Lorraine "Sister" Brooks was born January 23, 1923 at Harlem Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Moreno Beatrice Scarett Brooks and Mrs. Eva Theresa Owens Brooks. She attended Wadleigh Junior High School for Girls and Central Commercial High School. Growing up in Harlem, she was exposed to the art scene with local talents such as Langston Hughes. She took tap dance, piano, and trumpet lessons. Lorraine loved to practice tap dancing on 7th Avenue and even told the stories of meeting Harold Nicholas, of the famous Nicholas Brothers. Her love of the arts was in her blood and her heartbeat for Harlem. After finishing school, she decided to embark on a new career as a secretary in Washington, DC. She loved Harlem so much, that she decided shortly after to return back. Lorraine was the great granddaughter of the Honorable John Wallace of the Florida Legislature and carried on his legacy of being of service to the community. She took an active role in the community and became one of the first African American female Police Officers in New York City during Jim Crow. After her tenure with the Police Department, she decided to move to the Corrections Department. Lorraine was always on the move and was interested in trying new careers. In the 1950's, she decided to take a job as a shipbuilder in neighboring Newark, NJ. After that experience, she decided to return back to her beloved New York City and dedicated her life working for the City in the Department of Homeless Services for over 45 years. She worked to help those who had the greatest need for assistance, and continued to do this even into her late 80's. Lorraine was an advocate for her community and a fighter until the end. She was a lifetime member of her beloved New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and an active member with its youth organization. She leaves behind: her nephew, Reno Orlando Brooks Jr. (Eva Octavia Irvin Brooks); two grandnephews, Asis Ware and Max Hills; sister-in-law, Mrs. Edith Brooks; and devoted friend, Annie McDaniel. Lovingly submitted by The Family