Obituaries

Jennie E. Brookman, 72, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at her home, in a room full of family, surrounded by love.

She was born on June 11, 1954, in Newport News, Virginia, to John M. Smith and Margaret L. Waters Smith Lindsey.

Jennie E. Smith Brookman attended Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia. It was in Newport News where she met the love of her life, Donnie K. Brookman. They married on September 6, 1974. They later moved to Texas, where they spent 28 years raising a family.

She loved her husband, children, family, friends, and especially her grandsons. She also had a great love for country music, countless pets, coffee, and any sport, activity, or other interests her children and grandsons had. She was often called “Mom,” or “Nana,” by her daughters’ friends and her grandsons’ friends.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donnie K. Brookman; daughters, Stephanie Cross (Brian) and Emily Brookman; niece, Jennifer Kirby, who was raised as a daughter; and grandsons, Brendan Brookman, Adrian Brookman (Aubrey), Cameron Cross, Preston Cross, and Zackary Brookman. She is also survived by her brothers, Lester Smith (Darlene), John M. Smith (Anna), Michael Lindsey (Cathy), and one sister, Peggy Binder (Ed). In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Bonnie Wolf (John); Deborah Ogren; brother-in-law, Henry Childress (Marilyn); and Frank Brookman (Nina) and Carl Brookman (Kay). She is also survived by too many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends to list; however, they were each loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her Mama and Daddy, father-in-law Norman Brookman, mother-in-law Bernice “Sue” Brookman, sister Delona “Sissy” Smith, and nephew Daniel Shane Brookman. She was also preceded in death by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Riverside medical staff, her HOSPICE team, and the loving team at Family Centered Resources, Inc, for their care and support.

A funeral service to celebrate Jennie’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23601. Visitation will occur prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The family invites you to join them in fellowship after the service, at Stephanie and Brian’s house.

Graveside service and burial will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Post Oak Cemetery, Hereford Street, Glen Rose, Texas 76043.