Obituary

Brooks Stewart Talley 

Brooks Stewart Talley passed from this world into Heaven on February 24, 2022.  Just as he promised, he ran the race God set before him with perseverance, unwavering courage, immense love and compassion for others, and unshakable faith.

This past year was filled with repeated, and oftentimes painful, setbacks in Brooks’ health.  Even so, he remained steadfastly grateful for each day, for the efforts of his medical team, the support of his family and friends, and the nearness of our Savior. A year of disappointments and heartaches became the canvas upon which Brooks painted a testimony of familial devotion, a generous spirit, and trust in Christ.

Brooks was born in May of 1953 in Alhambra, California.  By the age of five, the family had moved to La Mesa, California.  Brooks remained in the San Diego area, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University, until moving to Northern California to complete his law degree at the University of California, Davis. Shortly thereafter, Brooks was admitted to the California Bar and began working in the Orange County Public Defender’s Office.  During his 27-year career in that office, Brooks was not only an outstanding trial attorney, but he also mentored many young lawyers with a focus on working hard for a just result while never losing sight that each client was a person deserving of compassion and grace.

In 1993, while on a blind date, he met and fell in love with Cristina Sierra.  They were married in 1995 and had two sons, Troy and Curtis. Brooks’ family was the gravitational force around which his life revolved. Although his big-hearted concern for others was expansive and led him to assist so many throughout his life, there was never any doubt that his wife and boys had securely captured his love and devotion.  In 2018, after staying home to help raise his sons, Brooks and Cristina opened a law practice together, a dream of theirs for many years.  Consistent with his unmatched desire to help those who are struggling, Brooks’ goal was to focus his practice on protecting kids from bullying.

Brooks leaves behind a legacy of generosity, guidance, and concern for others that has enriched the lives of siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. His parents, Charles O. Talley, Jr. and Roberta K. Talley, as well as his sister Lark Talley, preceded him in death. His wife, Cristina, sons Troy and Curtis, surviving siblings Paige, Cris, Forrest, Cameron and Drew, and numerous relatives and friends, will miss him very much.

He will continue to be known as one who would help without being asked, provide encouragement without expectation of personal gain, and show love and support without any preconditions.  As a result, Brooks won the gratitude, respect, and affection of many people from all walks of life, and in the process exemplified what it means to live a life of deep significance, purpose, and devotion to God.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army in memory of Brooks at the following website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn.