Deacon Brooks was born in Frierson, Louisiana, to the late Clayton and Lula Mae Smith Brooks. He is the eldest of five siblings, and they thrived successfully under the watchful eye of their parents, who filled them with a strong Christian
background.They all attended services at their family church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Kingston, Louisiana, where Deacon Brooks' father served as a deacon. He participated in Sunday School and many other programs and activities. Deacon Brooks was baptized at age 21 at Mt. Moriah. When asked why, with such a strong Christian background, that it took him to age 21 to get baptized, he said, " I  was young, working all of the time and it didn't register with me as it should have to move forth with getting baptized in my younger years. I attended public school in Desoto Parish, and after school, 1 cut pulpwood and did other seasonal work such as picking cotton, cultivating soil, and caring for animals. Although I took the time to go to church, I guess just put off making the commitment ... but getting baptized was the best thing I could have done for my life, regardless of how late I made the decision." Deacon Brooks is a man who possesses a strong work ethic, and as time moved on, he began working in construction. He said, "I began helping carpenters with their work and became a journeyman carpenter, which enabled me to learn the trade in carpentry."
His children are Gwendolyn Brooks, Frederick L. Brooks, Walter L. Brooks, Jr. (deceased), the Rev. David C. Brooks, Levert D. Brooks, and Darien Brooks. He enjoys a great relationship with step-children, Veronica Miniex, Pamela A. Marshall, Robert W. Ashley, Evelyn Pratt, and Lasonia E. Ashley.
Deacon Brooks' philosophy is "Live life to the fullest." His favorite scriptures are Psalms 23:1-6, "The Lord is my shepherd; 1 shall not want ..." and Psalms 118:1-29, 2 "give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever".