Odessa S. Brooks

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(Nee Scott) On January 21, 2022, age 93 of Sewell, NJ transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior. Odessa, was the beloved wife of Robert R. Brooks for 67 years and the loving mother of Robin Taylor (James Justin) of Fairfax Station, VA and Sandra Elaine Brooks, M.D., MBA (Garth Beache, M.D.) of Philadelphia, PA. Odessa was also the devoted grandmother of Sydney C. Beache, M.D., Kendall N. Beache and Jared A.  Taylor. She is survived by her brother John Henry Scott Jr.

After graduating from Atlantic City High School, Odessa attained her degree in Business Accounting, successfully sat for the civil service exam and served as a federal government employee for several years prior to meeting the love of her life Robert R Brooks. They were married in 1954 after Robert’s tour of duty in the military and moved to Camden where they began their family. They later moved to Willingboro New Jersey, worked for the school system and raised her children. In 1974 they moved to Rochester NY where Odessa cared for her family, and worked as a financial accounting secretary for Allstate until her retirement in 1995. A fervent servant of the Lord, Bob and Odessa Brooks have been members of First Baptist Church of Haddonfield for more than 25 years. Prior to the pandemic, Bob and Odessa had season tickets to the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia and the Broadway Theatre in Pitman NJ and enjoyed date night nearly every Friday at the local Uno’s and movie theater. On Sundays after church Odessa could be found reading the New York Times, doing the crossword puzzle. Odessa also volunteered at the Kennedy (Now Jefferson Health) Hospital for more than 23 years.

With an eye toward helping chart a path for our underserved youth, she partnered with Urban Promise Ministries’ youth providing spiritual and financial support.

Odessa’s passion for the human spirit was demonstrated at the age of 19 when she was published in an essay in a local magazine.

Prior to the pandemic, Odessa enjoyed shopping and visiting with family and friends and was an avid collector of Michelle and Barack Obama memorabilia. During the pandemic, she kept her family and friends spirits up with phone calls, letters, and unique cards.

Odessa was a remarkable woman with a quick smile and known for her fashion sense, interest in world events and concern for others. She will be gone from our presence but will remain in our hearts forever.

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11 AM, Odessa’s Service at will be available via Zoom.  Please email kainmurphy@comcast.net to request the code.   All are invited to attend her Graveside Service on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:15 PM, at the Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery, 124 Kings Hwy E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Odessa may be made to Urban Promise, Inc. www.urbanpromiseusa.org/donate