On April 26, 1949, God saw fit to bless the world with Clarence Marshall Brooks. He was the fifth child, the second son, born to the union of Clifton (Moon) and Lorraine V. (Tunu) Williams Brooks. He was born in Pineville, Louisiana. Clarence accepted Christ as a young boy of about 5 years of age. He was baptized at Union Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E. T. Johnson in Cheneyville, Louisiana in the Lyles Community.

Clarence's educational journey began at Lincoln Williams Elementary; Cheneyville, Louisiana. He attended Carter C. Raymond High School, LeCompte, Louisiana. Clarence was a member of the Carter C.  Raymond Graduating Class of 1968.

Shortly after high school graduation, he enlisted in the Armed Forces/United States Army. Clarence was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Basic Training. Upon completion of basic training, he volunteered to go to Vietnam where he was injured while valiantly serving his country. Specialist 4 Clarence M. Brooks Company D 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, received 8 commendations: the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, U.S. Military Marksman, M60 Qualification, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and the Purple Heart Medal of Honor for his valor.

After his tour of duty, Clarence moved to Houston, Texas. In 1973 he met Annie Marie Willis Coles the love of his life. They were married May 15, 1975. He did not just become a husband, but a champion and loving father to James Marquis and Latresha Michet. In 1982 a son, Clarence Jr., was a welcomed addition to their beautiful family.

After his tour of duty, he worked a variety of jobs. He was always a diligent worker and did not mind working long hours to provide for his family. To improve his career opportunities, he attended Texas Southern University and Houston Community College from which he received several certifications.

He became a machinist by trade, working at several machine shops before landing his dream job at General Electric. At GE, he excelled in his field and before retiring in 2012 he traveled the United States repairing power generators.

Clarence was a joyful man who loved family and friends. He did not walk softly but gave 100% to everything he did. He was a giving person and could often be found helping others. He loved playing dominoes, shooting pool, bowling, riding horses, fishing and was an expert in pit barbequing. He took immense joy in singing and dancing. He loved having people around him (especially his grandchildren) and enjoyed hosting family gatherings.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Clifton (Moon) and Lorraine V. (Tunu) Williams Brooks; one brother, Clifton Ray Brooks; four sisters, Delilah Gayle Brooks, Gwendolyn Brooks Lacour, Audrey Brooks Smith (Nugg) and Prophetess Herease Brooks Washington.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Annie; his sons James Marquis (Michelle) and Clarence Jr. (Tasha) and his daughter, Latresha Michet; two sisters, Sandra (Mickey) Brooks Reece (Herman), and Margie Faye Brooks Barfield; In laws: Lillian and Johnny Wesley; Robert Willis and Sallie and Ricky Williams; devoted and loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends and neighbors.