Charlotte E. Brooks

We celebrate the life and spirit of our beloved CHARLOTTE E. BROOKS who joined our Lord in His everlasting embrace on May 20, 2013. Charlotte was born in Baltimore, Maryland as the only child of Harry and Hattie Edmonds (both deceased). She grew up in her family’s home on Fulton Avenue with the guidance and support of many close relatives. Charlotte was a lifelong member of the historic Leadenhall Baptist Church in South Baltimore. Charlotte attended Coppin Elementary School (#132) and Booker T. Washington Junior High School where she was placed in the advanced academic program. She graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School in 1954 and preceded to Coppin State University (then known as Coppin State Teacher’s College). After receiving a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education in 1958, she began a thirty-nine year teaching career in the Baltimore City Public School System. During that time, Charlotte served as a classroom teacher, a demonstration teacher, a supervisor for student teachers, and as a mentor for first and second year teachers. She furthered her education by completing a Master’s of Science in Education from Morgan State University in 1971. Charlotte was also a lifelong member of Phi Delta Kappa, the educational sorority. One year after receiving her undergraduate degree, she met a handsome former United States Navy man who was then working as an engineer at Bowie State College, Lowry MacDonald Brooks, Sr. (more commonly known as “Donald”). This hard-working, dedicated man became her life partner. The couple courted for several years and married on January 11, 1963. Charlotte welcomed Donald’s young son, Lowry, into their marriage and nurtured and raised him as her very own. She also took responsibility for raising her nephew, Michael Edmonds. Donald and Charlotte enjoyed a wonderful fifty year marriage, which included traveling and vacationing around the world. As a couple, they were devoted to their family members and always maintained the Lord’s presence as an essential part of their relationship. After retiring from teaching in 1997, Charlotte continued her volunteerism in the church, as well as, in several social organizations. She was deeply committed to seeing African American young people receive their high school diplomas and enter a college or university. To that end, Charlotte actively raised funds for scholarships to help many young adults. Her Leadenhall Baptist Church activities were extensive. At various times she served as the church clerk, Director of Vacation Bible School, Youth Department Advisor, chaired the Women’s Day program, and chaired the late Dr. Eddie R. Wilson Jr.’s anniversaries. Charlotte was a member of several church ministries, including the Sisterhood, the Courtesy Ministry, the Scholarship Ministry, the Bulletin Board Ministry and the Historic Ministry. She was fundamentally committed to helping boys and girls cultivate civic responsibility and a spiritual core. She was a lifelong pursuer of knowledge through reading. Charlotte was a member of the Red Hatters, the NAACP, and recently served as Chair of the House Council Committee of the Forest Park Senior Center. Charlotte’s greatest legacy, however, was the admiration and respect of her family. In addition to her devoted husband and son, she enjoyed the love and loyalty of a daughter-in-law, Janet M. Brooks; her grandchildren, Shayla and Shekara; two step-sisters, Shirley Edmonds (deceased) and Bernadette Washington-Oliver; a step-mother, Ophelia Edmonds; and a mother-in-law, Amanda Lue Thompson Brooks. She also leaves to cherish her life and memory: numerous brothers/sisters-in-law; goddaughters, Chello Pitts-Gilmore and Faye Ebron; a godson, Joseph Norris II; and nephews, nieces, cousins and a large host of friends. Charlotte touched the hearts, minds, and spirits of many people. This service of triumph is dedicated to a beautiful life. In memory of Charlotte E. Brooks, contributions may be sent to the Youth Ministry at Leadenhall Baptist Church God Bless You All!

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Charlotte E. Brooks

December 27, 1937 - May 20, 2013