brooks Burk.

On 11 Oct 1911 their 1st son James Downey Brooks was born in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee, USA

In 1912 Creed & Kitty Brooks were residing at 701 Anderson Ave. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Creed was the owner of Brooks Electrician Co.

On 07 Aug 1913 their daughter Frances Cathryn "Sis" Brooks was born in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee.

In 1915 Creed F Brooks and Kitty Brooks were residing at 322 E 8th St. in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Brooks Electrician Co. was the Electrician for the Hotel Patten.

In Jan 1916 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing at 1504 S Beech, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Brooks Electrician Co. was the Electrician for the Hotel Patten.

17 Jun 1916 their daughter Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks was born in Woodstation, Catoosa, Georgia (Woodstation Community is abt 12 miles from Ringgold, GA. Creed was working for his brother-in-law John Burk as the Manager of John's Automotive Garage. His father Rev. Benjamin Brooks and his mother Eva Brooks lived next door to Creed Brooks and "Kitty" Downey. His father was Pastor of 1st Baptist Church in Woodstation. His father retired there in 1920.

On 5 Jun 1917 Creed Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing in Hartselle, Morgan, Alabama, with their three children (Jimmy, Cathryn "Sister", & Margaret "Teddy"). Creed worked for his brother-in-law John Burk, & was the Manager of Burk Auto Company in Hartselle, Alabama.

On 10 May 1918 their son W.J. "Buster" Brooks was born in Athens, Limestone, Alabama (about 28 miles from Hartselle, Alabama).

On 19 October 1919 their son Roy Albert Brooks was born in Graysville, Rhea County, Tennessee.

On 10 Jan 1920 Creed & Kitty Brooks were residing at 421 Pryor St E, in Athens, Limestone, Alabama. Their children were: James D Brooks [James Downey Brooks] age 8, Catherine Brooks [Frances Cathryn Brooks] age 6, Cordella Brooks[Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks] age 2, W J Brooks age 1 and Roy A Brooks [Roy Albert Brooks] age 3 months. The campus of Athens State University is now at 421 Pryor. Creed was Manager and Agent for Ford Car's. (John Burk, had two Automotive Garage & Ford Car Dealership's in Chattanooga, TN and Decatur, AL (Decatur was about 15 miles from Athens). John & Bess (Brooks) Burk sold their dealerships in 1921 and moved to Harlington, Texas where they built the Reese-Wil-Mond Hotel.

Creed & Kitty Brooks moved to Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia in 1921.

His father Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks died 30 MAY 1922 in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia at the age of 59. He is buried in Forest Hills Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

From 1921 - 1928 Creed & Kitty Brooks resided in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia. Creed was a partner in the Home Stores, they had two stores one in Chattanooga, TN and the other in Ringgold, GA; sold anything electrical or that had a motor for use in homes, like refrigerators, radios & etc. These were the new inventions of the time!

1925 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1925; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1925

Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
05 Jul 1925, Sun Page 31
RINGGOLD
Chattanooga Times Special.
RINGGOLD, Georgia.,July 4.
Little James Brooks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Creed F. Brooks, is able to be out again after a severe illness.
Mrs. Creed F. Brooks returned home this week, after spending several days in Macon, Ga., attending the Grand chapter, Order of O. E. S.*, of Georgia.
Creed F. Brooks, of Chattanooga spent last week-end with his family here.

*The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic appendant body open to both men and women. It was established in 1850 by lawyer and educator Rob Morris, a noted Freemason, but was only adopted and approved as an appendant body of the Masonic Fraternity in 1873.

1926 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1926; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1926

1927 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Creed F Brooks; Residence Year: 1926; Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia; Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.; Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1927

Creed F Brooks;
Residence Year: 1928;
Residence: Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia;
Occupation: Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.;
Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1928

29 Dec 1928 • Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia, USA
Family Visit
Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
29 Dec 1928, Sat Page 6
Mrs. J. J. Williams, of Oliver Springs, is the guest of Mrs. Meda Crawford and Miss Evelyn Crawford. She has also been visiting Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Brooks in Ringgold, Ga.)
Other information
Mrs. J. J. Williams (Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks) was the daughter of James Albert Brooks and Mahala Almeda Roberts Brooks. Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks married Joseph Jackson Williams. (Mary Jane "Molly" Brooks) was the sister of Rev. Benjamin Newton Brooks. She was the aunt of Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks Crawford and Creed Flavious Brooks, and his wife Nancy Catherine "Kittie" Downey Brooks (Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Brooks). She was the great-aunt of Evelyn Elizabeth Crawford Snead (daughter of Mary Almeda "Meda" Brooks and Rhuel Bradford Crawford).

Creed F Brooks & Catherine Downey Brooks;
Residence Year: 1929
Residence: 325 Wiley Ave. in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee.
Traveling Salesman, Motor Supply Co.;
Publication Title: Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Directory, 1929

2 January 1930 their daughter Nancy Almeda Brooks was born in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee.

22 April 1930 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing on 325 Wiley Ave in East Ridge, Hamilton, Tennessee about 7 miles from Chattanooga. Occupation Partner & Salesman for Home Stores, Motor Supply Co. Children shown as: James D Brooks [James Downey Brooks] age 18, Katherine Brooks [Frances Cathryn Brooks] age 16, Margaret Brooks [Margaret Creedella "Teddy" Brooks] age 13, W J Brooks [W. J. "Buster" Brooks] age 11, Roy Brooks [Roy Albert Brooks] age 10 and M Almeta Brooks [Nancy Almeda Brooks] age 3 months.

From 1932 - 1935 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing in Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia (no street address shown). Occupation Partner & Salesman for Home Stores, Motor Supply Co.

They left Ringgold, Catoosa, Georgia in May 1935. Creed was able to keep working during the Great Depression (1929-39)by opening up a new area selling sawmill equipment for Corley Manufacturing Co. in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas.

23 May 1938 they were still residing in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas as shown in the engagement announcement of their daughter Frances Cathryn Brooks.

Death of Creed's Mother Evaline Mathis "Eva" LONG on 17 Jan 1939 in Cleveland, Bradley, Tennessee.

On 1 Apr 1940 Creed F Brooks & Kitty Brooks were residing at 2209 South Martin, Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas. Occupation: Saleman- Corley Manufacturing Co. Children: W J Brooks age 21 and Nancy Brooks age 10.

1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F. Brooks (Catherine Brooks); Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. home address: 2212 Valmar, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Sometime after 1 Apr 1940 Creed was made the Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. and they moved from 2209 South Martin to 2212 Valmar (Valmar is one street over from South Martin).

27 Apr 1942 in Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks; Age 52; Birth Date/Place: 8 Oct 1889, Cleveland, Tenn. Res: Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas. Race: White; Ht: 5'6 1/2", Wt: 162 1/2; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Brown; Spouse: Nancy Catherine Brooks; Occupation: Branch Manager Corley Manufacturing Co. Residence: 919 E. 2nd Street, Little Rock.

1944 in Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas
Creed F Brooks Gender: Male Residence Year: 1944; Street address: Kanis Road, Ferndale, Pulaski, Arkansas; Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Company; Spouse: Catherine (Downey) Brooks.

1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks Gender: Male Residence Year: 1949; Street address: County Road 6 (Chicot Road), Little Rock, Arkansas. Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Company; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks, Manager of Corley Manufacturing Co; Residence: County Road 6 (Chicot Road), Little Rock, Arkansas; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks & (Nancy C.); manager Corley Mfg Co; Residence: 2005 S. Filmore, Little Rock.

1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks & (Catherine Brooks) Residence: 1005 S Denison, Little Rock, Arkansas. Occupation: Manager Corley Manufacturing Co.

1956 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Creed F Brooks, Gender: Male; Residence Year: 1956; Street address: 1713 Pinewood Dr, Little Rock, Arkansas; Occupation: District Manager for Corley Manufacturing Co.; Spouse: Catherine Brooks

1958 in Tucson, Arizona, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks, Residence: 320 S Ruston, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Occupation: Retired; Spouse:Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Brooks.

1959 in Tucson, Arizona, USA
Creed Flavious Brooks, Residence: 320 S Ruston, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Occupation: Retired; Spouse:Nancy Catherine "Kitty" Brooks

Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona) 25 Dec 1959, Fri, Page 15
Photo - Mr. and Mrs. Brooks
50th Wedding Date Noted
Special Christmas observances in the Creed F. Brooks residence, 320 S. Ruston, will mark the couples golden wedding anniversary today.Married Dec. 25, 1909 in Sale Creek, Tenn., the pair resided in Sale Creek and Chattanooga, prior to making their home in Tucson, four years ago.
Among those honoring the elderweds will be three sons, two daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Death
Creed Flavious Brooks died 03 July 1962 in Tucson, Pima, Arizona

My grandfather Creed Flavious Brooks had what he called a "God Given Talent".

One of the things I remember the most was "Pop's" incredible voice, "Nanna" said his mother told her that he started singing as as tiny tot, and his voice grew to be magnificent.

My Aunt Teddy, described his tenor voice as being so effortless that it was a delight to hear and after listening to him sing to me as a child I fully agree with her. He could sing four full octaves. He could sing with basses or sing counter tenor with the sopranos.He sang at church, for fund raisers,and various other occasions. He could sing quite a variety of material from opera to gospel.

His incredible talent was well known in the Chattanooga area and he refused to ever accept money for his God-given talent. He was called the "Caruso" of Chattanooga. Creed also participated in Blackface minstrel shows. Although that would be considered controversial now, in the South in that time, that did not make him a racist. It was just entertainment and a way to raise funds for community projects. Blackface shows were typically vaudeville style shows consisting of songs, dances, and comic repartee performed by White actors made up to appear Black.

My grandmother said that a voice teacher for their daughter Teddy was retired from the Chicago opera and had her friends from Chicago come to Chattanooga to hear my grandfather sing. They were so impressed, they wanted him to become a professional in their opera company.

They offered him a full sholarship to study at the Juilliard School of Music,including support for the entire family, and this was in the depths of the Great Depression! However, my grandmother said that they could not see this as a prudent choice and did not want that life-style for their family. Furthermore, he knew from what he saw with his father's voice problems (Rev. Brooks had a time during his ministry when he lost his voice), that a future of singing opera could easily be lost.

My Aunt Ted said that one morning in the mid-1970's she was watching NBC's Today Show and they were discussing the truly great operatic voices. They were discussing the great Enrico Caruso, probably the most famous tenor in the history of opera. The question was whether those truly great voices were born or trained, or some combination. During that interview, they referred to the "untrained Caruso" in Chattanooga area in the time period when "Pop" was singing there. There was little question to her, who that was.

My memories of my "Pop" singing are a little different, since he was older by the time I was born. He would sit and sing hymns to me, his favorites were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In the Garden".

He would also sing simple little fun songs that made me laugh, here are a couple that I remember.

(Pop acted like he was singing this song about my Nanna, just to get her to say, "Oh, Creed!")

She's my darling, my daisy
She's hump backed and crazy,
Bow-legged, pigeon toed and blind.
(Got the rheumatism!)
Her teeth are false
From eating Epsom Salts.
She's my one-lunged, consumptive Clementine.


Tommy Duncan had an old grey mule,
and he rode him around the farm.
That mule he know'd--when that rooster crow'd
That the day twas about to dawn.
And he'd go Haw, HeeHaw, HeeHaw. (Pop would actually bray like a mule here)
Tommy Duncan had an old grey mule,
and he curryed him down with a rake.
That mule he know'd--when that rooster crow'd
That the day twas about to dawn.
And he'd go Haw, HeeHaw, HeeHaw.