Obituaries
Mrs. Fannie Mae Brooks-Gilchrease was born May 20, 1931, in Rossville, TN. She was the last daughter and second to last born child to Mr. Aurelius Brooks and Arena Victoria Hunter-Brooks. Fannie was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the age of 92. Fannie was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. William Gilchrease, her sons Job Lee, William Jr., daughter Shirley Ann Works, and son Robert Henry.
Fannie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. We know that Fannie has been welcomed at Heaven's door! She was an avid churchgoer for all her life. Fannie studied the Word of God. She was a faithful churchgoer and was guided under the spiritual leadership of Bishop JO Patterson, Sr. at Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C Church of God in Christ. her home church for her entire life.
Fannie attended Payne School in the great state of Tennessee where she was an outstanding student. Fannie believed in equal rights for everyone, regardless of their race or gender--she spent her life dedicated to laboring as a civil rights advocate. She was instrumental on the campaign trail for the first black U.S. House Representative for the state of Tennessee, Harold Ford, Sr. Fannie spent her adult years in the hospitality industry at the Holiday Inn, under the leadership of founder Kemmons Wilson. She retired after a long and giving career which lasted for over 30 years where she was a housekeeping supervisor. Fannie retired from her work after a massive stroke, which she survived and lived on for 24 more years.
Fannie remained faithful to the Lord, and the Lord favored her with a family of her own. Fannie married Mr. William Henry Gilchrease of Rossville, TN. Together God gifted them with twelve children (living children listed): Pearl Gilchrease-Holiday, Linda Denise Gilchrease-Finley, Lloyd Gilchrease, Joyce Marie Gilchrease-Smith, Jacqueline Fay Gilchrease, John Fitzgerald Gilchrease, Toni Arnette Gilchrease-Richardson (Greg), Tammie Renee Gilchrease. Fannie taught her children to incorporate God in their lives daily and in all they do. Fannie was a great cook. Over the years, her family and friends remember all the wonderful roasts, vegetables, cakes, pies, and other dishes she made with all the perfect seasonings and ingredients. Fannie loved to have fun. She enjoyed serving the Lord most, but her family can attest that she also enjoyed the music and song of Mahalia Jackson, the sports greatness of Michael Jordan, and the entertainment that Michael Jackson provided.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
1
May
1626 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Visitation
2
May
229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38126
Service
2
May
229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38126
Cemetery Details
Location
HWY 193
Fisherville, TN 38017
