Obituary of Zyon Brooks

Zyon Scott Brooks was born on March 13, 2002 in Bridgeton, New Jersey to Yvette Nichols and Lyndon (Lennie) Brooks. Zyon passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday July 28, 2021. He was 19 years old. Zy, as he is affectionately called, attended Bridgeton Public Schools. He earned numerous awards for academic excellence, including being named to the Principal’s List. He attended Montclair High School graduating in June. While a student at MHS, Zy worked as a Junior Counselor for the YMCA’s After Care Program. In March 2020, he began working at Hunan Taste Restaurant in Montclair, where he proudly worked as a host and server – making him beloved by his employer and co -workers. Zyon also supported his father’s business – Technology Consultant Services – where he quickly learned the trade. He was a karate enthusiast, earning a yellow belt. At 12 years old, Zyon accepted Christ at Shiloh Baptist Church. Until moving to Montclair, Zyon continued to attend Shiloh Baptist Church in Vineland with his family, under the leadership of Pastor James Dunkins. Zy’s life was moving in the right direction, his peers began looking to him for support and guidance. He served as a role model to his friends, and even aspired to design his own clothing line. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving mother Yvette Nichols and his devoted father Lennie Brooks; one sister Zahria Brooks; two aunts Nicky Cross (Babs) and Lisa Hardamon (Marcus); two uncles Clarence Nichols (Cheryl), and Les Brooks; his great grandmother Anna Young; his grandfather Oscar Brooks (Cynthia); his godparents Carol Steward and Vincent White; some of his closest friends, including Ben, Jacob, Jimmy, Josh, Luca, Luis, and Matt; and, a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by two grandmothers, Mildred Nichols Perry and Duchess Brooks; a great -grandmother Mary L. Brooks; his great -aunt Josephine Handy; his great -uncle John Handy; an uncle Barry Nichols; and, a niece Kairi Sandoval -Brooks. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Shiloh Baptist Church, 1837 N. E. Blvd. Vineland, on Friday, August 13th at 12PM. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Hopewell Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM to 12 PM prior to the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. “Be Present.” Perhaps unbeknownst to his parents, Zyon planned to have that simple phrase tattooed on his wrist. That brief saying was meant to remind Zyon to bring his full attention and spirit to every encounter with family, friends, and to life overall. In reality, that reminder may have been unnecessary. The flood of testimonials and condolences from his peers and friends makes it clear just how fully present Zyon was in their lives – how present he was in encouraging them, inspiring them, and touching their lives. Zyon touched lives. Zyon was present. In a way, “Be Present” isn’t Zyon’s reminder to himself – it’s his request of us. He is imploring us to “Be Present” with family – by loving each other fully, despite divisions and disagreements; to “Be Present” with friends – by celebrating and encouraging those around us; to “Be Present” with our faith – by committing ourselves to walking upright and with love; and, to “Be Present” with life – by finding joy in rain and sunshine alike. Let our presence – in mind, body, and spirit – be the enduring monument to the life of this remarkable young man.