Mary Rooks

Mary Gail Hadden Rooks

Avera, GA –                Mary Gail Hadden Rooks, 81, loving wife to the late Malcolm Alec Rooks, entered into her eternal rest early Wednesday morning, March 10, 2021 at her residence. Graveside services will be held in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon, March 14, 2021 with Chad Watkins officiating.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged during any gathering.

One of ten born to the late Dora Belle Rabun Hadden and the late Joseph Hadden, Mary grew up in Avera and was a 1957 graduate of Wrens High School.  After graduation, she started working at Lily Tulip in Augusta. Marrying the love of her life in 1963, they moved to Columbia SC where she worked as a Maintenance Secretary for Richland School District 1. After retiring in 2000, Mary moved back to Avera, enjoying small-town living.  She loved to garden and cook—it was said that she cooked so much that she “fed the neighborhood”.  With a twinkle in her eye, she liked to instigate, then step back and watch it happen. Being very independent and strong-willed, she was straight-forward with family and friends alike—you always knew exactly what she thought and where you stood with Mary.  She had an unwavering, unconditional and absolute love for her family and was happiest in their presence. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary was also preceded in death by her siblings, Marshall Hadden, Ed Hadden, Jerry Hadden, Lois Leland, Jessie McGahee, Betty Irby and John Hadden.  Those left to cherish her memories include her son, Joey Rooks; granddaughter, Katelyn Brown (Ethan); brother, Troy Hadden; sister, Barbara Jean Sammons; a multitude of nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Davis, Charles Hadden, Ricky Hobbs, Robby Rooks, Levi Sammons, Zeke Sammons, Landon Schmidt, Lucas Schmidt and William Schmidt.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial contributions be made to Center for New Beginnings, PO Box 1066, Waynesboro GA 30830.

The family will receive visitors at James Funeral Home from 1:00-2:30 P.M. Sunday afternoon, March 14, 2021.