ELIZABETH BROOKS Obituary

BROOKS DR. ELIZABETH (NEE HAWKINS) May 1, 1943 - July 21, 2025 Age 82, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, in Salisbury, Maryland. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was born on May 1, 1943, to the late Reginald Hawkins and Blanche Baxter Wright Hawkins. For the past three and a half years, she resided at the Wicomico Nursing Home. Elizabeth dedicated her life to education and community upliftment. She earned a Bachelor's degree in education from Cheyney State College, followed by a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from West Chester State College. Her academic pursuits culminated in an Ed.D. in Urban Education from Temple University. Her career as an educator and administrator spanned several decades. She served as an administrative leader and college instructor at Baltimore Community College and contributed to the University of Maryland College Park's Upward Bound Program, supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. As professor at Coppin State University in Maryland, she continued to inspire students with her knowledge and dedication. She was active in many social groups, including membership in the Baltimore Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the Northeasterners. She was also a graduate of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the daughter of a founding charter member. She believed in advancing the Black community through cooperative action. Elizabeth shared nearly 62 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Glenwood "Sonny" C. Brooks Jr., Ph.D. Together, they raised three children in Baltimore: Melissa Brooks Kelly, Cimon Anina Cox, and Christopher Brooks. She was a devoted grandmother to Dakota Kelly, John Kelly, Vincent Kelly, Anina Cox, and William Cox, III. She is also remembered by her niece Stacey Cummings Williams (R. Seth Williams), cousin Annina Wilkes, M.D. (Reginald Wilkes), sisters-in-law Jannie Blackwell and Patricia Bantom (Walter Bantom, M.D.), and sons-in-law John Kelly and William Cox, Jr. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; sister Shirley Cummings; brother Reginald Hawkins, Jr.; nephew Orlando Cummings; brothers-in-law Orlando Cummings, Jr. and Joseph Wilcox; and sister-in-law Bernice Wilcox. A private inurnment of her ashes will take place at the columbarium of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Ministry of Comfort and Dignity is being provided by LEWIS N. WATSON FUNERAL HOME, P.A. in Salisbury, Maryland. Please visit: www.lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.