Ada Louise Brooks, a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and enduring devotion to her family and community, was born on October 21, 1931, in Leonardtown, Maryland, to the late James Richly Brooks and Mildred Brooks (Butler).

Ada received her early education through the Saint Mary’s County Public School System and distinguished herself academically, graduating as Salutatorian at the remarkable age of 16 from Benjamin Banneker High School. Her commitment to growth and service continued throughout her life, including her studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where she earned certification as a teacher in religious education.

A woman of deep faith, Ada was a devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church in South Chesterfield, Virginia, where she enjoyed semi-weekly Mexican Domino games. Earlier in life, while residing in Philadelphia, she was an active and dedicated member of Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church. There, she made a lasting impact as a founding member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 357, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to service, fellowship, and spiritual leadership.

Ada’s work ethic was evident in every chapter of her life. She began her career as a domestic worker in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1957, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she worked in the restaurant industry before earning a management position with the City of Philadelphia. Through dedication and perseverance, she built a meaningful career and faithfully served for 26 years until her retirement in 1988.

Above all, Ada was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl, and her six brothers: James, William, Robert, Phillip, Charles, and Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sons: James (Dalyce), Thomas (Mary), and Michael; her sisters-in-law, Helen and Corene; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her “sister” Gwen; her special friend, Conception; and an exceptional young man, Angelo, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Ada Louise Brooks will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her dedication to family, and her quiet but powerful impact on all who knew and loved her. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

The family will receive friends at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Route 1, S. Chesterfield, VA 23834 on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will be held in Philadelphia, PA.