Virginia B. Brooks, 75, of Hamden, departed this life at home on July 19, 2020. She was the beloved wife of Suffragan Bishop Richard Brooks.

Mrs. Brooks was born in Abbeville, SC on April 5, 1945, the daughter of the late Cain Devlin and Mary Belcher Pettigrew.

Prior to retiring, she was employed by the City of New Haven Board of Education as a Teacher.

In addition to her husband, she leaves to cherish loving memories, two daughters, Michele Brooks and Dawn Bacote (Terry); two brothers, James Pettigrew (Geraldine) and Albert Pettigrew (Gladys); three sisters, Delores Pettigrew-Walters (Roger), Carol Blue and Margaret Pettigrew; three grandchildren, Nigel Saunders-Brooks, Skyler and Raven Bacote; four great grandchildren, Ny’asia Sutherland, Carter, Ni’shay and Ni’jere Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Mrs. Brooks’ life and legacy will be held Friday, July 24, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard St., New Haven. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a maximum of 125 people will be allowed to attend the funeral ceremony. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.