January 7, 1955 – July 21, 2023
Henrietta Doris (Evans) Brooks, age 68, of Petersburg, VA, departed this and gained her eternal life on July 21, 2023. Originally from Lawrenceville, VA, Henrietta was born to the late Henry and Sadie Evans.
She was a devout and dedicated member of the St. Luke’s Church of God in Christ in Lawrenceville, VA where her father, Elder Henry Evans served faithfully as a Deacon. Henrietta spent the majority of her childhood in Lawrenceville before moving to Dinwiddie, VA after starting her family and beginning her career of helping others. She cared for disabled individuals for over ten years at the Southside Virginia Training Center, working as a Human Service Care Worker until she eventually settled in Hopewell, VA where she was employed with John Randolph Medical Center (now known as TriCities Hospital) as a Dietary Aide for 22 years where she retired.
Henrietta could often be seen walking through Hopewell and touching lives as she went about her day. She spent much of her free time raising her son and daughter, cooking, and helping others. She was known as “Kenny’s Mama” to members of the legacy Hopewell Emergency Crew where her son volunteered for many years and is a Life Member. Members of Hopewell Emergency Crew, also known as HEC, raved about her cooking and she could be found helping support this organization in several missions to include fundraising activities, open houses, and annual holiday events. Henrietta loved to cook and serve hot meals to people, helping them recoup, reenergize, and restrengthen to continue on their mission of helping others.
The highlight of her life was when she became a grandmother, not once, but twice. She often said that having her grandkids around made her feel like a mother all over again and the love she had for her grandkids was unmeasurable. Henrietta, like us all, was no stranger to adversity, however, she was also a strong fighter and never gave up. She amazed many people in different professions throughout her life. Through each trial and tribulation, Henrietta proved, through actions, what a determined spirit and faith in the almighty can help you achieve. Her life is a testimony of faith, strength, determination, and love.
Henrietta was preceded in death by her father and mother, Elder Henry Evans and Missionary Sadie Evans; brother, Larry Evans; sisters, Betty Simms, Pauline Dunlap and Joyce Evans; and her nephew, James Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Kenneth E. Evans of Petersburg, VA; daughter, Tiara S. Evans of Hopewell, VA; grandchildren, Nykerah Shamani Evans-Wooden (Nunu) and Keith “KJ” Collins, Jr. of Hopewell, VA; his brother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to one of two GoFundMe accounts to help offset final expenses and assist the family during this time.
Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, August 5, 2023, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.