Lisette Editha Orton was born on the island of St. Thomas, USVI, to the late Phillip Conrad Brooks and the late Frances Ann Brooks on October 15, 1967. Lisette is the identical twin of Lisa Editha Brooks-Josiah. Lisette’s early education began at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School on the island of St. Thomas. During her middle school years, she attended Wayne Aspinall Junior High School. Lisette relocated to Norfolk, Virginia where she enrolled in Booker T. Washington High School. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1985 and began her undergraduate studies at Norfolk State University in the Fall of that year where she completed three years of study. Lisette gave birth to Niquel Orton-Mitchell on February 8, 1991, her one and only daughter who she adored. A few years later Lisette and Bryant Orton were joined in marriage. Her focus from that point forward was on taking care of her family. Her family expanded in 2012 with the birth of her granddaughter, Kaidence, who she loved dearly.
Lisette became gainfully employed at Stihl, a company near and dear to her heart. Lisette always had a special place in her heart for her elders. This love of her elders drove her to take up a part time job at Sentara Nursing Home where she worked for many years. There, she brought so much love and joy to the elderly as they lived out their final years.
Lisette was a wonderful, joy-filled person who was always true to herself. To know her was to love her. She was vivacious, playful, and full of laughter. Her jovial nature was contagious. She gave of herself and enjoyed entertaining and hosting events. Lisette was a master cook as all who have tasted her many gourmet dishes will attest to. She will be remembered for her special dishes; specifically, her special macaroni and cheese recipe, which she made in a crock pot, is one we will mostly cherish. Lisette opened her home to family—immediate and extended—as well as close friends during the holidays with buffet spreads that would make a Five-Star restaurant blush.
On March 7, 2022, our beloved Lisette collapsed on her part time job. She was unresponsive for quite some time, she suffered extensive brain damage. Lisette, you are gone from our physical presence, but you will never be forgotten. You have always occupied and will continue to occupy a special place in our hearts. We Love You and miss you; but knowing you, we are certain you are now catering to those in heaven.
Survivors
| Husband | Bryant Orton |
| Daughter | Niquel Orton Mitchell |
| Granddaughter | Kaidence Orton |
| Brothers | Max Gumbs |
| Sisters | Rosalind Farrell, Verlin Andrews, Barbara Brooks, Cherille Hamilton and Lisa Josiah |
| Adopted Sister | Dr. Marva Gumbs-Picou |
| Sister In-Law | Jacqueline Gumbs |
| Brothers In-Law | Gerard Hamilton, Sr., Angel Josiah, Stacy Orton |
| Nephews | Joemain Carter, Jamal Brooks, Khariim Farrell, Paul Remy, Jr., and Gerard Hamilton, Jr. |
| Nieces | Jenelle Gumbs, Sharmain Carter, Talesha Austin, Nicole Watson, Natalie Carter, Patrise Remy, Pamella Remy and Cherise Hamilton |
| Mother In-Law | Beryl Hill |
She was preceded in death by her parents Phillip Conrard Brooks and Frances Ann Brooks, brother Ralph Carter Brooks, nephews Leayle Gumbs and Quami Brooks, aunts Drucilla Brooks and Ethne Brooks.
