Ebony Ayanna Brooks of Linden, formerly of Montclair, a high school teacher, died on April 18, 2021. She was 43.

Ms. Brooks was the youngest of four children, born in 1977 to Charles and Jeanette (Davis) Brooks.  She attended Glenfield Middle School and Montclair High School, where she was on the lacrosse team. 

She received a B.S. in mathematics from Douglass College of Rutgers University and an M.S. in math from Montclair State University. She participated in track at Douglass.

Ms. Brooks began her teaching career in the Newark school system, later spending the majority of her career teaching at Rahway High School.  Through teaching, she sought to inspire her students as she had been inspired by some of her teachers.  She enjoyed mentoring and tutoring.

An accomplished artist from an early age, she created fine art, designed and fabricated fashion apparel and presented her designs in fashion shows in the tri-state area.  She and her neice, Ayanna, were fashionistas, attending Saturday classes at FIT, designing and creating fashion apparel and shopping together.  

From an early age Ms. Brooks also loved music and the performing arts, and she was a social activist. 

She is survived by her father, Charles Brooks; siblings, Charles (Gloria), Darex and Malik; nieces, Ayanna, Dylan and Morgan; nephew, Charles, and a host of cousins.

Ms. Brooks was predeceased by her mother, Jeanette Davis Brooks, and a nephew, Charles Jonathan Brooks.

Viewing is at Holy Spirit and Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 17 North Clinton St., East Orange, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, with services to follow at 10. Due to COVID restrictions attendance is limited.

Arrangements were by Martin’s Home for Service.