Obituary of Vera M Brooks

On Friday morning January 18, 2019, the lord took the hand of Vera Mae Brooks and welcomed her
into the kingdom of heaven.
Vera Mae Brooks was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on May 20, 1929 (observed May 27 th ) to the
late Kate Willie Ashford and George Henry Ashford. Her education was in the public schools in
Mississippi. She later moved to New Jersey in 1947 where she spent the rest of her life.
In 1948, Vera married Richard Brooks. From this union they had one daughter Linda. Vera worked
very hard to provide for her daughter to ensure she had the best.
Vera worked for Bristol Myers Squibb for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Vera was a very hard worker who
NEVER called out one time during her employment. She also worked part-time as a CNA at JFK Hartwyck
in Edison, NJ (formally known as Edison Estates) for 20 years retiring from there as well.
Vera enjoyed dancing, cooking, gardening, and pampering herself. She would always say “Aint nothing
short about me but my hair and I keep that cut”. She also enjoyed “putting the pedal to the metal”
traveling to Atlantic City where she would often have her rolls of nickels, dimes and quarters rolled in a
sock or towel to play the slot machines. Vera took pride in her appearance and was always sharp when
she walked out of the house. She often referred to her self as a “Bad Motor Scooter”
Vera was a devoted member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church in New Brunswick, NJ. She served on the Usher
Board for forty years. Vera loved the lord and attended church faithfully. She would often tell people,
“If there ever comes a time when you can’t get on your knees and pray, just lay down and pray, because
God will still hear you, just make sure you PRAY”. And that she did until she departed her life.
Vera was preceded in death by her mother Kate Willie Ashford, father George Henry Ashford, brothers
Johnny and Jessie Ashford.
She leaves to cherish in her memory, her devoted and caring daughter Linda Brooks; her granddaughter
Tamiko Brooks (Michael) who meant the world to her; great grandson Amari Smith (she called Dumplin)
whom she adored; One sister Alice Cooper of Milwaukee, WI and a host of family and friends. A sincere
thank you CareOne at The Highlands in Edison, NJ where she resided the last 5 years of her life. A very
special thank you to her friend Ronita Barber and Judy Haskins for all the love and support they showed
all the time without hesitation; the family is forever grateful.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Family