A Celebration of Life for Dorothy Alexander Brooks, Saturday, January 28, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell Street, Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Dr. Timothy T. Boddie, Pastor, Officiating, Reverend Otis Moss III, Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Eulogist

Someone who has truly touched us will altvays be close through the joy ofm.e~nories and the beauty oflove.

Theodore M. Alexander, III Todd B. Alexander Cowan H. Brooks

Garland H. Brooks
Philip H . Brooks
Paul J. Love

c7%'~yr f2J~~
Deacon Board, Friendship Baptist Church

~t'/t?t: ~adt'fiJ
The Uplifters Club, Friendship Baptist Church The Atlanta Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc.

~~~ fJ4'&t'/e-i {?&P!&U
Members,Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Members, The Lively Ones Bridge Club
Members, The Moles Members, The ETUCS Bridge Club
Spelman College, Class of 1962
The Art and Garden Club, Friendship Baptist Church
The Deaconess Board, Friendship Baptist Church

The family of Dorothy Alexander Brooks would like to express our deepest appreciation for the kindness shown to us during her long illness and
over the past weeks. Your love and support brought us great comton and will
continue to doing so during our bereavement.
Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors, Inc. "The Tradition Continues" 492 Larkin Srret, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30313
(404) 522-8454
darryl allen's quality printing and graphics 404.755.0965

A Celebration ofLife
for
Oc~& 67~ .@~c/6:

Saturday, January 28, 2012

11:00 a.m.

~(?~&eezkdd

Reverend Dr. Timothy T. Boddie, Pastor ~;&

437 Mitchell Street Atlanta, Georgia

Reverend Otis Moss III, Pastor Trinity United Church of Christ
~a:-&~

.
And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest ofthese is love.

When T. M. and Dorothy Alexander's second daughter was born on July 2, 1941 they could only dream she would become a selfless, caring,

and dyn amic soul. But of one thing they were certain. She would be loved. Dorothy, lovingly called "Tootie," was imbued with a sreadfust

determination and drive. One might liken her to a palm tree that is conrinually buffered by hurricane force winds but never fa lls to the

ground. Known for her love and zeal for life she played the piano, sparkled on the dance Aoor and was filled to the brim with creativity.

Toorie could mrn even the simplest ofevents into a spectacular affair! Dororhy's administrative pursuits as evidenced in her career employment

with federal agencies, her business acumen as a real estate agent and her talents as an interior designer mirror the extraordinary gifts of her

loving parents.

,I,

An undergraduate degree in Social Science and Education from Spelman College and a Masters ofArts degree from Howard University set

'

the foundation for her humanitarian accomplishments in both her personal and professional life. Judging by Dorothy's humility, one would

never have guessed that during her 25 year tenure in federal government, she would become the highest ranking African American female

appointed by President Reagan to the position of Special Assistam ro the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Deparrment of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD). In addition, she was the first female director of a Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity office in Louisville,

KY.

Dorothy authored several articles including "Racism," published in USA Today in 1992 after the highly publicized Rodney King incident.
She also penned a post Gulf War poem on patriotism, published in the Army Managemem Staff newsletter, which was acknowledged by President George W. Bush. In April 1983, Dorothy and her sister, Alvia, were inspired to open a publishing company co expedite the first
edition ofThe Things I Say to Me I Say to You, a compilation of their father's favorite quotes and poems.

Recognized for her efforts on behalf of the rights and welfare of others, Dorothy was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including Commissioned Kentucky Colonel, Distinguished Kentucky Citizens Award, the NAACP Appreciation Award, the Exceptional Performance Awards from the Department ofDden~e and HUD. She also received the U.S. Army Distinguished Student Award from Army Management Staff College.

As a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church, Dorothy was a dedicated member of the Uplifters Club and a volunteer for the Friendship tutorial program. She also served as a member of many civic groups and enjoyed fellowship with the ETUCS Bridge Club, Spelman College Alumnae Association, The Moles, The Lively Ones Bridge Club, the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma lheta Sorority, Inc., and The Atlanta Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. Additionally, she served on the boards of the Alliance Theatre and Metro Fair Housing, Inc. Life to her was glorious opportunity.

Above all of her achievements, Dorothy was most proud to be a devoted wife to Cowan, a loving mother to her daughters, Arvia and Renee and a doting grandmother to Bradlee and Jason Jr.

Her children rise up and call her blessed. Joining in a swelling chorus of praise to God for Dorothy's "wonderful life" are her beloved and
devoted husband, Cowan Brooks; her daughters, Arvia Few Oason) of Houston, TX and Renee McCown ofAtlanta, GA; sister, Alvia Boone (John) of Atlanta, GA; stepsons, Cowan and Phillip Brooks both of Hopkinsville, KY; grandchildren, Bradlee and Jason Few of Houston,
TX; nieces, Jaclynne E. Boone and Kimberly A Jackson, both of Atlanta, GA; nephews, Tedd Alexander (Teri) of Baltimore, MD and Todd Alexander (Stephanie) of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Janis A. Perkin of Adanta, GA and goddaughter, C andace Hackney of Atlanta, GA.
\Y/e thank other friends and Family who share our loss. Love never fails.

Because she was so strong in life, we know her spirit will always be with us, caringfor us and loving us.

Prelude ........ . . . .. . .......... . ................... ... . . . ... .... ..... .. . . .... .. . .. ~fr. Kenneth \Vynn, Organist

Processional

Invocation .. . .......................................... . .... . ... . .................. Rev. Dr. Timothy T. Boddie

H ymn. . ...................... "There's Just Something About the Name" ....... .................Chancel Choir

Scripture Readings Old Testament: Psalm 121 ....... . ... . . . .......... .. . ..... . ... ..................... ... ~ ...Candace Hackney New Testament: I John 4:7-12 . . ...................... . .................................. . ....... Brad.lee Few

Prayer............................................. . ........ . ..................... ........... Rev. Robert Wright St. Paul Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Ga
Solo ........... . ......................... .. . .. .. "Precious Lord" . . .. .. .................:......~ ..... Henrietta Antonine

E xpressions of Love Gloria Handley- Friend, Colleague, :tvfentee Eloise Alexis- Vice President of College Relations, Spelman College Deidre D. Hudson - Family Carol Ann Jackson Miller - Life Long Friend

H ymn ........................................ ~ ..."I Surrender All" ............... .........................Chancel Choir

Eulogy .................................... . .. . ............................ . ...........................Rev. Otis Moss, III Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL

Solo ................. . ............................."In this Very Room" ..........................Anne Dennard Pope

Spelman College Hymn

Acknowledgements . . .. . .. . ....... .. . .. ................ ....... . .. . ................... . . . ...........Kimberly A. Jackson

Recessional

Interment
South-View Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Road, SE
Atlanta, Georgia
Repast
Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

by DOROTHY ALEXANDER BROOKS
(}have lived a wonderful L~/e! 1 can't tl.n'n/...: t!f'anytht'll.fJ my motf.,er and daddy were ,,hort.!z{;hted on a.t parent.t. 1/.?e)J prtwt()eJ a.fiuz-ji//eJ
and lovng home, alway., there wheiUI'er you neechJ tl.1em~ .Jometm.e.t ,Jholl'ed up at a party when you Jid11 't e.t'jJect them (kept you on your f(Je,l), a/Lowed tt.1 cf.,ot~e,J and .Jtre.f.led the tinportance of educalt~111, imolvement n your c/.1/lrch (Sunday ,fcboof every Sunday), olwzteerin.tJ ,n your Cl111111Wnty, tra,efi,zq anJ e:cpo.,we to other culture.! and etlmt"c group., by trmefiJzg or altenJuzg eJucatumal t'n.1titution.1 m''ayfronz Atlanta. 3/y mother JUJn 't work. out,,ide ~~f' the home a,, an accomp!t:dJec} dre.f.l deJigner and interuw decorator untd I went to college. It wa<f aLta a rare occa.1um ,v/.?e/1 we diJn 't .1t Jown tt~qetherfor hrealifa..-ff and dt"mzet: Aly motber WaJ a .Jtri:t Jilcipft"narwn u'ho afwayJ ,qave you a
.1tron.q me.t.trz.qe In_; lon/..ai~q at you and twt:lti,zq /.?erlp. l jietftt.entLy left Dad(}y lt"ttle note.1 on hi1 dreJ,Ier, a.Jkit~qfor .Jomethi,~q, tl coune. I
learned that ?l1 did re.fearch and.qave f.,trn a conl't"ncing rationale, 1 couldget afmo.Jt anyt/.?uig. Il1at :, how f.qot to camp n ,~tfaJ.wchtMelt.f, Oakuood Sc/.JooL in Nell' l;wk, ()ri,t"n.lJ !e.MOII.:f, etc. But, he too, haJ a very ,feru.1tM .tide - In 195~ T.Af. graduatedfrom Jl.forehou.Je, Af,.[a jiorn high .1chool and 1,qrmhuzteJ from elementary. DaJdy lf'mte u.t a fette1; "'[;, Afy l'hree ChdJren upon tl.1eir gmouatt~m from CoLLege, High School and 1:!-'fementary School." Afy parent,, were the he.1tl! ll1ey pro1ided my need.1 and nztuh, much, more with fol'e, affedtim, wzJer.ltandt"n,q and wzctmdiJ-umal fme. /1/y hrothet; l:Af. Ale.t.ander, Jr., ua.t my idol. f%/htfe 1 wa.1 t"n ,1choo! in updlate New Yorlc, he U1a.l uz New York City anJ li'e '('tilt many U'eekemJ., fl~ljethet: He. took me on tour.J ofthe Unt"ted Natwn,-1, to the Red RooJteraiU) Syf,,ia:t in Harlem. in later yearc~, 1 alll'ay.J depenJed upon ht~f ad,ice and guu)ance, He wa.1 a .qreat ht"g hrother atuJ 1ery protect,e of biJ .Jl:,ter.l. I bal'e nu:,.ted ht"m .fa much. A1y JL:Iter Afl'ia ,;, the ,Ju1eele.:ft petvon f'l'e el'er known. She,;, an angelfor .Jure ll'ho nel'er raile.J her voice and if carin_q, &wing and kim) to e1eryone. She IN"t.lllot otr~y my .Jilter hut my he.,tjii.end. 1 .JI.wred everythtn.q wiJ-h her. How 6/e.Ma) 1 WaJ to have two Jat~'}bter.t. Although thet"r pe1'Jt1fltiltie,l are rJ~flerent, ?1' cour.1e, they are hoth, preth_;, .mzart, ener_qetic, and lmmg. They al1o inhen"teJ theirgranJm.other J talent j;,r /.1ome decorating. Thet"r teena.qe year,! were a f,,t challen,qt",~q hut they of,eyed my numherl rule-- that they mLL.Jt.1e!ect a ht:ltoricaf!y Mack colfe.qe and once there, they mu.Jt .!lay wztd they ,qraouate. No tran.Jj'errt"n.q I!I So they fimJI.?ed Howard and Hampton, pt.tr.lued their careel<l mu}.qrew up to become fine, young independent women. Atw(z, my oldeA daughter graduatedfrom Howard and ff'a.l emp!oyeJ at Procter atu} Gamh!efor a few year.J before .1he married. S/.1e t".i nou' a hotMewife wt"th two precimL.I chi!Jren. /tfy grand.t, BraJlee and Ja.to1z, llol'e them .10
mucb and oz;~ryed l'Very mt'nute I <~pent with them . Sbe l:' al.fO a gMd wife am) the he.Jt m.other! She and Ja,fOil are great partner., and very
inl'of,.a) uz af! t~/ thet'r kid./ activitie..1. Renee i1 my younge.1t anc) !ivu in Atlanta. I caLL her my uGuardwn Anyer...aLway..! hy my ,,u)e. By prt?/e.l.fum, r1be ,:, a teacher and Pen_; dedtcatec) am} commt"tted to her joh. She ,;, a hall ~l energy and enthu.Jw.mz and give.! 150% to any enJemor .1he undertake,!. In 199), .1be founded Project R.l.S.E. (Rewarding ln.Jtructt~maL St~iJent Rtf.Jerience..l), a year round cuLtural ennCI.mzent and pre,entwn prl~qramf;w elementary .lludent.f in Southu'e.lt Atlanta. The ,ftudent.f that JtarteJ in the program n the 5rd atu) 4tf., graJe.l are now i-n cofle_']e anr) .!PC,:, .Jti!lmentol'l"llg anJ a.Mt:lltizg them Oil a regular ha.lt:l. PLu.J .Jhe rllllc:f ano hilceJ. 111y .Jtep.lon.t, Gl1Wclfl Jr., and PhJ.!ip fiiJe in Hopkin.JIJil/e, KY. Cowan work(,.f~w the State ofKentucky atu} a!Jo ha.~ hie! own e!.ectrit..: Dtt.IUze.J,J. He i.J a workaho!.tc mu} .l{ay.t htt.Jy. Phd!ip ;., a ,fci.ence teacher andfMtf,alf coach. He i1 the family po!itLdan and haJ JervcJ three termJ on the HopktiMI't"!le Ci-ty Council. l'hey are IJery jiize young men am}, over the yem~,, our rupect and love }n each other haJ contmw.Jtt..!ly grou'll, pfw they tolerate me wf.,en I ll'ant to a.,k lot.t ofqtu>...lttim.l (.nnile.f). ;Uy htMf,and, Cou1an, what a Me.Muzgl Cowan and I reunited in 1984. We haJ data} brt"ejly when he wa.1a.Jenu1r at AlorehmMe mu) 1uact afre.lhman at Spelman. tf!f dated lmzq (),;!lance/or -!year,, atu) married nl988. It ba,, heen tf.,e mo,lt urmde!:f'u! m.arriage anyone could a.,k };,,: LY/e halle laughed, cried and done e11en_;thing t~qether. ll/e poJtponed our f.,mzeymoonll'acatum until 1992 when our !a.1t cLJi/()fozi1hed CtJL&:qe. Ve had three n colle_qe at one tim.e and dom.ehow with GoJ:, hle.MingJ we mana,qed and they aLl had m~we than the1i need.1. U'/e har-e enjoyed retirement to it.JfuL!e.Jt. In 2004, we took three crui..Je...,, not to mentum other trip.,. U"'e ll'ere truly meantfor each other and united at a time when u.1e had hoth matured nwugh to appreciate the finer thing. I ,n life,
,,ucf., a.l.qenut"ne happine,1,1 and peace. Afy Cowan, beL:' a rea/jewel and .1o, ,,o .1pecal! So you .fee my 4/e ha., heen ji!leJ with !oaJ.1 of flwe anJ
;(ry. luou!dn 't change a Jay or tnt.nute hecatue el'ell when 1 bad .tad, mu.qh or cl.wf!rn,qL'n.q tinu.1; 1,qrell' with t'ach e.1:.periena. Afany tt"m.e,f, t"t fumed out to he a Me.t.tt"l~lJ t"n r)i~qlll:fe. f', e learnedfrom. e1ery encounter all(} have hecom.e a ,1/r01zga more Goc} trwft)~q per.Jon. So do not
,1/.1eJ terrr.1 oj'.la()ne.M f,ul celebrate the l'eautiful4/e J'IJe /.1ad a/U} know that if CoJ hac~ caller} m.e home, he know.1what ,;, he.Jtl
Dorothy Alexander Brooks, 2006