Story Submitted by Phyllis Jones, SON Staff Writer;bPhotos submitted by Wa’Lisa Brookins-McCarter
INTRODUCTION
Susie Brookins is a Huntsville native and a retired educator. While she was a student at Alabama Alabama A&M University, she married the love of her life, a Florida native, 1 st Class Walter Brookins.
During Susie’s lifetime, she has served in several roles: wife, mother, daughter, caregiver and now business owner.
CHILDHOOD
SON: What words would you use to describe yourself as a child?
Susie Brookins: Quiet, but ambitious.
SON: When did you come into your own?
Susie Brookins: WhenI met my husband and learning how to deal with the military. I had to learn how to focus being
a military wife.
SON: What was the worst rule to break in your family?
Susie Brookins: Not doing exactly what your parents said. The “look” that my mom gave us, we knew what it meant.
SON: What was the most important lesson our father taught you?
Susie Brookins: To be obedient to our parents and to God. If I had not been obedient to God, my dad would have never allowed me to marry my husband before graduating from college. That was his rule that he surprisingly allowed me to break. He also taught us to give back.
CAREER
SON: When and why did you decide on this career path?
Susie Brookins: The BBQ business was my husband’s idea. He loved cooking outside during the summer. During the holidays, he always cooked smoked turkeys for friends and family for FREE. It wasn’t until after his stroke and encouragement from his doctor, he decided to start his business. Unknown to him, I had been saving all of his money from previous orders and gave it to him, to purchase a business license and whatever else was needed, so he could start his business. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see it through. He passed away in 2016. Even though I was heartbroken and didn’t think I was going to make it, I leaned and depended upon God. He told me what to do when I didn’t know what to do. I started catering events for my cousin’s busi- ness and people loved the food and would ask how they could order some. The rest is history. My daughter and her family moved back to Huntsville to help with the business. We take one day at a time.
SON: Describe a typical day in your business?
Susie Brookins: It var- ies. We have specials on different days. Our menu consists of ribs, smoked wings, smoked leg quar- ters, fried fish, sides and so much more. When we serve dinner on Sundays and it’s a very busy day.
MOTHER/FATHER
SON: How long were you married and how many children do you have?
Susie Brookins: We were married for 42 years. We have two chil- dren, a son (OJ) who is a photographer and helps when he can and a daughter (Wa’Lisa) who helps with the daily op- eration.
SON: What surprised you most about being a mother?
Susie Brookins: When something is said or done and just watching
my children become sur- prised when I just look at them and don’t say anything.
SON: What do you want your kids and grandkids to learn from you?
Susie Brookins: How to depend on God.
SON: What is the hardest thing you have had to do as a parent?
Susie Brookins: Watch my children go through their situations and knowing I have to let them go through and not say anything.
THE FUTURE
SON: What are your feelings about growing older?
Susie Brookins: I don’t think about it. Some- times I don’t remember my age. I just live one day at a time.
SON: Have you become the person you expected you would be?
Susie Brookins: I have become the person that I never expected that I would be. Never expected to have been a school teacher for 32 years.
SON: What are you most proud of?
Susie Brookins: Becoming what God made me. I’m proud to have served as a military wife and a professional per- son.
SON: Do you think you will ever slow down? Stop working?
Susie Brookins: No, it’s boring.
SON: What are some challenges you face in business?
Susie Brookins: Making sure customers are satisfied, everything is on point and working with people.
SON: How may you be contacted?
Susie Brookins: You can visit our web- site (brookinssmoke- nonthego.org), give us a call (256.714.9802) or just come by and dine with us at 1108 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville, AL 35811.