The Inspiring Journey of Janie P. Brooks-Davis
Janie P. Brooks-Davis was born in the heart of Mississippi and is the oldest of twelve children. A sense of responsibility, determination, and the strong bonds of family shaped her early years. When she was three or four, her father sought new opportunities in Muskegon, Michigan, paving the way for the family’s move north.
In Muskegon, Janie grew up and thrived. She attended Muskegon High School, where she made a name for herself academically and athletically. By the time she graduated in 1966, Janie was recognized as “Most Athletic” by her classmates—a reflection of her energy and drive. But perhaps most impressively, she was on track to become the first in her family to earn a college degree. This milestone set the stage for her lifelong dedication to education.
After high school, Janie worked as a cashier at a local drugstore and a long-distance operator at General Telephone. In the midst of her work, she was encouraged to pursue higher education at Muskegon Community College (MCC). Juggling her studies with part-time work at General Telephone, Janie exemplified perseverance. While at MCC, she worked the night switchboard and became a “weekend big sister” to a young girl living at a children’s home, deepening her commitment to youth and community.
Janie’s academic journey continued at Western Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in History and Secondary Education. She didn’t stop there—her passion for helping others led her to obtain a master’s degree in counseling and specialty certifications in substance abuse and gerontology. During this time, she also served as a weekend foster parent, providing care and support to children in need.
From 1969 to 1985, Janie lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she focused her career on youth programs for African American children. She worked at VanBuren ISD and was actively involved with the NAACP. Her collaboration with Dr. Leroy Ray Jr., a professor of Black Americana Studies at WMU, played a pivotal role in her life. Together, they supported the Hands-On Science program, which exposed elementary students to STEM fields and encouraged them to pursue science and math.
“Dr. Ray put on my heart the importance of giving back to the community and working with youth,” Janie often said, a sentiment that guided her throughout her career.
In the late 1980s, Dr. Robert Garrison, a Community Foundation and MCC board member, recruited Janie to return to Muskegon. Although leaving the life she had built in Kalamazoo was difficult, Janie was grateful to be closer to her family, especially as her mother’s health began to decline. She also found comfort in rejoining her church family at Mt. Zion.
Back in Muskegon, Janie made a lasting impact as an educator and advocate for youth. She taught at Muskegon Heights Schools and MCC, where she launched the Hands-On Science Program in 1990. As Dean of Students, she continued championing the needs of Muskegon County’s young people. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; Janie was a Trustee on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, contributing to various education and youth development committees.
Deeply concerned about the education of African Americans, other racial minorities, and disadvantaged youth in Muskegon County, Janie established the Janie P. Brooks Youth Education Fund. This fund supports the Hands-On Science Program and other youth initiatives at MCC and provides tuition assistance and grants to the Piney Woods School. “The fund is not about my name but my passion for local youth,” Janie explained. “I’ve learned to appreciate and trust the Community Foundation to use this fund to support my passion.”
At age 66, Janie married Tyrone Davis, a joyful union celebrated by their friends on the Cooperating Churches board. They received a unique gift—a collection of $10 bills folded into hearts, tucked away in a box, and almost forgotten until Janie discovered it in late 2023. She added this gift to her fund in memory of Tyrone, who passed away in 2021.
As Janie approached retirement from MCC, Pastor Bennett of Mount Zion Church of God in Christ invited her to support Club 188, a summer program for pre-K through high school students in Muskegon. Club 188 provides a safe, affordable, and structured environment where children can engage in academic and social enrichment. The program, staffed by accredited teachers, emphasizes outdoor recreation, healthy eating, gardening, choir, reading, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Nearly 80 children participate in the six-week program, enjoying field trips to museums, theaters, camps, and local attractions.
Janie’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and community service. She often reflects on the blessings she has received, saying, “I’ve lived a blessed life thanks to the prayers of many people.” For Janie, her work is about more than just achievements; it’s about investing in young people and blessing others. “No matter how humble the circumstances, we can all invest our time, talent, and treasure in this community,” she says—a lesson she continues to embody daily.