Verneva M. Brooks

Verneva May (Ferguson) Brooks, the daughter of the late James Ferguson and Mamie Hutchinson Ferguson, was born on July 1, 1939 and departed this life on February 4, 2026. Born in Danville, Virginia, she was the third of four children. Her mother passed when she was two and she was raised by her maternal grandparents the late, Benjamin and Lula Hutchinson.

Her Christian experience began at an early age at Camp Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia. Having been a military wife, upon her husband's retirement they settled in Vineland, New Jersey in May 1979, where they joined the Saint Paul's Missionary Baptist Church soon after. She was an active member involved in various auxiliaries: the choir, women's ministry, kitchen ministry and Vacation Bible School until declining health prevented her attendance. She was also appointed as one of the Mothers of the church.

During her teen years her family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she graduated from Simon Bass High School. After graduating she moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey where she met and married the love of her life, the late SFC (Ret) Oscar J. Brooks, on May 31, 1960. From this union they were blessed to have four children- Sandra, Tracy, Oscar, and Maurice.

Verneva worked at Vineland State School where she retired after 20 years as the supervisor of food service. She was a foster parent for many years, loved to cook and entertain, she was quite humorous, but did not bite her tongue when she had something to say; she was the family's biggest supporter and cheerleader, she collected handbags and loved to dress.

Predeceased by her parents, and grandparents; her beloved husband, SFC (Ret) Oscar j. Brooks, Sr; daughter, Sandra Ramona Brooks, sisters, Doretha Connor and Octavia Ferguson; and sister-in-law, Whelma B. Irby.

Verneva leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Tracy Gittens of Vineland, NJ; two sons, Oscar J. Brooks, Jr. of Vineland, NJ and Maurice Brooks (Milicent) of Plainfield, NJ; one sister, Peggy Walker of East Orange, NJ; eleven grandchildren: Tia Lowery, Brittany Snow (Brian), Nicole Brooks-Warejko (Stephanie), Anasia Banks, Emma Brooks, Ojai Brooks, Veronika Brooks, Adrieanna Stephenson, Skylar Brooks, Jalen Brooks, Zoe Brooks; five great grandchildren: Jordyn Lowery, Jada Snow, Ja'el Snow, Leilani Brooks, Sienna Boyce; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.