Joyce Anne Brooks

October 1, 2015

Joyce Anne Brooks (nee Smeltzer) was called home to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 1, 2015. Joyce was born on October 6, 1944 to Emmanuel and Alma Smeltzer. Joyce, to all who knew her, was a unique and caring individual who touched many lives. Her most favorite pastimes were fellowshipping with friends at various restaurants throughout the city, talking about Mary Kay, dancing, and helping others. Joyce grew up in North Philadelphia. Her faith and love of God was fostered at Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she received her baptism under the leadership of Reverend E. Theodore Lewis. Joyce was educated by Philadelphia public schools, graduating from Girls High School. She matriculated at Cheyney State University (formerly Cheyney State College); Temple University; Bibleway Biblical Institute; and the Melvin Floyd Evangelism School, receiving state certification from the Evangelistic Association of Pennsylvania. In 1963, she along with fiancé’ Willie Rush, became active with the NAACP under the leadership of Cecil B. Moore. She participated in the March on Washington and the civil rights campaigns to desegregate Trailways Bus Company and Girard College. Joyce and Willie married in May of 1965. After the birth of her children, Joyce became frustrated with the fact that her husband could not find construction work as an Operating Engineer and was not allowed membership in the local union. Their organizing efforts resulted in a successful, landmark lawsuit that opened the doors for minorities in the construction trades. This realization further activated Joyce’s role in the Civil Rights Movement here in Philadelphia. Part of the activities in this effort included: 1) Grassroots organizer: organizing within government (city, state, and federal) and training community and advocacy groups to facilitate employment on federally financed construction sites. 2) Appointed Special Consultant to the U.S. Labor Department in community affairs. 3) Appointed Investigative Compliance Officer to the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare (now Health and Human Services) Construction Division. 4) Appointed Executive Director of the Philadelphia Affirmative Action Coalition in 1983. 5) Appointed Community Organizer for the Money for the Neighborhood Coalition in 1988. Joyce, along with her husband Willie, expanded their work into neighborhood gang control, working in partnership with Florence Garrett, Leon Walker, Ms. Bair, the Altemares and Hasaras to create the Neighbors of the Hill. The group and countless others worked with the late Honorable David P. Richardson, the late Honorable Mayor Frank Rizzo and at the time District Attorney Ed Rendell to keep West Mt. Airy a safe place to live and play. Joyce entered into fellowship with New Gethsemane Baptist Church pastored by the late Reverend Samuel B. Jordan Sr. in 1980. She joined the church, became a member of the Jordan Chorus, a Trustee Aide and president of the Trustee Aides. Joyce married her second husband James E. Brooks in July of 1984. James preceded her in death when he was killed in an automobile accident in November of 2001. Joyce ran for City Council in 1987 and was endorsed by the Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper on the Consumer Party ticket with the late Max Weiner, Consumer Advocate. She co-authored Bill 649 Construction Employment legislation. Joyce is quoted in books and numerous articles, including a 1970 article in Jet magazine. Joyce was a successful Mary Kay Consultant and enjoyed the relationships she developed over the years, but had a close relationship with Ms. Emily Grady, Mary Kay Director. She loved her family. Enjoyed trips to visit her daughters and their families. Loved to attend gatherings where we ate good food, laughed and dancing at the Singles Scene. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Brooks, parents Emmanuel and Alma Smeltzer, and an older brother Damon, and great friends Florence Garrett and Pat Warner. She is survived by her brother Emanuel Jr., children Shelley T., Lori W. and her husband Frederick, Marcia R. and her husband Michael. Nine grandchildren, Latasha, Ivan and Mercedes, Shelley J. and her husband Arthur, Jacob, Tabitha, Michael, Michaela, Michail and Michailyn and three great-grandchildren Ivan, Jaylynn and Arthur, and her cousins Velda, Delores and Barbara. She also cherished Dan Garrett and the entire Garrett family, especially Rosalind. She held her relationships with Ernestine, Maxine, Nellene, Bernard, and Charles near and dear to her heart. She treasured her relationships with Catherine, Fuddy and his wife, and her friends Cynthia and Leola. She held a special place in her heart for Ivan Thomas. Joyce also leaves to mourn a host of dear friends and relatives. Our mother was the epitome of servant leadership to the Lord and in the community. That will always be a legacy in this family. She has left us to claim her mansion and to hear those blessed words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”