Paul Robert Brooks

Surrounded by his family at Maryview Medical Center, Paul Robert Brooks passed peacefully on March 30, 2023. He was born in Moorestown, NJ. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army. Honorably discharged, Paul attended Bowling Green State University where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. Later he graduated from University of Michigan with a master's degree in social work. Paul retired from AT& T Telephone Corporation and the Office of Personnel Management. Later after relocating to the Hampton Roads area, he worked at Norfolk State University and the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He also held several other positions and retired as a Clinical Social Worker. He loved the Lord and faithfully attended church and bible study. He loved music and singing and was blessed with a great singing voice. He was a dedicated member of Third Baptist Church for many years and sang in the Sanctuary Choir and Male Chorus. His love for singing led him to the Voices of Norfolk Gospel Choir where he was a member for over 15 years. Paul was a member of Bally's Health Club for over 50 years and joined Onelife Fitness when Bally's closed. He diligently worked out several times a week. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Toledo, Ohio and Chesapeake, VA. He loved going to City Council meetings and was a former member of the NAACP. Paul was very active and loved traveling, dining out, going to concerts, especially the Virginia Symphony during the Christmas season. He loved bicycle riding, outside adventures and going to Buckroe Beach every Sunday to hear the live entertainment. Sitting on the front porch was one of his favorite things to do. Paul and Gail were introduced in 2008 by a mutual friend where they both were employed by the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Her friend said, "Gail you just go out to dinner and a ride to see if you like him." Paul called Gail to set up a blind date. They went out to dinner and the next day he called to invite her to Buckroe Beach on the following day, which was Memorial Day, and they have been riding ever since. In 2015, they were married during the Memorial Day weekend in a lovely ceremony at Third Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Emeritus Joe B. Fleming. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Gail Brooks, daughter, Yvonne P. Brooks (John C. Cline), stepson, Jermaine Johnson (Holly), grandchildren, Njeri, Nkosi, Njioma, Brianna and Cameron as well as many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Diabetes Association or The National Kidney Foundation.

Paul Robert Brooks

December 23, 1934 - March 30, 2023