A much-loved bishop and pioneer was laid to rest as the congregation of Mount Peniel Church of God in Christ Apostolic in Stafford and the wider community lined the streets to pay tribute to Bishop Dr. Joshua Emanuel Brooks who died following a short illness at his home.
Well-known and well-respected as a community leader, Bishop Brooks first arrived in the UK from St Catherine in Jamaica in 1956, before first settling in Dudley, then moving to Stafford in 1957 and later becoming a landlord to immigrants from countries such as his native homeland, Ghana, Nigeria and other countries.
He also set up services such as feeding the homeless and teaching people to drive for free.
His passion attracting hoards of people to his Mount Peniel Church of God in Christ Apostolic from across the region before setting up churches in Wolverhampton and the USA.
He also lectured at schools and colleges in Stafford and acted as minister for Drake Hall Prison Eccleshall, Stafford Prison and Winson Green Prison Birmingham.
Married for 62 years to his wife Catherine, he is survived by nine of his children, who have taken up roles as pastors, church ministers and entrepreneurs.
He was 91.