Jonathan C. Westbrook

Obituary For Jonathan C. Westbrook

Mr. Jonathan Westbrook age 64 passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

Jonathan Crigg Westbrook, born on March 26, 1961, at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York, passed away unexpectedly on August 28, 2025, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 64. A beloved son of Solomon C. Westbrook Jr. and Daisy M. (Pursley) Westbrook, Jonathan is survived by his mother, brother Franklin S. Westbrook, sister-in-law Helen J. G. Westbrook, and a loving family, including four nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended relatives.

Jonathan’s education was in Buffalo, where he attended local public schools including Hutchison Central Technical High school (HCTHS), and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the University of New York at Buffalo. His early career started at Mattel Company. However, he thrived in the role of a freelance residential and commercial site auditor and claims adjuster in the insurance industry, which feed his entrepreneurial spirit and allowed him to set his own schedule where he enjoyed dynamic, diverse interactions for over 30 years of service in the Philadelphia area.

A lifelong passion for tennis defined much of Jonathan's spirit. Introduced to the game by his father, he excelled as a player as a youth with the East Side Tenis Club and the HCTHS four-year undefeated HS Tennis Team. He later became a tennis coach and mentor and could be found on the Delaware and Masten courts in Buffalo or the Fairmont Park, Nolen Run or FDR Parks in Philadelphia, embodying the quote by Eugene Kinkle Jones that “Tennis is a thinking man’s sport.”

Jonathan was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated in December 1981 at the Delta Epsilon Chapter. Known affectionately by his line Brothers as “Joe. Alpha,” where he embraced the fraternity’s legacy and served in various capacities early on, particularly as the chapter's “Step Master.” Later in his maturity his commitment to service, advocacy for child development, and political activism further reflected his devotion to community and brotherhood.

Jonathan’s character shone through his independence, humility, and passion. He was a true Pan-Africanist, traveling extensively to immerse himself in diverse cultures of he diaspora. His love for Pan-African music—from the Soul and Funk of the ‘70s to jazz, African and Caribbean genres—was a testament to his vibrant spirit. He was not driven by possessions, he valued freedom, integrity and living by his own standards and timing. He spoke plainly and sometimes brutally honestly about the system and structures which control us. He chose where to spend his time and energy with intention. He did not compromise his truths. Where he had passion for a subject, he brought conviction and action. Jon fiercely believed that when there is injustice or unfairness you must “Speak on it”. His goal was always to be true to himself.

Family Visitation, Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10-10:45am, Alpha Ritual commences at 10:45, funeral service to follow at 11:00am at Terrell Broady Funeral Home 3855 Clarksville Pk. Nashville, Tn. 37218

Rev. Dr. Oscar Sueing, Eulogist

Please keep the Westbrook Family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to JC Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St. Lebanon, Tn. 37087 (615) 444-4558