For decades, Carlton T. Brooks was a trusted figure in Richmond, serving both the living and the departed. The founder and owner of Carlton T. Brooks Funeral Home died Monday, March 3, 2025, at 98, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Born Feb. 16, 1927, to Lyda Murray Brooks and David Lee Brooks Sr., Brooks was one of six children. He graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School and the Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. He served as a Marine during World War II. His funeral service career began in 1951.

Brooks partnered with Oscar F. Howard to establish the Brooks-Howard Funeral Home in Richmond’s South Side, but they closed it seven years later due to strong competition.

Brooks then spent several years at Lightfoot Funeral Home before reopening the former Brooks-Howard building under a new name, Carlton T. Brooks Funeral Home, in 1963.

With a career spanning 74 years across multiple roles and funeral homes, Brooks was likely one of the longest-serving funeral directors in the United States, earning him deep trust within the community.

In a 2018 Free Press article, Brooks said his job went beyond managing funeral services; it also meant offering comfort to grieving families. His compassion extended beyond the funeral business, as community members often turned to him for guidance or simply a listening ear.

Brooks made his profession a family tradition, with his daughter, Carla M. Brooks, joining him as his assistant.

Brooks was preceded in death by his former wife, Juanita B. Brooks; son, Carlton H. Brooks; and brothers, David Lee Jr., Howard, Willbert and Rudolph.

He is survived by daughters Anita Joanne Holiday and Carla M. Brooks; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Brooks Johnson; and other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. in Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

A funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in Scott’s Chapel.