Robert Lewis Brooks

Robert Lewis Brooks, 65, of Richmond, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on December 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on October 8, 1960, in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Robert received his education in the Hanover County Public School System and attended Lee-Davis High School, now known as Mechanicsville High School. He was the star quarterback of the football team during his junior and senior years, earning numerous awards, accolades, and recognition in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Robert accepted Christ under the leadership of the late Mother Sue I. Edward and, following her passing, under Bishop Willie G. Suggs. He was a faithful member of New Covenant Sabbath Apostolic Church under Pastor Cynthia Perkins and later attended New Life Deliverance Tabernacle under Bishop Robert Winfrey. Robert was truly one of a kind. To know him was to love him. He was charming, funny, and always brought joy and laughter wherever he went. A hardworking and dedicated man, Robert possessed many talents. Wherever he was, you knew it—he had a presence that commanded the room. A perfectionist in every sense, Robert believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. Whether remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, detailing and restoring cars—especially his prized 1965 Thunderbird—or maintaining his immaculate lawn, excellence was always the standard. An avid sports fan, Robert was a devoted Dallas Cowboys super fan and proudly showcased his loyalty with a Dallas Cowboys–themed room in his home. Music was another great love of Robert’s life. In 1981, he taught himself how to play the bass guitar and developed a deep passion for music and his instruments. He served as a bassist for the churches he attended and performed with several musical groups, including Shawn Stovall and the Voices of Praise and Charles Turner and the Agape Singers. He was also well known throughout the Richmond area as the leader of his band, Second Soul. Above all else, Robert loved his family. His wife, Barbara—affectionately known as “Bar”—always came first, no matter the circumstance. He was a devoted father who shared a special bond with each of his daughters and proudly embraced his role as the ultimate “girl dad.” Robert adored his grandchildren and found joy and peace in caring for his beloved fish tank. Virginia—and especially Richmond—will never be the same. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William I., Sr., and Lillian A. Brooks; one brother, David Brooks; and one sister, Baby Sallie. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Barbara Brooks; daughters NeKia “Kiki” Brooks-Norton (Dane), Lena “Nikki” Mcmahand-Baker, LaKeisha “Monica” Brooks-Tyson, and Melissa “Bear” Brooks-Nelson; nine grandchildren—Kai, Kevin, Zaria, Jada, Jaime, Tristan, Maddox, Cleveland, and Robbie; one great-grandson, Kairo; sister Loretta Demby (Ernest); brothers Ollie Lewis (Ann), William Brooks, Jr., Herbert Brooks, and Leo Brooks (Lilia); three aunts—Mary Taylor, Lillie Matthews, and Emily Allen; two uncles—George Lewis and James Lewis (Aleta); his best friend, Darnell Akers; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Robert Lewis Brooks

October 8, 1960 - December 20, 2025