Parthenia (Taylor) Brooks

A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled:
 A place is vacant in our home
Which can never be filled.

Mrs. Parthenia Taylor Brooks, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, departed from her earthly journey and entered eternal rest on May 26, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1939, in Camp Peary, Virginia, to the late Cornelia Wallace Taylor and Littleton M. Taylor, Sr.

At an early age, Parthenia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and developed a strong spiritual foundation. She often attended Union Baptist Church and later joined hands in fellowship with Parrish Hill Baptist Church, Charles City, under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Walter Anderson, whom she highly respected. Her faith remained steadfast until her health began to decline.

Parthenia graduated from James Weldon Johnson High School with the Class of 1957. She worked diligently for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Food Service and retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service.

During her tenure at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, she met her soulmate, John Brooks, Jr. The two were united in Holy Matrimony at Parrish Hill Baptist Church and shared many years of love, companionship, and happiness together in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Parthenia exemplified a godly woman who showed love through her actions and warm embraces. She had an infectious smile, and her charisma made everyone around her feel welcomed and valued. Her impeccable style and fashion sense commanded attention whenever she entered a room. With a confident stride and vibrant personality, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Parthenia loved to travel and cherished spending time with family and friends. She was an exceptional cook who enjoyed opening her home for family gatherings and cookouts. She had a special gift for baking and was especially known for her delicious Seven-Up cakes and macaroni and cheese. Above all, she deeply loved and adored her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and bonus family members.

Parthenia was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Karen R. Ingram and Pamela Yvette Taylor Hundley; beloved brothers, James Taylor and Littleton Taylor Jr.; beloved sisters, Jean Edlow, Martha Lizzy Harris, and Elnora Franklin 

Parthenia is survived by her devoted husband, John Brooks, Jr.; devoted son, Russell K. Taylor; stepsons, Dale Brooks and Ernest Russell (Pat); grandchildren, Ashley, Kayla, Raquel, Christina, and Felecia; son-in-law, Gervis Hundley; brother, William Taylor (Carolyn); sister, Doris Anderson; sister-in-law, Lillian Taylor; special nieces, Denise Edlow and Stacy Taylor; special nephew, Lamont Harris; special caregiver, Connie Safewright; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. 

A service to celebrate and honor Parthenia's life will be held at Noon on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Union Baptist Church. Interment to follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Brooks may be viewed in the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of her service. 

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com 

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