Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks
Charles F. Funderburk
A Century of Living
On September 10, 2024, the City of Alexandria, Virginia honored its residents who are or will be 100 years old or older at December 31, 2024. The centenarian ceremony, held at Alexandria City Hall, brought together city employees, loved ones, and guests to join in the celebration. Two of the four in-person attendees are Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks and Charles F. Funderburk.
Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks is the last surviving member of nine siblings. Mrs. Cross Brooks has one son, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is accompanied to the ceremony by her granddaughter LaJuanne Russell. Mrs. Cross Brooks enjoys reading, interacting with youth, keeping up with political happenings, traveling and is actively engaged working in her granddaughter’s firm, Business Management Associates, Inc. Mrs. Cross Brooks shared some secrets to her longevity which includes fresh food, plenty of rest and enjoying an indulgence, hers being a Krispy Kreme raspberry-filled donut every day.
Charles Funderburk served in the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He settled in Alexandria in 1946, working for St. Agnes School Board. He would later be employed by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (George Washington Estate), working for almost 50 years until his retirement. Mr. Funderburk has four children and is accompanied by his daughter Jane Funderburk, granddaughter Clarissa Winslow and family friend Franklyn Bundu.
Judge Nolan Dawkins
In attendance at the ceremony, Judge Nolan Dawkins, retired. Judge Dawkins was one of five Black students to integrate the former George Washington High School. He later became the first Black judge in Alexandria in 1994, starting in juvenile and domestic relations court, a court where “you can make a difference”. Judge Dawkins retired from the bench June 2020.
Thirteen centenarians made the roll in 2024:
1. Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks – 100 yrs old
2. Dorothea G. Campbell – 101 yrs old
3. Jose Croll – 101 yrs old
4. Addie Lee Foster – 102 yrs old
5. Mediha Frank – 100 yrs old
6. Charles F. Funderburk – 101 yrs old
7. Walther A. Hammersley – 102 yrs old
8. Virginia Hoge – 100 yrs old
9. Florence Katz – 100 yrs old
10. Marjorie “Peggy” Knowlton – 101 yrs old
11. Jane Sara – 104 yrs old
12. Alice Schmidt – 104 yrs old
13. Donna Hamilton Shor – 100 yrs old