Mr. Brewer was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Thomas (“C.T.”) Brewer and Jeannette Brewer as well as brothers Jack and Bobby Brewer.
Survivors include his loving wife, Edwina Carroll Brewer; their three sons, Fred A Brewer, Jr (Alicia), Michael Edwin Brewer (Kelly) and Bradford Troy Brewer (April); 7 grandchildren: Matthew Brewer (Erin), Brad Brewer (Mandy), Mike Brewer (Danielle), Daniel Brewer (Danielle), Patrick Brewer (Liên), Lauren Wagenbrenner and Amanda Williams (Brandon). Also, seven great grandchildren : Abigail, Cecilia, Lenora, Madelyn, Lily, Luna and Paz; as well as a sister, Bessie Jenkins and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Brewer (aka Freddie, Dad, Pop, and Papa Freddie) was a graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, Class of 1952.
He retired in 1998 after a 46-year career with Hofheimer’s Shoes, Inc.
Most of that time was spent as a Store Manager, most notably at the Virginia Beach location on Laskin Road. Mr Brewer also managed Hofheimer’s locations at Wards Corner, as well as Pembroke, Lynnhaven, and Coliseum Malls.
During his early years with the company, he found time to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was Honorably Discharged in 1957.
Mr. Brewer was a long-time member of Kempsville Masonic Lodge #196 and the Khedive Shrine.
Freddie was the quintessential family man.
And that adventure began on November 29th, 1953 when he married Edwina Odell Carroll. Their first (and by some accounts, favorite 🙂) child was born a year later. And by 1962, there were three of us.
In 1961, Freddie & Edwina built their forever home in Kempsville and continued raising their young family.
Dad treated us kids the same way he treated everyone . . . with his characteristic easygoing temperament, patience, and a great sense of humor. Of course, we knew he had a firm hand if necessary (ever see the size of those hands ?) It was never necessary.
Throughout it all, we knew we were loved. And ~~ no question ~~ he loved and respected our Mother.
Freddie really enjoyed his children and was proud of them.
And later, PAPA Freddie was thrilled to have grandchildren. It meant the family events were bigger, louder, and more entertaining than ever. Especially at Christmas time. And especially on Christmas Eve! 🎅🏻
Dad and Mom were married for over 71 years.
They first met about 76 years ago. Freddie was working at the PURE Service Station on the corner of 26th and Church Street in Norfolk. That day, Edwina pulled in because she needed air in her tires . . . and HE was the man for the job! I asked her recently what was she driving back then?
“My bike!” Really, Mom? 🙄
And just a few years later, they were married at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Ages 17 and 19. Much too young. It will never work, they said. “They” had not a clue. It worked for over seven decades.
So many stories, so little space and time to tell ‘em. And we realize, Dad, that it’s time for us to let you go. Time for you to rest. But, don’t worry. We’ll take good care of Mom. You know . . . keep the air in her tires and such.
With Love Forever,
Your Family
The service will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
