Obituary of Freddie B. Brooks, Jr.

Obituary 

Freddie Bernett Brooks, more affectionately known as “Fred,” entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on January 9, 1940, in Washington, D.C., to the late Freddie Brooks, Sr. and Pearl Lewis-Brooks. 

 A lifelong resident of Arlington, Virginia, Fred attended Hoffman Boston High School. His love of music led him to study trumpet where he played in his high school band. He was also a star basketball player and was voted Mr. Hoffman Boston in his senior year. Because of his exceptional athletic abilities and grades, Fred received a scholarship to attend Virginia State University (then known as “Little State”).   

Years later, Fred began his career with the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed connecting with people while delivering the mail and could often be heard joking with his customers, especially the senior citizens on his route. At the age of twenty-five, he was hired as a trumpeter by a local band to play on nights and weekends. In the early 1960’s, Fred became a founding member and leader of The Sidewinders band which played at various events and venues around the DMV, including The Shelter Room and The Howard Theater in D.C., as well as the NCO Club at the Bethesda Naval Base in Maryland.  

 For many years, he was a versatile trumpeter at Mount Olive Baptist Church, and he also offered his services to other churches and civic organizations in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. Having a natural rapport with both young and old, Fred frequently volunteered at Arlington’s George Washington Carver Community Center teaching young people and senior citizens the value of both sacred and secular music.  

 Fred always knew how to make people laugh, even in his later years when his failing health made things difficult. His admirable sense of humor shown through on his worst days to brighten up everyone else’s. During the struggle with his illness, he remained a pillar of strength and a constant reminder of God’s presence in his life. His unwavering optimism and radiant smile have been a constant source of inspiration for many.