Weiner - Dr. Joshua Dewayne Brooks departed this life on November 17, 2021.

Josh was born on January 19, 1981, in Newport, Arkansas, to Larry and Rebecca Brooks. He lived a life dedicated to education and sharing his knowledge and skills with others.

From a very young age, Josh was an insatiable, independent learner who was self-motivated and determined to change the world. He believed in the power of hard work and helping others—characteristics which remained with him throughout his life, enabling him to affect the well-being of others through his research and by preparing others to enter the medical field.

Josh grew up in Weiner, Arkansas. With the help of his great-grandma Fern, Josh's love for learning began at a very young age. He attended Weiner High School and graduated in 1999. Josh knew his skills and abilities were destined to make an impact. He began his passion for higher education at Lyon College where he earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and history. He found his true love for science when he joined the Chemical and Physical Biology program at Vanderbilt University. He graduated with his doctoral degree in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt in 2009.

He then moved to the University of California San Diego as a post-doctorate fellow in Pharmacology and Biochemistry. After more than a decade dedicated to his own education and research, he found his passion for medical education and wanted to help others achieve their goals. He began his 16-year career with Kaplan in 2004. Named Kaplan National Teacher of the Year in 2012, Josh built his career on helping future professionals learn the skills they needed to pursue their medical aspirations. Josh prided himself on adapting the educational landscape to the needs of his students. His online teaching abilities helped students from all over the world achieve their potential no matter their circumstances.

Everywhere he traveled, he'd find former students. One story he told with great pride was when he visited El Salvador. Surprised, he heard someone calling his name. His former student explained that thanks to his teaching through an online preparatory course, he helped him and his wife match to a medical school. His proudest moments were engrained in helping others achieve their goals.

As an Instructor in Biochemistry and Pharmacology as well as Associate Director of Pre-Clinical Academics, Josh helped thousands of students prepare, plan and study to sit for licensure exams including the COMLEX and USMLE exams. Many medical professionals attribute a portion of their success to Josh's mentorship through the beginning stages of their educational journey.

Josh authored more than 20 books and articles on biochemistry and pharmacology research. Beyond all of his academic work and professional accolades, Josh never forgot his roots in his small town. When visiting his family, he often volunteered his time at the local elementary school. No matter a person's age or stage of life, you could always find Josh offering his advice and help.

Josh lived a life full of adventure, traveling all over the world for work and pleasure. Along the way, stopping in every state to buy lottery tickets and find the best food available.

Josh is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ernest and Mary Brooks; maternal great-grandmother, Fern Scott; and uncle, Dewayne Brooks.

He is survived by his parents ,Larry and Rebecca Brooks; brothers, Alex and Michael; grandparents, Frank and Lucille Foster; great-aunt Lela Reid, uncle David Brooks (Trish) and aunt Debra Jordan all of Weiner; two cousins, Dr. Michelle Jordan (Danny) of Philadelphia, PA, and Mallory Black (Jase) of Jonesboro; along with a large number of close friends, mentors and family members.

A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner under the direction of Gregg- Langford Bookout Funeral Home.