Dorothy Marie Brooks

Dorothy Marie Thomas was born on June 12, 1927, in Wilmington, Delaware. She was the only child born to the late Herman and Dorothy Thomas.

Marie, as she was always called, began elementary school in Delaware. At the age of 13 she and her family moved to Upper Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey where she continued her education. Although she did well in English, she didn't consider herself a particularly smart student. However, she knew she had a gift to make people laugh, so that's what she did, and became known as the class clown. Marie attended Woodstown High School and graduated in 1946 as one of only four Black students in the graduating class. In subsequent years, she enjoyed reconnecting with her former schoolmates at many class reunions, even 70 years later.

After her school days, Marie entered the workforce and was employed at various companies throughout New Jersey – including the legendary Haddon Hall hotel in Atlantic City, Owens-Illinois Glass Company, Elmer Hospital, Heinz Ketchup Factory, and the Salem City School District. At John Fenwick Elementary School in Salem, she enjoyed being among the children as she served in the cafeteria. She would often go home and share with her family the funny stories and sayings from the children at school…still appreciating the gift of laughter. She retired from John Fenwick at the age of 70 after 24 years of service.

In 1960, Marie was united in holy matrimony to Marshall Brooks. They were married for 52 years until his passing in August 2012. This union was blessed with four children – Ronald, Lisa, Marshall Jr., and Gloria. Marie had a very creative imagination and frequently helped her children with their school projects, which led them to win 1st place on numerous occasions.

Although Marie would never brag on herself, she had many giftings. During high school, she was very artistic at drawing and painting. Later in life, she was well known for her wonderful cake baking and decorating skills, making cakes in all different types of shapes and designs. She baked and sold cakes in the community and to those who came from out of town to enjoy her creations. Her applesauce cakes were especially popular during the holidays. In addition, she was also a talented songwriter and pianist, who learned to play mostly by ear and write by the inspiration of God.

As a young girl, Marie attended True Vine Pentecostal Church, which is now Bethel Pentecostal Church, in Wilmington, Delaware, during the pastorate of Elder Saab. She spent her summers in Smyrna, Delaware with her Aunt Katie and Uncle Ernest Brewington, and while there she would attend Little Mount Olive Holy Church where Elder Mann was the Pastor. In the 1950s she joined Ephesus Pentecostal Church, now Tabernacle of Praise Holy Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing. Sister Brooks, as she was lovingly called by her church family, served in various capacities, within several auxiliaries over the years – she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; worked as a cook on the Kitchen Committee; sang on the Jubilee Choir and the Female Choir; served as the president of the Deaconess Board; and served as the church pianist for the choirs and general services up until the Lord took her on to glory.

Sister Brooks had a deep affection for her Pastor of 38 years, Bishop Marie R. Caldwell, and the church family at Tabernacle of Praise Holy Church. The church loved her profoundly, and the bond they shared will endure forever.

Sister Marie Brooks went to her heavenly home to be with the Lord from her earthly home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Brooks, Sr.; son Marshall Brooks, Jr.; and grandson, Doran Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing: son Ronald Thomas (Christine) of Conyers, GA; daughters Lisa Brooks and Gloria Brooks of Salem, NJ; daughter-in-law, Terina Brooks of Lancaster, PA; a special cousin, Eloise Hutchingson (John); 11 grandchildren; many great- and great-great grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; and the Pastor and family of Tabernacle of Praise Holy Church.

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