"I got you, they got us, now go get someone else."

On September 3, 2005, Demarcus Michael Alexander Brooks came into this world to save the life of his mother, Deanne Gooch Brooks. On this day, Alex’s mother first laid eyes on her purpose and felt unconditional love for the very first time. Outside the operating room stood Alex’s Nana (Deborah Bates) and Mimi (Michelle Gooch). A loud cry was heard from the operating room and within minutes this tiny, beautiful boy was brought out and handed to his Nana. Nana held him close as her knees bucked under the gravity of her love for this tiny miracle baby. Alex’s Nana and Mimi sat in the hospital floor and sobbed and prayed over this miracle boy. Medically speaking, Alex’s mom could not carry a child, however, God had other plans. Alex’s Sissy (Destiny Gooch) got to see her baby cousin for the first time. Sissy’s entire face lit up with pure joy and unconditional love. The world had been a dark place in the days leading up to Alex’s birth. Hurricane Katrina had just devasted the lives of so many people. While awaiting Alex’s arrival, the family were mourning as they watched the news coverage. The very moment that Alex entered this world and let out his first cry, all that pain vanished into possibility, promise, and plans for the future. Sissy named “her baby” Bubba. Bubba spent the first few years of his life as his Sissy’s shadow, although always being the center of attention in every room he entered. As he aged and matured, Bubba became his Sissy’s best friend and fiercest protector. Over the coming years, Alex would evolve into the kindest, most compassionate young man. A young man who stood up to bullies to protect their victims. A young man who stood to his feet to thank every veteran who crossed his path. A young man who said, “yes ma’am/yes sir, no ma’am/no sir” when speaking to his elders. A young man who opened doors for people. A young man who respected all women due to the respect he had for his own mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and nieces. A young man who constantly told his family and friends, “I got you!” and followed it up with action. A young man who loved his friends and had their backs at all times. A young man who respected his mother’s sacrifice and strength. A young man who loved his father, whom he would turn to for guidance and direction. A young man who looked up to his brothers and uncles as additional father-figures and role models. A young man who fiercely loved his nieces and nephews and played a major role in their lives. A young man guided by a strong moral compass. A young man who found his soul mate and love of his life at 15 years old. A young man who planned his future around his love (Kamari Rooks). A young man looking forward to marriage and being a father. A young man full of promise and potential as he turned 18 on September 3, 2023. 

On October 6, 2023, our beautiful boy drew his last breath on this side of heaven. On this day, so many lives and dreams were shattered. As the news of Alex’s death spread, so did the devastation. Those who knew and loved Alex thought of him as a star, when in fact, he was a supernova. The most brilliant burst of light in all the universe, rarely witnessed. An existing star that had reached the end of its life due to the inability to contain it’s expanding energy. Exploding into space as a cosmic lighthouse. It is the wish of Alex’s family that his death touch even more people than his short life ever could and that his life story be a lighthouse that guides a movement towards love, compassion, and understanding. Let Alex’s life be a legacy of love.