It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Nita Mae Persaud, who departed this life on July 20, 2026, at the age of 77, after a valiant battle with cancer. Nita Mae was born on September 9, 1948, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alberta Jackson and Stanley Brooks, Sr.
Nita Mae was a beacon of light and strength, known for her unwavering courage and kindness. She graduated from Cypress Grove High School in 1965, setting the foundation for a life filled with love, service, and devotion to family and community. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a believer in Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Andrew & Bessie Simoneaux Jackson and Charles & Claudia Williams Brooks, her loving parents, Alberta Jackson and Stanley Brooks, Sr., her stepfather Andrew Jackson, brothers Stanley Brooks, Jr., Horace Brooks, Morris Brooks, and Floyd Brooks, sister Lois Brooks, niece Joanna James, nephew David Miller, and a host of other cherished family members and relatives.
Nita Mae leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving family: her devoted husband Sevram Persaud, daughter Wenona Russ, and sons Addison Russ, Sr. (Wendy), Timothy Russ (Jolonda), Samuel Russ, Jr. (Chastity), and Joshua Russ. She is also survived by her sisters Alberta Skidmore and JoAnn Brown (Gregory), as well as a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit forward into future generations.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Compassus Hospice Care for their compassionate and diligent care during Nita Mae's courageous fight.
A celebration of Nita Mae's life will take place on August 1, 2026, at Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 2810 Erato Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. The Viewing is at 10 am and the service starts at 11 am. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Nita Mae are invited to gather in remembrance and tribute to a life well-lived.
Nita Mae Persaud will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the warmth of those who preceded her and the love of those she leaves behind.
Funeral Program
Service Details
August 1, 202611:00
Macedonia Baptist Church2810 Erato Street, New Orleans, LA 70113
Poem / Prayer
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee,
God wanted me now; He set me free.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Compassus Hospice Care for their excellent and diligent care during Nita Mae's fight.
