Maxine B. Brooks

An amazingly sophisticated woman, Maxine B. (Lowery) Brooks, age 83, gained her heavenly wings after a courageous brief cancer battle at Kettering Health. She was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 23, 1938, to the late Everett David “Boyd” and Mable Delores Bryant Lowery. On that day, the world became brighter and better.

She was a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School and The Mount St. Joseph University with a degree in Pastoral Counseling. Maxine retired from Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC) with over 30 years of exemplary service. After federal retirement, she worked for Dayton Metropolitan Housing, St. Mary’s Development and Catholic Social Services where she fulfilled her calling to help others.

Maxine was a devout Catholic, prior member of St. James Catholic Church and current member of St. Benedict the Moor, where she served as Lay Pastoral and Eucharistic minister. She helped start the first ever gospel choir at St. James, where she served as Choir Director. She would gather up the kids in the neighborhood and fill their idle time singing in the choir. She was a faithful servant of her beloved Dayton Catholic Women’s Club and served as prior President. Maxine had an outstanding history of community service. Just to name a few, she was a member of: Jack and Jill of America and chaired and co-chaired the Beautillion Militaire numerous years; Knights of St. Peter Claver and served as Youth Advisor and Area Director; Step Out and Respond (SOAR); first director of Hoover Place Senior Retirement community and oversaw the opening of the campus; and Director of Grand Place Senior Living Facilities.  

Maxine had a tireless work ethic and selflessly gave her time to the community. She was extremely active in getting people to exercise their right to vote. She would march for the unjust. Although she was the biological mother to four, she raised numerous kids and loved them as her own. Her home was a safe haven and open to all. Maxine always enjoyed family gatherings and was passionate about everyone having a great time. She loved to dance, didn't matter if it was ballroom, African, line dance or any other. She truly enjoyed her time spent with her sisters in the Red Hat Society. They all would wear their stylish red hats like no others. She was definitely a stylish, classy, and sharp dresser. She carried herself with grace. But most of all she was a Godly woman who believed in the power of prayer.

On Friday, May 20, 2022, Maxine B. Brooks peacefully transitioned from earthly life to eternal life, surrounded by family, met by the Lord, her parents, her sister, Janis Lowery, niece, Bridget Buchanan, and nephew, Evan Lowery.

Maxine leaves to cherish fond memories and celebrate her life: husband of 65 years, James R. Brooks Sr.; son, James R. Brooks Jr.; daughters, B. Mikki Brooks of Tampa, FL, Brenda (Kelvin) Hicks, Brenita “Buffy” Brooks of Cincinnati; bonus son and daughter, Mitchell (Chandra) Lewis of Columbia, SC and Ebonye (Kenny) Tucker of Conyers, GA; sisters, Marva (Clifford) Darrett and Lavern “Bunny” (Raymond) Allen; grandchildren, Brooke Jenkins, Dr. J Corey Tanner, DDS, Bronwyn, Austin (Porscha) and Nicholas Hicks, Courtney McGeachy, Jamise Brooks, Brigette Hicks, and Jarren Brooks; 14 great-grandchildren, seven nephews, five nieces; sister/friend, Bertha Early Taylor; best friend, Willa Bronston; bonus family, the Hortons; a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her beloved Dayton Catholic Women’s Club where she was a faithful servant and served as President:  The Dayton Women’s Club, P.O. Box 1677, Dayton, OH 45401

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 am Friday, May 27, at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 519 Liscum Drive, Dayton. Visitation 9 am until the time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.

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