Frances Runita Brooks peacefully returned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at her home in Norfolk, Virginia. She was formally educated at the West Mifflin Public School System in Pennsylvania. Frances was a Licensed Practical Nurse in Philadelphia and later was employed by Bell Telephone as an Operator. Upon retirement, Frances flexed her entrepreneurial muscle to become a self-employed Beautician serving clients from her home.
She was a fierce advocate of education and the upliftment of African American people. This passion extended well beyond the four walls of her home and circulated through our family structure and the community at large. Frances was a vital force, soliciting funds through the Esterine J. Harding Endowed Scholarship for worthy students at her adopted educational home, Norfolk State University.
Frances was a loyal and dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Stars of Virginia PHA for over 30 years.
She attended church consistently throughout her life and was baptized at an early age. Frances began her walk faithfully with the Lord in the 1980s shortly after relocating to Virginia.
First Baptist Church of Berkley has been her church home for the past 15 years. The members of the congregation became a means of both spiritual support and constant friendship. She absolutely adored her pastor, Reverend Doctor William D. Tyree, III, who was at her bedside praying and reading scripture just before her transition.
She actively participated in the Dean/Munden Small Prayer Group and the Fifty-Five (55) Plus Senior Ministry. Frances’s faith in God and caring spirit touched the lives of countless souls through her personal testimony.
Frances is survived by her three children – Runita James, Alvin Daviston, Jr. and Shafeeq Ameen – and nine grandchildren – William James, III, Rashad James and Najee James, Delita Daviston, Aaliyah Daviston, Aalecia Daviston, Jahaan Lee, Khadijah Ameen and Maryam Coleman – nine great-grandchildren – Najee James, Nayshawn James, Nariah James, Sanaai James, Zhalil James, Zianna McDade, Jaxon Lee, Alona Lee and Kai Ameen Coleman along with an extensive list of relatives, friends and loved ones.
There is an old African proverb that states, “Till the last person mentions your name, you will live on forever.”
The legacy of Frances Runita Brooks will forever live on in the hearts and minds of her family and friends who have been inspired by her incredible life example.
Condolences(8)-
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Estherine J. Harding, HPGWM-OES of Va, PHA; NSU Retiree says
March 28, 2025 at 3:13 pmDeepest sympathy & prayers to Frances R. Brooks family at this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you as I know your hearts are very heavy. Frances was my Order of the Eastern Star of VA, PHA sister. She, also, worked diligently on the Estherine J. Harding Endowed Scholarship Committee for Norfolk State University students. She is dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace and her good works do follow her. Praises be unto Almighty God for a life well lived!
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Victor Fitzgerald says
March 28, 2025 at 5:53 pmI met ms Frances through her cousin, my coworker M. Alexander Brown. I found her 2 be a most diligent @ viligent person that I had met. I truly respected her. She was a black force 4 the community.
Cynthia Sims says
April 2, 2025 at 5:59 pmRunita, I am so very sorry to hear about your mother. I remember meeting her when you moved into your current home. She was a very nice lady. I’m praying for peace to bring your family comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold dear in your hearts. With love and sympathy, Cynthia Sims
Olivia wilkins-Martin says
April 3, 2025 at 9:43 amRunita, I was so very sorry to hear about your mother. Reading her obituary certainly let me know that she was a wonderful person and did what God wanted and trusted her to do. May you find peace and joy in your memories and legacy she left you with. You know we were on the Scholarship Committe together with Mrs. Harding. May comfort come to you in the Mighty Name Of Jesus. Praying for all of you. Love you, Olivia Martin
John and Alma Anderson says
April 4, 2025 at 9:42 amWe, deacon John and sister Alma Anderson, are so sorry for your loss.. Sister Frances was a quiet delight and helping person in our fifty-five plus Ministry. We will truly miss her. We continue to pray for her family.
Pat Harrell says
April 4, 2025 at 1:08 pmI had the pleasure of coming into the life of this beautiful lady Ms. Fran in the last couple of years, she was such a bright light that filled the room every time I walked into her home. She treated me as if I was her own daughter. She was always concerned about my health. not knowing she was dealing with her own issues. I will always keep her in my heart,
I have no doubt that there was a celebration when her heavenly Father called her home. She finished her assignment here on earth and now will reap the benefits of enteral life with more pain and suffering. Rest in peace QUEEN!
To the family I send my prayers and condolences. Cherish the legacy she leaves behind, for she talked about and loved her family with all of her heart.
Stay encouraged and embrace one another with love daily!
Lesa Smith says
April 4, 2025 at 11:41 pmSister Francis Brooks
Lived life. She was real. She was honest. She told it like it was. She did not placate people. She was a love it or leave it, kind of person.
She was always pleasant and lovable. A real joy to talk to. Loved her like an auntie.
I miss her.
Marriner Christian Academy says
April 5, 2025 at 12:40 pmOn behalf of Dr. Caldwell and the Teachers & Staff of Marriner Christian Academy we extend our Love, Prayers and Condolences to Ms. Runita James and family over the passing of her mother. We pray God will continue to comfort you and grant you His divine peace.