Thaylia was born July 17, 1960, in Fort Myers, Florida. She was the eldest daughter of Felton Brooks and late Jacqueline Grimsley. She graduated from King High school in 1978 where she was an amazing scholar. After graduation she became a certified nursing assistant, working in nursing homes for over twenty years. She later was employed at Wendys and JM Valet Services of Florida. Ms. Brooks was a hard worker and touched so many peoples lives with her big personality and her ability to speak at her mind at all times. She was funny, outgoing, bold and dedicated to her family. She loved going to church, reading, traveling and watching television. She was very passionate about her grandchildren and teaching them about the Lord. Ms. Brooks was funny, outgoing, and bold and committed to her love ones.

Ms. Brooks was preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline Grimsley and stepfather, Larry Grimsley and her late husband, Gary Minnis.

She leaves to cherish her fond and loving memories her children, daughter, Ciera Brooks; son, Gary Minnis, Jr. (Emani); grandchildren, Jeremiah Smith, Gary Minnis III, Faith Palmore and Isaiah Minnis; siblings, Felicia Brooks and Larry Grimsley II (Tiffani); nieces, Tamara Philips, Erika Palmore, and Journi Grimsley; nephews, Neil Arthur, Xavier Grimsley, Marcus Reed, and Brandon Palmore; aunts, Patricia Williams, Lynn Fuller, Gwen Fuller and Marilyn Fuller; uncle, Undraye Fuller.; and a host of cousins, other family, friends, neighbors, Youngblood, Minnis, and Johnson families, Gwendolyn Flowers and special devoted companion, Frederick Taylor.

Allen Temple AME Church