Brookins Funeral Home Marks 50 Years of Service Celebrating Life, Community and Family


 

Brookins Funeral Home Marks 50 Years of Service

Celebrating Life, Community and Family


Brookins Funeral Home is celebrating 50 years of funeral service. The Brookins family who opened their doors in November 1970, are proud neighbors, long-standing and active political representatives and a leading voice for positive change in Chicago. They along with their children, Andrea, Howard Jr., Cheryl and Ronda, and grandchildren will celebrate this golden anniversary throughout the year with the community they serve.


A Family Tradition of Service

Howard Sr., and Audrey Brookins embarked on entrepreneurship in 1970 after Mr. Brookins retired from 14 years of service as a Chicago Police Officer. Together, he and Audrey set the foundation of serving the community with humility, respect, and honor.


Upon receiving a degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and with support from his mentor and friend Reverend Dr. Louis Rawls, Mr. Brookins opened the funeral home on September 1, 1970 at 9315 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.


During his career as a licensed funeral director, Mr. Brookins was led to serve his community in a different capacity. He was elected to serve public office in 1982. He served both as an Illinois State Representative and State Senator. Upon retiring from public service Mr. Brookins and Audrey remain active in their Auburn Gresham community as members of Trinity United Church of Christ, and within several community volunteer organizations and boards.


In 2015, Andrea Lynette Brookins, became president and CEO of the funeral home. As one of a few African American female funeral-home owners, she forges a new path for generations to come. Her commitment to honoring her family tradition of community service, while making a mark as an African- American female business owner can be seen 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 Brookins. “We are thankful that we’ve been able to serve our community with dignity through this COVID-19 pandemic. And while we’re celebrating our business, we are also focused on tackling many deep-rooted injustices that have existed in our country for far too long.”


“We are blessed to see three generations of our family active in the business working to continue the foundation of serving our community one celebration at a time,” said Andrea.


About Brookins Funeral Home 

Brookins Funeral Home is an African American family owned business providing personalized, professional and compassionate funeral services for 50 years. They are located in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham community. www.brookinsfuneralhome.com


Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

A.L. Smith - Harold Washington Legacy Committee