Bishop Robert Fooks Sr.

Bishop Robert Lee Fooks Sr. “Let’s See Jesus” Job 19:27 An Unapparelled Legacy: Bishop Robert Fooks Sr. was a legendary husband, father, son, brother, Pastor and faithful servant of the most high God. His daily attributes consistently exemplified the heart of God without fail. He loved Gods people unconditionally and taught the world that God already laid the foundation for a “New And Living Way” Hebrews 10:20, that we all may one day “See Jesus” for ourselves. The Beginning: Robert Lee Fooks Sr. was born on the warm sunny day of Monday, August 1st, 1949 to Hilman and Mary becoming the official baby boy of the family. He was a dedicated son, brother and friend to his siblings Russell, Roger, Fannie and Sylvia. Being raised as a PK in a God-fearing home, he received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the young age of 16 setting the course for the mighty work God had called him to complete from birth. On Sunday September 1 st, 1968 during a church revival Robert met the love of his life Doris Lorraine Day. Unbeknownst to them both this chance encounter would set the course for an unbreakable 51-year romance. On Wednesday July 2nd, 1969 the two were happily united in marriage forever joining the Day and Fooks families together as one. From this union Robert gained 5 more siblings; Edward, William, Dennis, Corrine and Ireathea and two more amazing parents, Ira and Virgie. On August 12th, 1970 the Lord blessed the two with their first child, Robert Jr. and the couple purchased their first home in Landover Maryland. Two years later on August 12th, 1972 the Lord blessed them with their second child, Marie and it was during this time the call to Pastoralship begin to weigh heavy on Roberts heart. Obedient to the voice of the Lord Robert and Doris begin laying a solid foundation to answer the call to ministry and begin making relocation plans. In 1973 the couple moved to Mardela Springs and built the home they reside in today. They would later be blessed with Tracey on October 2nd, 1974 and Corie on May 22nd, 1978. Career: On Tuesday September 19th, 1967 Robert joined the United States Naval Academy where he served in aircraft mechanics and as a dignitary chauffeur for two years. In 1969 he completed another two years of service in the United States Naval Reserves while also gaining fulltime employment with the United States Postal Service. Robert was a jack of all trades and was able to do anything he set his mind to. In 1977 he established Fooks Hauling a scrap metal business that served the Delmarva area and East Coast. Robert was no stranger to hard work and God blessed his hands every step of the way. Over the years the business expanded adding more hauling trucks as well as incorporating an auto repair and body shop. Through the years Robert always believed God blessed him to also be a blessing. He was known to employ friends, family as well as community members in need of employment or for community service hours. He was also known to go the shelters, One Stop Job Market, and Labor Ready to employ those in need of work just for the day. He was a great businessman operating in excellence from professional business cards to full custom employee uniforms, business signs and logo. Fooks Hauling was a business, but also a soul saving station. Robert used every opportunity throughout the day to witness the love of God wherever he went from the local diner to the church pews, but He preached his loudest message by the life he lived not just by the words he said. He was a very wealthy man in word and in deed. Ministry: The call to ministry was always evident upon Roberts’ life. Under the leadership of the late Elder Luther C. Johnson, he served as the church van driver, janitor, usher, Sunday School teacher, worship leader, young people’s president, brotherhood president, minister and elder. While serving at Mardela Apostolic he was known to pack out young people’s revivals and brotherhood services. Although never a pitch perfect psalmist, he was known to set the church on fire every time he opened his mouth to sing praise unto the Lord. He believed in old fashioned Saturday morning tarry service and led by example with his children being the very first ones he’d line up on the altar. Although he served in so many capacities over the years, he was still running from the true call of Pastoring. After enduring a brief illness in the 1980’s, Robert released a (YES) in his heart and allowed God to begin molding him. After 23 years of preparation and faithfulness Robert was ordained as Pastor and officially opened New And Living Way Apostolic Church on November 3rd, 1995. The ministry was birthed with just four faithful members, but Robert still saw the masses God promised. Never discouraged by his humble beginnings, he stood on the word of God unwavering and the Lord multiplied the house rapidly. Two years later the little shoebox church as it was affectionately known was overflowing and expansion was no longer a desire but a necessity. Thru the years the Lord continued to prove himself and in 2008 Robert and Doris were able to see the full manifestation of Gods promise building the 400-seat sanctuary we sit in today. Robert was indeed a Pastor after Gods own heart. He had a natural love for his members and the community that was visible in his daily life. Robert was an active Pastor always just a phone call away. Although he attended countless funerals, he was also a man who believed in honoring people throughout life. He could often be found at celebrations, birthday parties, weddings and family events. He was known to visit the sick and shut in, prisons, shelters and hospitals, he was truly a man of the people. Over the years he mentored and counseled many fellow Pastors, ministers, and lay persons. He was dependable, honest, and true. From the youngest to the eldest, he had a unique way of ministering Gods people through any situation; he ministered Gods unconditional love. Upon retiring as Senior Pastor of New And Living Way God saw fit to elevate him in the hearts, minds and lives of people and he was affectionately promoted as Bishop. I Corinthians 2:5 (That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God). Although never looking for validation from man, he compassionately mentored many Pastors, Elders and Leaders. The Man at Home: Robert was a very dedicated and compassionate husband and father. He loved his “Fooksygirl” and declared her as “The Only Lady” as he always knew there would never be another. He was an excellent provider who never believed anything was too good for his family. He would work long nights at the post office and still come home full of energy to spend quality time with his wife and children. He took great pleasure in family outings, dinners, summer vacations and holidays. He was known to load the kids in the car and spend the evening riding Go-carts in Ocean City followed by dinner at their favorite pizza spot. He loved to tease his children, often flipping his eyelids up or putting a ladder to the window in the middle of the night to scare the children like a monster. He enjoyed the laughter of his children and was known to throw his girls in the air just so they’d feel a little tickle in their stomachs or hold them on his lap. He was also known for spoiling his only son Robert Jr. He taught him at an early age how to drive in the field, work on cars and look after the women of the family. As a father he instilled the importance of integrity, manners and education in his children. He taught his daughters how to be lady like, often making them sit with books on the head for good posture and their hands in their laps. He taught his children how to be well groomed and take pride in their appearance. He would often spend time brushing the girls hair up in a ponytail with Murray’s grease and water. He was a man of values and order running a tight ship in the home when it came to cleanliness. His military background was evident in the home, with baseboard cleaning, organize dressers, tucked bed corners, a clean bathroom, and tidy yards. He was a man who loved to cook and was known for his pineapple upside down cakes, crab cakes, salmon cakes, and sweet potato pies. While expecting their third child, he once made a strawberry dinner casserole with jelly, ham, peas, and noodles, of course that turned into a pizza night. He was an amazing brother, uncle, and friend. He shared his heart and love with everyone. He made the time to share life with people. He was known to go on breakfast and lunch dates with his siblings in particular he and Russell shared weekly outings around town together. He believed in brotherhood and over the years shared an extraordinary relationship including Pollock jokes with his brothers in Christ Willie, Frank, and Emmanuel. He loved to share his home with his extended family often hosting weekend dinners where everyone was given the idiot test and no one ever passed. He loved sharing time with all his nieces and nephews who each held a very special place in his heart. Robert was truly the glue that held his family together. He was so much so many people, his essence could never truly be captured into words. Bishop Fooks leaves to carry on his legacy his loving wife of 51 years Doris Fooks; his four loving children; Robert Fooks Jr. (Tomika), Marie Turner (Kaile), Tracey Harmon (Jaye) and Coreathea Brooks (Rashad); Twenty Seven grandchildren; Kierra, Robert III, Ty’Niqua, Brandon, Michael, Elijah, Tiondra, Tyrell, Staci, Kimble, Kaile, Kasie, Tyson, Brittany, Kristina, Jerron, Shadae, Donte, Aaliyah, Darrean, Jordan, Ryan, Rashad, Aiden, Tiffany, Cameron and Miara; Five great grandchildren; Hannah, Taylor, Ryleigh, Noah and Patience; Two God children; Cynthia and Tasha; Special Son; Tony Lewis; His beloved siblings; church family; New And Living Way Apostolic Church and a host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Bishop Robert Fooks Sr.

August 1, 1949 - November 30, 2020