Ms. Audrey Brooks
Audrey S. Brooks, daughter of the late Dr. Albert S. and Annie R. Smith, was born on May 23, 1921 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on December 27, 2003.
Miss Brooks received her education from Douglass High School and attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. During her lifetime, she was employed at the First Maryland Health Care Corporation, Morgan State University Office of the Registrar, and as an Administrator at the Harbor County Learning Center. Audrey was a lifelong member of the Grace Presbyterian Church.
Her eldest son, Bro. Wesley A. Jennings was born from the marriage between Audrey and William Jennings. Audrey later married Nathaniel R. Brooks, and a second son; Colonel Sidney A. Brooks survives his parents. Her hobbies included traveling throughout the United States and Europe, dancing and reading. She was an avid supporter of Morgan State athletic teams, particularly football and swimming. Audrey became the Eternal Sweetheart of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity shortly after its founding in 1963.
During this time, Ms. Brooks worked on the staff at Morgan State University, in the office of the Registrar. She was a vital resource to Iota Phi Theta and many, many times she was able to assist the Brothers in the early growth and development of the Fraternity. It is interesting to note that Ms. Brooks also had a vested interest in Iota Phi Theta’s success because her son, Bro. Wesley Jennings (4 Alpha 64), was a member of Iota Phi Theta’s first Pledge line!
In recognition of her efforts, Ms. Brooks was granted the title of “Eternal Sweetheart”, an honor she wore proudly for the rest of her life. Ms. Brooks was a continual supporter of Iota Phi Theta and was a frequent guest at Iota Conclaves and workshops. As recently as five months before her passing, she attended the Fraternity’s 40th Anniversary Conclave in Chicago. As always, she was vocal, vibrant, and feisty.
Ms. Brooks always felt it was important to exemplify the role of Iota Sweethearts to both in word and in deed. More importantly, she served as a “Surrogate Mom” to Iota Phi Theta. She considered all Iota Men to be her sons and all Iota Sweethearts to be her daughters. Iota Phi Theta’s official flower, the Yellow Rose was chosen by Ms. Brooks and Brothers wear it proudly as a tribute to her.
Audrey is survived by her two sons, Wesley and Alan; two daughters-in-law, Patricia Jennings and Marilyn Brooks; three grandchildren, Tracyee, Sidney Jr. and Wesley; two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Gillian; a host of other relatives and close friends; and thousands of Iota Men and Iota Sweethearts who will forever treasure her memory. The Feelings of the entire Iota Family can be summed up in the words to our Sweetheart Song …
Iota Sweetheart, fair as a flower,
A precious gem to see.
Oh lovely maiden, girl of the hour,
You are the one for me.
With a love so true, there is no one but you,
Our heart show what we mean.
Iota Sweetheart, know that I love you,
Iota Phi Theta Queen