On Saturday, December 24, 2022, our beloved David L. Brickhouse, 81, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a faithful son, brother, husband, father, nephew, father-n-law, brother-n-law, cousin, and friend. To his friends he was affectionately known as “Brickhouse”, “House” or “June”. He was born to the late Rosa B. Robinson and David Brickhouse at Norfolk Community Hospital on July 16, 1941. He was raised on Cascade Blvd. in South Norfolk, now known as Chesapeake, VA, and B. Avenue located in the Huntersville section of Norfolk, VA.
David is survived by his devoted daughter Traci V. Brickhouse Jones; sister, Evangelist Dr. Janice Saunders (Elder Dr. Jasper Saunders Sr.); uncle, Linwood Walker; aunt, Ester Brickhouse; two nephews, Elder Jasper Saunders, Jr. (Lisa), and Jason Saunders (Katrice); niece Jamean Saunders-Santouse, special cousins Arlinda Walker, Diana Archer, Ronnie Lee Walker, Karen Adepoju, Angela Dillard, Melonee Motley, Andre Brickhouse, and Dorothy Walton-Aycox. He also leaves to cherish three great nephews, four great nieces, two great-great nieces and two great-great nephews, close cousin Rodney Johnson (Dawn) along with many more cousins and close friends. Three of his most cherished relationships were with his best friend Clarence Pegram Sr., George Taylor aka “Ray Charles”, and Ernest “Lightning” Skinner, (who predeceased him). He had an enormous love for and a long-lasting friendship with his former spouse, Carolyn Penn Brickhouse Brown.
Early in life, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He became a member of First Trinity A.M.E. Church in Berkley in his late teens. In later adulthood, he joined the Bethany Baptist Church family and was a faithful member of the Usher Board. He was an active member of the church until the onset of his illness.
David was educated at Norfolk Public Schools, attending J.C. Price Elementary, Lindenwood Elementary, and Jacox Junior High School. He was a proud graduate of the 1960 class of Booker T. Washington High School. He often attended many class reunion activities. He followed in his father’s footsteps securing employment with the Norfolk Naval Air Station where he worked for five years. He and his father, David Brickhouse worked together for a short period of time. He then became employed with the United States Postal Service. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1996 after more than twenty-five years of service as a mail handler. He enjoyed working at the Post Office. He made many close friends at work such as Mr. Paul Hill aka “Mule” and Mr. Milton Shearin, both of whom predeceased him. After retiring from the United States Postal Service, he worked as a school crossing guard for the City of Chesapeake assigned to Greenbrier Christian Academy. He then accepted a job with the City of Norfolk as a school crossing guard assigned to Tidewater and Brambleton, and St. Helena Elementary School.
Prior to his passing he was a long-time resident of Chesapeake Rehabilitation and Healthcare. His spirit was just as infectious at the rehabilitation center. Throughout his long illness he did not complain, not once. David was a quiet and gentle person with a huge heart. He was a loyal servant to the Lord and faithful family member and friend to many. He departed this world when the Lord called him to glory. He fought the good fight and finished his course. For those close to him he would often say “Whatcha know good?” What we do know is, he is now in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
