Alfred Brooken

Alfred Leroy Brooken, age 69 of Long Beach, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

He was born August 6, 1952 in Lake Park, Georgia. He graduated as class Salutatorian from Lowndes County High School in 1970.  In 1978, Al enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for 21 years until he retired in 1999. During his military tenure, he received a B.S. degree in Business Administration and was a recipient of various military awards and medals during his service in the U.S. Army.  He went on to complete Leadership Development with the MS Department of Employment Security-Class of 2010.  Al retired from the MS Department of Employment Security in 2019, where he built lasting friendships throughout his 21 years of service with MDES.

Al was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter L and Marie Brooken and June and Lessie Miller; his father, Wilbert L. Brooken; and his brother, Herschel L. Brooken.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carlin Slaughter-Brooken; his mother, Dorothy M. Brooken; his children, Danitha LeChelle Blanchard (Keith), J.C, and Brandon T. Slaughter; his siblings, Wilbert L. Brooken and Sandra B. Griffin; his grandchildren, Jazzmon M. Brooken and Makenzie Slaughter; cousin, Earlie (Rawland) Simmons; his sister-in-law, Bertha Hinton; and a host of other family and close loved ones including his classmates of Lowndes County High School Class of 1970.

Alfred was affectionately known as “Sonny Boy” as a child growing up in Lake Park, GA., was also known as a man of God and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.  Some of us still call him “Sonny Boy”, although he would remind us that he was referred to as “Al” now.  He was dependable and if he gave you his word, you could “take it to the bank” as the old folks would say.

He cherished his time cooking and watching movies with his wife, Carlin.  Al has been a longtime fan of the Atlanta Falcons football team, the Atlanta Braves baseball team, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  He enjoyed serving as an usher, a greeter, and anything asked of him at Church of the King.  His unforgettable laugh could be heard while playing dominos and chess with family and friends.  Al has always expressed a very special adoration for his mother, Dorothy and his daughter, Chelle.  He was a man of true honor who proclaimed a life of love.  For the last 29 years, Al has been a devoted and loving husband to his bride, Carlin.  October is their anniversary month, so, in honor of the unconditional love they have shared, Carlin has written him a letter.

Dear Al,

We celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary this month.  I’ve been trying to find the words and still can’t.  I want you to know that I love you so much.  The last year and a half of our lives together have been just the two of us enjoying the retired life and traveling the world through Apple TV.  Even though your physical body has deployed to our heavenly home, your spirit and legacy will live on forever.  You have given me the happiest years of my life and your commitment was clear to me the day we said, “I Do!” Al, no one is perfect, but your beautiful, distinct, uniqueness made you perfect for me.  I’ll love you forever and forever you’ll be alive in my heart and in my memories.  Love always, Carlin

He was a member of American Legion Post 1995, Long Beach.

The family would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, Parkinson’s Foundation, and Sickle Cell Disease Foundation.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Church of the King, 920 Cedar Lake Road, Biloxi, with a visitation from 11:00 AM until the service.  Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family.