Barbara Jean "BJ" Layne Brooks, 72, of Palm Coast (Native of Brooklyn, NY), entered the sunset of life on Friday, September 23, 2022 at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. A native of Brooklyn, NY, she was born on Wednesday, June 28, 1950, to Devesaux McHenry and Carole Jacqueline (Blake) McHenry. Barbara was a 1968 graduate of Washington Irving High School and furthered her education at Pace University, where she earned her associate's degree. During her time at Pace University, she was employed at Nynex (Verizon) telephone company for 25 years, where she flourished as a manager. During that time, she met her husband of 42 years, Bennie Brooks. Upon retirement, Barbara relocated to Palm Coast, FL in December 2000. In true, Barbara fashioned of not being able to sit still, she picked up a part-time job as a housekeeper at Hammock Beach Golf Resort.

As a teenager, Barbara found her love for singing, and during this time she sang at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York; and even had the opportunity, as a guest, to also sing with the Temptations.  After Barbara relocated to Palm Coast, she became a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, where she joined the choir. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, solving puzzles, words with friends, Facebook, traveling, and going out to eat with her "peeps". Most importantly, Barbara loved her family.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in enteral rest by her sister, Jo Ann McHenry Hubbard; brother-in-law, Alfred Hubbard; nephew, Anthony Hubbard.

She was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Anyone who knew her knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that's all that ever mattered to her.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Bennie Brooks; sons, Norbert (Nickie) and Maurice (Charlene) Layne; 7 grandchildren, Shakia Hurlock; Trebron Fecunda; Shade and Donte Layne; Kylik Williams; Jayda and Alaya Carrasquillo; great-grand puppies, Russy, Shadow, and Max; and a host of nieces, nephews, numerous family and friends who loved and cared for her.

Visitation of family and friends will be 10-11 a.m. with Celebration of Life commencing at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 1, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway S, Palm Coast. Reverend Edwin Coffie, Pastor, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Pinelawn Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.