Patricia Alsobrooks’ quiet strength

Patricia Alsobrooks, mother of Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, died at 79 after teaching her to lead with kindness and faith.

“I feel so blessed just to have a job that allows me to have the health insurance I need, and if God intends for me just to walk, I’m going to walk”

Her mother’s resilience

Patricia Alsobrooks faced breast cancer in 2008 but continued working and leading a normal life.

Her daughter’s support

Her daughter urged her to tell her employer about chemotherapy side effects and requested a closer parking spot.

Her mother’s character

Patricia Alsobrooks never complained, had unshakeable faith, and valued independence and industriousness.

Her leadership legacy

Patricia Alsobrooks’ foundation gave Angela confidence to become Maryland’s first Black senator.

Her early life

Patricia Alsobrooks was born May 15, 1947, in Seneca, South Carolina, to Lelia Bright and Lonnie Thompson.

Her family bond

Her cousin Tina Smith remembers her as the leader of a group of children who played hide-and-seek together.

Her resilience after tragedy

Patricia Alsobrooks and her family moved to Washington, D.C. after their grandfather was killed in racial violence.

Her career and faith

Patricia Alsobrooks worked as a receptionist, launched a floral business, and joined Ebenezer AME Church for over forty years.

Her family life

Patricia Alsobrooks taught her daughters to jump double Dutch and play ball, and made sure they ate dinner together every night.

Her granddaughter’s perspective

Her granddaughter calls her 'Baba,' the warm grandmother who played dolls and brought red Gatorade after track practice.

Her death

Patricia Alsobrooks died on Oct. 9, 79, after suffering from lung disease and Alzheimer’s.