RCM Keepsake3 eProgram - Flipbook - Page 3
On November 8, 1958, Hilda married the love of her life, James O. Rooks, and was happily married
for almost 60 years. From this union were born a daughter and three sons. Jamie loved his Hilda; he
thought she was the prettiest girl in the world and spoiled her immensely, evidenced by the fact that
she never had to work outside the home, pump gas, or enter a cold vehicle. Her favorite singer was
Mahalia Jackson, and her favorite pass-time was watching movies like “Imitation of Life” and “Splendor
in the Grass”. She was such a movie buff that she even named her children after Hollywood legends
[Rhonda] Fleming, [Glenn] Ford, [Tyrone] Power and [Marlon] Brando. They were her pride and joy.
Momma Hilda was a nurturing mother and a devoted wife. Jamie called her “pretty,” but her inner
beauty outshined her outer beauty. A “virtuous woman,” loving and kind, she placed unwavering faith
in Christ. Her favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
Throughout life she was always supportive of her children in addition to her grandchildren, as they came
along. Momma Hilda would often give them counsel when approached with life challenges. She was the
ultimate babysitter, not only for her grandchildren, but also for the children of other family members.
Additionally, she was sought after by her neighbors and friends to care for their youngsters. She always
opened her heart, made you feel at home, welcomed all with a smile and eventually, given that much
anticipated slice of cake or a freshly-baked yeast roll, topped with one of her homemade jams. Hilda
loved preparing great meals and baking; most notably, pound cakes and apple or sweet potato pies,
just a few of her signature desserts. When asked her favorite color, she said she didn't have one. She
found all colors beautiful.
Some of Momma Hilda’s favorite sayings were: “This too shall pass,” “When things are bad, remember
that it won’t always be this way,” and “Take one day at a time.” She would say, “Look for the light at
the end of the tunnel; don’t 昀椀x your eyes on what you see but at what you do not see. What you see is
temporary. It’s what you don’t see that lasts forever.” She would also say that the bad days never last.
Forever the optimist!
Hilda is preceded in death by all her siblings: Russell, Jasper, Geneva, Dorothy, Ailene, Eugene, Sylvenia,
Emerson and Hazel. Left to cherish fond memories are: her loving daughter, Rhonda Bell (Michael); her
devoted sons, Glenn (Gail), Tyrone and Marlon; her steadfast niece, Audrey Woodard, who was like a
sister; one brother-in-law, Quentin Bolden; three sisters-in-love (law), Betty Williams, Mary Williams, and
Dorothy Rooks; daughter-in-law, Maribel Rooks; nine grandchildren: Monika, Tearria, Sade’, Antoine,
Glenn, Tylisha, JaRon, Philip and Tyra; two acquired grandsons, Malachi Hammond and RoMel Williams;
ten great grandchildren, a special cousin, Regina Kelly and a multitude of other relatives, friends and
church family.
We will carry the love she bestowed upon us, forever!
