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.
To Richard Brooks and Family’.. sending heartfelt condolences to all of you at the loss of your beloved
wife and mother. I pray that the Lord’s abundant peace
will give you solace during this difficult time. Sincere regards,
Cynthia Teixeira
Dear Richard, Dawn, Michele and Family,
Myself and our medical team are very sorry to learn of your loss. We were privileged to know Virginia for many years. We struggled together with you to try to help her overcome her medical challenges. Personally, I am disappointed I could not do more to help restore her health.
But through all the ups and downs, you provided steadfast love and support. Deep down, I know your love was a source of comfort to Virginia. I admire your family, and it has been a great blessing to work with you over the years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter Ellis
Virginia was a wonderful woman. We worked together for many years in the summer program in New Haven and she helped guide my kids through Cross in the 90s. She was always ready and willing to help, both at school and at work. Her insights and honesty helped me navigate the culture of the school system and the city. While our paths separated I will always remember and treasure her friendship. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Praying for The Brooks family Virginia was a wonderful educator thank you for sharing her with us. Eleanor Boyd and Family
beautiful person going miss her sweet spirit praying for het husband and family love sister Sandy
Dawn
I am so deeply sorry for your loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray your memories and time will bring you peace.. you have an Angel forever.
Sending our deepest sympathy to you & your family at this time.
Peace & Blessings
Sharon & Charles Gilliard
To Dawn and Family,
I wish to send My heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of your mother. She will always be close to you in your hearts.
Bishop Richard Brooks and Family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and Family during this time of bereavement. More than 50 years ago my late Husband and me met your beloved Virginia while we were attending James Hillhouse. So many fond memories will forever remain in my heart of her. I say to you and the Family May the joy of the Lord reign in your hearts that God blessed you, to place her in your lives. Prayers of comfort are with you all.
Respectfully,
Rev. Deborah Mack Newton & Family & Hillhouse Class of ‘69
(Bishop)Richard Brooks, so sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing. I’ve known you and her for so many years. I am praying for you and the rest of your family. God Bless!!
To Dawn and family I am sorry to hear the loss of your mother, May God comfort you and your family during your time of sorrow. To be absent from body is to be present with the Lord ??
To the family with deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Praying that God continued to strengthen and comfort you during your time of bereavement.
To Richard Brooks and Family: So sorry for your lost. Praying that the Spirit of God’s love brings you comfort today, tomorrow an always. Virginia was one of my childhood friends. Will never forget her.
Our Condolences to Dawn and the Brooks Family .
Know that she lives on in your heart and that god will see you through the days to come.
Stay strong
To dawn and Terry bacote.sorry to hear of the passing of your love one.it’s not easy but know that God will give you strength during this most difficult time.viginia was kind and ❤
To James and. Delores.my prayers are with you on the lost of your sister Virgina.what a wonderful person.
So sorry for the loss of your mom/wife. My prayers are with you and your family, Mrs. Virginia will be greatly missed. She always reach out to this family when we experience so many deaths. She was an Angel in disguise..always giving and sharing in time of need. Rest In Heavenly Peace.
Mr. Brooks sending our sincere condolences in the going home of your loved ❤ one. Kenny and I are praying ? God will bless you with the strength you need to endure
Weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning light. God be with you and your family ? ? ❤
On behalf of Fresh Word Christian CTR we send our heart felt Sympathy to Sfg. Bishop Richard Brooks & to the Family in the loss of your wonderful Wife 1st Lady Virginia Brooks! Our prayers & thoughts are with you during this difficult time of your sorrow! 1st Lady Virginia Brooks was a warm & Loving Woman of God! She will be missed by all! Pastor Ronald & Corncie Oliver
Sis. Virginia was so precious to me. We send our prayers and condolences to the family. We pray for comfort and strength only the Lord God can give to you all, in Jesus’ name! Michele and Dawn, love you much! Bishop, love you much!
To Uncle Dickie, Michelle, Dawn, Terry, Raven, and Skyler…
Aunt Virginia and Uncle Dickie were the first older relatives that I met in the Brooks Family. They welcomed me with open arms and no judgement. I am so sorry for the loss of her, as she was a woman that truly spoke her mind and spoke her truth! I admired and loved her very much. She was my “go to” member of the family when I was confused, and she never turned me away, or reacted as if my questions were silly or unimportant. Thank you, Uncle Dickie, Dawn, Michelle, Terry, Raven, and Skyler for sharing her with the rest of us. She loved all of you beyond measure, and she will be missed. May the Lord comfort and keep you, and may He allow her to sleep in eternal peace…. ~~Love you All, Bobi
To the Brooks family. My deepest sympathy during this time.
May you trust in Gods love and comfort as you grieve.
Mama Brooks will be sorely missed.
With all my love
Sandra
Michele My Friend
So sorry for your loss
Sending prayers and peace
To you and your family
Love Dionne ❤️