Rev. Freeman Marvin Brooks

Rev. Freeman Marvin Brooks, age 95, of Sanford, NC, transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his residence.

Reverend Freeman Marvin Brooks was born on March 15, 1931, and lovingly raised in Siler City, Chatham County, North Carolina, by his parents, the late James Monroe Brooks and Allean Ellen Baldwin Brooks‑Emerson. On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, he peacefully departed this earthly journey and entered his eternal rest.

Freeman was the proud eldest son, the first of thirteen children, and he carried that distinction with deep honor throughout his life. He attended Chatham High School in Siler City, North Carolina, and at just seventeen years old was drafted into the United States Military. Before entering military service, he worked faithfully on the family farm, lending his strength and dedication to support his father, mother, and siblings.

After faithfully serving his country, Freeman returned to civilian life and soon met and married the love of his life, Ruby Jane Palmer. Their beautiful union was blessed with four cherished daughters. He worked as a truck driver and later at Federal Spinning, where he dedicated many years of committed service. Following his retirement, Freeman continued to serve his community as a greeter at Walmart in Sanford, warmly welcoming everyone he encountered with his signature smile and kind words. Later in life, he married the late Susan Knight Brooks.

Answering God’s call, Reverend Brooks preached his first sermon at Evans Chapel many years ago. Remaining steadfast and faithful to his ministry, he was later appointed to Belmont AME Zion Church in Pittsboro and Rosehill AME Zion Church in Moncure, North Carolina, before serving in the Raleigh Dunn‑Lillington District. There, he ministered with unwavering dedication for eighteen years, ultimately retiring after thirty‑eight years of faithful Pastoring. Truly, well done.

 Being a community activist, Reverend Brooks served on the Board of Directors of Brick Capital Community Development Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in expanding housing opportunities for local families. In June 2018, Mayor T. Chet Mann proclaimed “Freeman Brooks Day” in honor of his lasting contributions to the community. Additionally, A Side Street was officially named Freeman M. Brooks Drive, a historic and heartfelt tribute to his legacy.

He loved helping his neighbors and worked faithfully in the community garden for as long as his health allowed. As an active member of the NAACP, he was honored with the Lee County Branch 5447's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, a testament to his enduring commitment to service and justice.

Reverend Brooks was preceded in death by his beloved daughters Gwendolyn Teresa Brooks and Marvina Ruby Brooks‑McCormick, as well as his grandson Anthony McCormick. He was also preceded by siblings Nina B. Staley, Robert L. Brooks, Alfred W. Brooks, Geneva B. Dark, and James A. Brooks. 

He leaves to cherish his memory two loving daughters, Evangelist Sandra B. Adams (Edward) of Clayton, NC, and Minister Deloris B. Lee (Pastor Gary D. Lee-deceased) His grandchildren — Charlene Ferguson (Walter), Kisha Lee, Latisha Wiley (Ed), Latron Adams, Alexis Adams, and Ray Adams, along with great‑grandchildren, great‑great‑grandchildren, to carry his legacy forward through five blessed generations. Praise God.

His surviving siblings include Clementine B. Farrar of Staley, Geraldine B. Gray of Siler City, Vera B. Andrews (Joe) of Ramseur, Pauline Brooks of New York, Janice E. Lineberry of Liberty, NC, Rev. Gaither Ray Emerson (Gail) of Liberty, NC, and Howard J. Brooks (Mary) of Asheboro, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who loved him dearly. 

Reverend Freeman Marvin Brooks lived a life of service — service to God, to his family, to his church, and to his community. His legacy is woven into the lives he touched, the ministries he nurtured, and the community he helped strengthen. His memory will forever be cherished

Professional Services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC