Deacon Carlester Westbrooks of Wiergate, TX

February 13, 1941 – July 7, 2020

LIFE OF
Deacon Carlester Westbrooks
(Uncle Carlester)

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks was born February 13, 1941 to the late Steve and Ethel Westbrooks in Wiergate, TX. He was the youngest of 8 children. After his father’s passing, the family relocated to Bessmay, TX. Carlester graduated from Bessmay High School. His first employment was at Kirby Lumber co., Silsbee, Texas where he worked for 4 years. In 1966 he began his career working for the Santa Fe Railroad, where he retired in 2002 with 36 years of dedicated service.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks met and married Velma Cannon Westbrooks on September 20, 1966. To this union, they had two children: Sharon Westbrooks Neal and Elester Todd Westbrooks.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks accepted Christ in his life at a young age and continued to serve God until his death. He was an active member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Buna, TX for many years. He held many positions at the church which included: Jr. Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, member of the choir, Sr. Deacon and Chairman of the Sr. Deacon Board. In June, 1997, Carlester moved his membership to St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Silsbee, TX. Because of his dedication and willingness to serve, in July, 1997, Rev. Percy Mitchell appointed him to the Deacon Board. He later became Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Men’s Sunday School Class #6 Teacher, Senior Choir Member (he served one term as Vice President and one term as the President), he was on the Finance Committee, Brotherhood and a member of Brothers United. If you knew Carlester, you would find him every Wednesday night at Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. He would start off prayer meeting with one of his favorite songs: “Shine on Me”. He loved St. John and his Pastor so much that he would try to be the first one there and the last to leave.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks lived in Bessmay/Buna all of his youth and adult life where he loved to work in the yard, go grocery shopping, visit the sick and shut in, cook BBQ, and ride his bike. He was a diehard LA Lakers fan. His favorite scripture was ;

Matthew 22:37: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks was preceded in death by both parents, five siblings; Leroy White, Melvin Westbrooks, Steve Westbrooks, Prentice Westbrooks, Jeweline Branch and one grandson, Terence Willis-Westbrooks.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks is survived by his loving wife, Velma Westbrooks (53 years), Buna, TX; daughter Sharon Neal (Michael), Brentwood, CA; son Elester Todd Westbrooks (Cassandra), San Leandro, CA; Twin brother Carl Westbrooks, (Bonnie), Glensdale, AZ; Sister Ernestine Smith, Antioch, CA; six grandchildren: Michael Jr., Marquel , Kiara , Cayla , Michaela , Elese and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Relatives and Friends.

Deacon Carlester Westbrooks was a loving man who genuinely cared and was concerned for others. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.