January 2021

Page A15 JANUARY 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A The Brookins Family dren - Andrea, Howard Jr., Cheryl, and Ronda - and grandchildren, along with the community they serve. Howard Sr. and Audrey embarked on entrepreneurship when Howard retired from service as a Chicago Police Officer after 14 years on the force. Together, he and Audrey set the foundation of serv- ing the community with humility, re- spect, and honor. Howard attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science and earned his de- gree. With the support of his mentor and friend Reverend Dr. Louis Rawls, Howard went on to open the funeral home on September 1, 1970 at 9315 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. During his career as a licensed funer- al director, Howard was led to serve his community in a different capacity. Elected to serve public office in 1982, he served as both an Illinois State Rep- resentative and State Senator. In 2015, the Brookins stepped down Brookins Funeral Home Marks 50 Years of Service in Chicago Hot Chocolate with Santa Program Attending the NFDA Convention from day to day operations and man- agement of the home, handing the reins over to their daughter Andrea. Howard Sr. and Audrey are still involved in the funeral home and the community. To- gether they serve on numerous boards and participate in many organizations. When Andrea Lynette Brookins be- came president and CEO of the funeral home, she stepped into a role that few other African American females have. As owner of a funeral home, she forged a new path for generations to come. Her commitment to honoring her family’s tradition of community service, while making a mark as an African- American female business owner, is evident in the numerous community and scholarship programs she has launched. “This anniversary comes during a time of great change for our country and our community,” said Andrea. “We are thankful that we’ve been able to serve Continued on Page A24 Black Pearls Mentorship Program C H I C A G O , I L — Brookins Funeral Home recently reached a mile- stone celebrating 50 years of funeral service. The Brookins family opened their doors in Septem- ber 1970. They are proud neighbors, long-standing and active political repre- sentatives, and a leading voice for positive change in Chicago. Howard Sr. and Audrey Brookins will celebrate this golden anniversary throughout the year with their chil- family and friends WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WITH A NEW WAY TO CONNECT NEAR AND FAR Allow family and friends who are unable to attend the service – no matter what the reason – to sign a virtual guest registry and let the family know they are offering their love and support from afar. Share a link through Online Obituary • Email • Text • Facebook Contact your Messenger Sales Consultant to learn more or call 1-800-827-5151 www.messengerstationery.com Promo Code: 9143 Print easy-to-read guest sign in pages for the register book and mailing address labels at the funeral home through our FREE Make It! Personal application. Or, if you prefer, Messenger can print and ship through our convenient LET US DESIGN, PRINT & SHIP Signature SERVICE OPTIONS TO PRINT EASY-TO-READ GUEST ENTRIES COLLECTED FROM EXPRESSION OR VIRTUAL GUEST REGISTRIES NOW FEATURING QR CODES FOR TOUCHLESS, DIGITAL SIGN-IN