Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 2-15-19

Feature
First African American Job Corps Instructor Passes
MR. VIRGIL OLIVER BROOKS, JR.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
A popular family patriarch passed on January 29th. Mr. Virgil Bentley Oliver Brooks, Jr., was 84-years-old.
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Mr. Brooks moved to Tampa at an early age. After arriving in Tampa, he en- tered the Hillsborough County Public School District, where he was educated.
He was baptized at First Baptist Church of College Hill at an early age, Mr. Brooks sang in the choir during his adoles- cent years. He was a longtime member of the church.
Having learned the skills in Masonry Construction from his father and grandfather at an early age, Mr. Brooks had a successful career with the IMI Job Corps. He was hired as the first African American Instruc- tor with the organization. He re- tired after 22 years of service as a Regional Director.
He held membership in nu- merous career-oriented organi- zations including the International Union of Bricklay- ers and Allied Craft Workers (BAC). He was a member for more than 40 years.
Mr. Brooks married Mrs. Olivia Levy Brooks and they were married for 65. They cou- ple was parents to three chil- dren, Virgil, III, Oliver, and Mrs. Janice Hagins, as well as grandparents, great grand- parents, and great, great grand- parents.
After reaching the age of re- tirement, Mr. Brooks was able to dedicate all of his love, time and energy to his family, who loved and deeply respected him as an accomplished patriarch.
He is survived by his wife, children, siblings and other family members and friends.
Mr. Brooks will be remem- bered by all who knew him for his love, laughter, and warmth.
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