Obituary of Annie Mae Brooks

Annie Mae Criss Brooks, daughter of the late Arthur Criss and Mary Frances Smith Criss, was born on September 16, 1941 in Cumberland County, Virginia. At an early age, Annie Mae was converted, baptized and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church where she remained a member. She graduated (Class of 1960) from Luther P. Jackson High School located in Cumberland County. Annie Mae worked in manufacturing for several years before pursuing her certification as a nursing assistant. She worked as a certified nursing assistant for 16 years fulfilling her lifelong passion of taking care of the elderly and making them smile. She enjoyed reading daily scriptures from her Bible and prayers from the book titled "Walking With the Lord", cooking, listening to southern soul music and dancing. She was well known for her sweet potato pies, coconut pies, homemade yeast rolls and country ham. She thoroughly enjoyed watching her grandchildren "cut up" on the dance floor. Annie developed a love of collecting angels and building stuffed animals (teddy bears). Anytime someone came to her home, she offered them something to eat and drink. Even as her mobility became limited, she found joy and laughter in spending time with friends and watching her favorite television soap operas, Wheel of Fortune and the Dr. Phil Show. On Monday, July 1, 2019, she departed this life at Johnston Willis Hospital located in Chesterfield, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, McArthur Criss and a companion of 25 years, Earl Brown. She leaves many to cherish fond memories: one daughter, Gwendolyn Jefferson (Roger); two sons, Edward Brooks, Jr. (LaTrell) and Kovalensky Brooks (Lisa); a loving and devoted dog, Zoey; four grandchildren, Adrian, Evyn, Nicole, and Jaylen; one brother, Joseph Criss (Delores); two aunts, Pearl Smith (devoted) and Viola Criss; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, and individuals who considered her as their "Mom". Special thanks to her loving caregiver, Sandra Gray, telephone buddies and those who stopped by to fellowship. And a special thanks to her faithful regularly hangout friends who she cherished. "Memories of You Mom" They say memories are golden, well maybe that is true. We never wanted memories, we only wanted you. A million times we needed you, A million times we're cried. If love alone could have saved, you you never would have died. We knew little that morning, That God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, No one can ever fill. If tears could build a stairway, and heartache make a lane. We'd walk the path to heaven, to bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Love You! Poochie, Bubba & Kova