Brooklene Oldham

Brooklene McInnis-Oldham, wife of (Josh Henry Oldham Jr.), passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 7, 2024 at 83 years old in Williamsburg, Virginia. Brooklene was born on August 12, 1940 in Bakersville, North Carolina to the late James Brooks McInnis and Alberta Jones-McInnis. Brooklene, her sister Georgia Mae, and her parents relocated to Norfolk Virginia which is where her 5 siblings were raised. Brooklene graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, VA and after she went on to become 1 of the first 3 first black ladies to graduate from Norfolk General Hospital’s nursing program. She worked in nursing for over 30 years and when she retired, she continued to do personal care aid services, cosmopolitan work, and she also taught people to read. Brooklene also completed 3 years at Norfolk State University studying social work. Brooklene was a great mother of 3 children and she instilled the importance of education and the love for books. Brooklene‘s children are Shelly, Orlando, and Shirl. Brooklene had quite a few hobbies but some of her favorites were crocheting, reading, shopping, and cooking. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Ga’Briel Williams aka “Gabby” of Baltimore, Maryland, Frank Williams Jr.(Ciera Williams) of Richmond, VA, JanBerk of Oxnard, Ca., Deaunttray Vaughn of Norfolk, VA and her great grandchildren Ti’Shara Scott of Chesapeake, VA, Tyson Williams of Richmond, VA, Journey Williams of Richmond, VA, and Lennox Williams of Richmond, VA. She also had 2 bonus grandchildren, Bary Gary Jr of Georgia and Brittini Gary of Maryland. Brooklene was predeceased in death by her oldest son, Shelly A McInnis of Chesapeake, VA (2009), her brother Raymond McInnis of Norfolk, VA (2020) and her sister Josephine McInnis Thomas of Norfolk, VA (2023). She is survived by her 2 children, Orlando J Dozier(Nese Dozier) of Oxnard, CA., and Shirl M. Gary(Bary Gary Sr.) of Williamsburg, VA and her siblings Georgia Mae Hawkins of Norfolk, VA, Annie Ruth Mcinnis Jones(Rob) of Norfolk, VA, and Jerome McInnis of Chesapeake, VA. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Brooklene Oldham, you will truly be missed, forever in our heart and always in our mind, we love you to infinity and beyond.

Services/Repast will be held On Monday May 20, 2024, 11am at Metropolitan, Berkley Chapel (120 West Berkley Ave. Norfolk, VA 23523). In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to The Dementia Foundation or the Alzheimer Foundation in loving memory of our Queen who we all adored dearly.