Lilly Claude Rooks, 93, of Russellville passed away Jan. 3 at Russellville Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 30, 1928. She was raised in Attalla and later Albertville, where she met her husband, W.C. Rooks, on walks to school. They corresponded while he was in the Navy and began dating after his service in World War II. She graduated from Albertville High School in 1946, and they were wed Dec. 13 of that year, beginning a wonderful marriage of nearly 63 years.

After 12 years of waiting to adopt a child, they adopted their daughter, Amanda. They built a farm in Albertville and lived there until 1969, when the family moved to Russellville for Mr. Rooks’ employment as district highway engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

She will long be remembered for her extraordinary kindness as a member of both the Albertville and Russellville communities, an exemplary member of her church and a loving mother and grandmother.

She taught the Ruth Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Russellville for almost 50 years and cared deeply for her class members. She also called each member of the church on his or her birthday. It was almost impossible to know Mrs. Rooks without becoming a friend.

The visitation and funeral service will be held at a later date, to be announced.

Officiating will be Dr. Gene Balding. Interment will be in Franklin Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Fricks, Johnny Duncan, Ricky Hall, Don Sibley, John Payne, Harold Mitchell, Jeff Bowling, Wayne Ingram, Terry Bolton, Calvin Parmer and Randy Paul Stepleton.
She is survived by her daughter, L. Amanda Rooks Arthur Turnock (Mrs. David Turnock), and her grandson, Christopher Arthur, of Russellville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.C. Rooks Jr., and her parents, Claude and Ruby Stewart, of Albertville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church of Russellville, P.O. Box 326, Russellville, AL 35653, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.  To have us sign the book for you, please free to call, or to leave private condolences, visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.