Dr. Michael Devito Brooks was born on July 23 rd , 1952 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Melvin Brooks and Judy Brooks. Michael was blessed to be raised with four siblings John Scott (deceased), Florence Snow (deceased), Lydia Yancy, and Carolyn Brooks. Growing up, Michael was an altar boy at People's Community church where he will be laid to rest. Every Christmas as a child, Michael was gifted a toy doctor bag by his mother and was fondly remembered for "prescribing" candy pills to his little sister.
Michael started his education in Detroit where he knew, before entering Cass Technical High School,that he wanted to become a physician. He was laser-focused on taking courses and participating in after-school activities based on science. This included acceptance to the horizons upward Bound program atCranbrook where he met and was surrounded by mentors who kept him moving towards his dreams ofbecoming a doctor. Michael went on to study at Michigan State University where he became a memberof Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and made brothers for life. It was during his attendance at WayneState Medical School that Michael found the love of his life. Despite Michael's terrible cooking, EmilyMcQueen-Harris, agreed to make him the happiest man in the world by marrying him on December 18 th ,1976. Michael graduated from Wayne State Medical School in 1978 before completing a residency andfellowship in obstetrics and gynecology. Michael and Emily's union bore their oldest daughter EmilyMichelle and their twins Vitorria Denita and Vitorrio Devito.
Michael was a fierce advocate for the health and well-being of African American women, oftenoverlooked by the medical system. He shared his expertise with the United States Navy which resultedin opportunities for employment throughout the United States before returning to and spending manyyears in his state of birth. After leaving Michigan 19 years ago, Michael settled into a private practice ina small town, South Hill, Virginia where he left a legacy of delivering babies that are in their first years ofcollege today. Following retirement from work as an OB/GYN, Michael expanded his knowledge baseinto the Department of Corrections where he worked as a medical director until his untimely passing.One thing we will all remember about Michael was his passion for music. He held an expansive love forall genres of music including Motown, jazz, hip hop, or any rock and roll band that made its way to theUS during the British invasion. One thing we can be sure of, Dr. Brooks/Michael/Mike is finally excusedto kiss the sky.Michael departed this life on Saturday, September 28 th , 2024. He leaves to cherish his memories: Twosisters: Lydia Yancy and Carolyn Brooks; His wife of 47 years Emily Yvonne Brooks; Two daughters: EmilyMichelle King and Vitorria Yates (Demetri); One son: Vitorrio Brooks (Denera); Six grandchildren: EmilyNyomi King, Adrienne King, Janelle King, Jordan Williams, Nia Yates, and Zuri Brooks; Nieces: Erica Snow,Stacey Burch, Lajeanna Scott-Turner (Ronald), Angela Scott-Bright (Kevin), Katina Scott, TanjanettaTurner; Nephews: Charles Scott (Mattie), Larry Yancy, Orlando Yancy; Great nieces and nephews: NikkiCarter, Chante Alexander, Dante Burch, Mikaela Burch, Edward Turner, DeCarlo Scott, Charles Scott,Tanya Scott, Shamelle Scott, John Scott III, Jordan Scott, Ronald Turner, Lauren Merriewether, LindseyTurner, Kristen Bright-Varner, Kolbe Bright, Kyla Lavender, Lashaunda White, Latoya Lee, Tracey Lee,Brandon Lee, Shavella Smiley, Herman Yancy, Brandon Yancy, Rondell Minter, Rodney Minter, ShilaRivers, Courtney Yancy, Cheomah Yancy, and a host of other friends and family.
Monday, October 7, 2024
3:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
James H Cole Home for Funerals - Blvd Chapel
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
People's Community
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