“I died my last time and Jesus Christ told me I gon’ live and never die no more. And, I thank God and thank my Jesus too!” At 12 years old, in 1945, Cora Elizabeth Brooks walked around, shook hands and said these words to all who were present at the Rocky Mount Church revival meeting in Cumberland, Va. This was a church tradition. After sitting on the mourner’s bench and “tarrying” for the required 7 days, those receiving salvation rose to declare their joy and commitment. Cora continued to readily share her joy of the Lord over the decades. She spoke often of her “anointing” from the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer and fasting. All who knew her were mightily blessed by her strong faith, beauty and delightful laugh. That hearty laugh filled rooms with warmth, especially during chats with devoted friends, Sadie Everett and Carol Motley. We were also blessed by her wonderful cooking! Until this year, she cooked Sunday dinners and always had enough to share with neighbors.

Cora Brooks was full of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Recently, a doctor said to her, “I wish I could give you an answer, but I just don’t know.” Cora gently smiled and in the midst of her own discomfort sought to comfort him, saying, “Well, it’s always good to know what you don’t know!” The doctor grinned a big grin and thanked her. That was Cora – friendly, gracious, kind, willing to help when asked, always seeking a word from the Lord, and walking faithfully in the assurance of God’s anointing on her life.

Cora Brooks was born in Cumberland County, Virginia. She was raised by her grandparents and learned hard work at an early age on their family farm. She helped with the crops, killed chickens, learned to cook and washed clothes in the creek. Once, when asked what the greatest invention was over her decades, she said, “the washing-machine!” Her grandmother, also named Cora, made and sold skincare products and washed clothes for customers in Trent-town in Cumberland. Cora went with her grandmother sometimes on customer visits, walking miles along country roads.

Cora married James Brooks in Cumberland and they were married for 72 years. They moved from Cumberland to Richmond, owned their home, and gave life, love, strength, joy and peace to their 7 children, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren who prosper today because of their wisdom, knowledge, perseverance and resilience.

Called both “Elizabeth” and “Cora” by family and friends, Cora Brooks proudly worked in housekeeping at Virginia Commonwealth University, cooking at restaurants, and as an office receptionist. She retired after 30 years from VCU. In an interview recognizing her accomplishments she said this about housekeeping: “The way to do it is a little bit at a time. It’s like magic, but it’s not. You do it as you go along.” She often worked full time in the evenings and nights and returned to take care of her children during the day.

She lived a full, successful, Holy Spirit filled life. A few years ago, God gave her a peek into heaven. In Cora Elizabeth Brooks’ own words:

“I was praying and fasting for my sick son. I was fasting because I had fast before, and, being spirit filled, having the anointing, I knows how the Lord will let you know how he honors a person fasting. About the third day, I was asleep and there appeared the most beautiful lighted area I’ve ever seen, as far as I could see. Then, one person appeared, looked like people that was in bible scripture. Then, a host of people appeared, all stood for a while, then they all disappeared. It was so beautiful, I was sorry they left.”

Cora is in that beautiful light-filled place today, joyfully celebrating with a host of loving family and friends.

Cora Brooks died a wise elder of 90 years on October 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Brooks; mother, Amelia Carter and father, Freddie Morris; daughter, Janet Wright and son, Gregory Brooks. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Larry Brooks, Malinda Brooks-Williams, Delores Kimbrough, Freddie Brooks and Kevin Brooks; grandchildren, Nicole Wright-Johnson (Marcus), Jason Wright, Bryan Wright (Nequita), Lawrence Williams (Amanda), Lauren Williams, Freddie Brooks Jr. and Faith Brooks; great grandchildren, Jaylon Wright, Imani Johnson, Kimora Wright, Liliana Williams, Autumn Williams, Lennox Williams and August Williams.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd, where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 3, at Scott's Chapel 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Live streaming at scottsfuneralhome.com

The Family wishes to thank churches, family and friends that visited, called, prayed and shared meals during this time. Special thanks to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle (Pastors Debbie and Glenn Garland) and Temple of Judah (Pastor Melvin Williams, Jr).