Retired Contributor vendor Calvin Brooks, born Nov. 24, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 1, 2025, at the age of 67.
At The Contributor, Calvin was known for his smile and a persevering attitude of never giving up.
“Beyond his work with The Contributor, he always had a side business, once proudly handing me a card for his headlight and window-washing service, which I thought was ingenious,” Cathy Jennings, director of finance at The Contributor. “He was never afraid to share his thoughts, whether about the newspaper cover or new marketing ideas. Calvin’s joy was infectious, especially when he spoke about marrying his beautiful wife.”
Calvin often credited his success to his faith in God, sharing scriptures and thoughts about religion with folks often. His favorite scripture was Luke 1:37: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” This verse reflected how he lived his life — trusting God, serving others, and walking boldly in faith.
He passed thousands of Bible tracts around the Nashville and Franklin areas, and always felt deeply fulfilled after sharing his faith.
“Calvin loved Christ and loved people,” reads his obituary. “He enjoyed sharing God’s Word with all he met and found joy in connecting with his community, including selling The Contributor newspaper. His heart for service and his genuine care for others left a lasting impact on many lives. Calvin was an entrepreneur who set up several small businesses, including window washing, Bible Verses on Wood, headlights restoration and also a food vendor among others.”
Brooks attended Main Street Elementary in Columbus, Ohio, and later joined Walnut Ridge High School, where he was among the first Black students to attend. As a teenager, he also worked at Bob Evan’s Restaurant, beginning a lifelong journey of hard work and service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Brooks; his mother, Carol Wilson; his devoted and loving wife, Rodah Brooks; and others who went before him.
Calvin was proud of his life as a small business owner, and was proudly recognized as the first Black Petition Coordinator. He answered a higher calling as an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and faithfully served as a greeter at his church home, Regeneration Nashville.
He will be remembered as a man of strong faith, unwavering dedication, and endless compassion. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
“The world will feel different without Calvin’s energy, but I know he is welcomed wherever he is now,” Jennings says.