Hilda Jo Rooks
Hilda Jo Mearse Rooks, was born in Rosalie, Alabama, on July 11, 1935 to her parents, Emmett O. and Bessie M. Walker Mearse.
Jo spent her primary and pre-high school years at Rosalie School. She married her soul-mate and loving husband of 69 years, Kenneth Herman Rooks in August 1952, while Kenneth was on a short leave from military service during the Korean Conflict. Thereafter, began what their sons would describe as a “true love story” between the two of them. Upon completion of his military service, Kenneth and Jo moved to Chattanooga, and secured employment with E.I. Dupont where they made a successful life for the next 30+ years and raised two sons. Jo became a full-time homemaker and supported Kenneth while he continued his work with Dupont and became a homebuilder. Jo entered the world of banking as the executive assistant to the president of Chattanooga Federal Savings and Loan. As her career progressed Jo entered the Human Resources field in the Personnel Office of Volunteer State Insurance Company in Chattanooga, from which she later retired after a successful career. Now both retired, Jo and Kenneth returned to the family farm in Henagar, Al., until recently when they moved to New Market Alabama to be nearer son, Jack Rooks.
Jo is survived by her sons, Larry Rooks (Mary Ann); Jack Rooks (Lynne), grandchildren, Holly Rooks Grenvicz (Joseph), Bradley Rooks (Jill), Lauren Rooks McGehee (Jacob), and Tyler Rooks, as well as great-grandchildren, Lyla Grenvicz, Betsy Grenvicz, Clay Grenvicz, Hayden Rooks, Hope Rooks, and Cillian McGehee.
Preceding Jo in death were her husband, Kenneth, and her parents, Emmett and Bessie Mearse.
During their time in Chattanooga, Jo and Kenneth were longtime members of the Memorial Baptist Church, followed by many years of membership in the Pisgah Baptist Church after their move back to the Henagar Alabama farm. Throughout her life, Jo epitomized the qualities of “The Godly Wife” committed to following Jesus in her daily life as a prayer warrior, loving wife, committed mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is adored and revered by every single member of her family, and was affectionately known as “Miss Jo” by her preschoolers who she led at both Memorial Baptist and Pisgah Baptist Church for many years. She loved to teach little children, and was a selfless servant and quintessential Godly Woman. Slow to judge, and quick to praise and encourage her family as well as others with whom she came in contact. As her time on earth drew near, she longed for the day to greet Jesus alongside her true love Kenneth. What a reunion they must be having today as they receive their rewards for lives well lived.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Matthew Kilgore officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Rooks’ family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until time of service.