Juretia Hooks

Juretia Lovoria "Rita" Langley Hooks, age 85, of Conway, AR, died peacefully on June 11, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Guy, AR, on May 15, 1926, to the late Samuel Otis and Mary Eliza Langley. She was a member of Levy Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Henry Hooks, her grandson Nathan “Nate” David Hooks, and granddaughter-in-love Christy “Chrissy” Jane Hooks. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Dawson Langley, Russell Langley, Ferris Langley and Ishmael Johnson and her sisters Bessie Gore, Venice Merritt, Avanell Coker, Vaudie Montgomery, Maurine Quattlebaum, and Cauzette Egner. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-love Linda and Bill Priest of Paron, her son and daughter-in-love Steve and Judy Hooks of Memphis, TN, her son and daughter-in-love Dwayne “Bill” and Tresa Hooks of North Little Rock and daughter and son-in-love Brenda and Phil Patterson of Conway, her granddaughter and grandson-in-love Marion and Stacy Watson of Malvern, grandson Glen Hooks of Little Rock, granddaughter and grandson-in-love Stacy and Troy Alberson of North Little Rock, grandson and granddaughter-in-love Flynn and Heather Priest, granddaughter Sheri Phillips of Sherwood, granddaughter and grandson-in-love Jennifer “Jen-Jen” and Ryan Sippell of Conway, granddaughter and grandson-in love Whitney “Dirt Dobber” and Chris Graves of North Little Rock, granddaughters Courtney and Stefanie Hooks of Nashville, TN, grandson-in-love Jared Blevins of New Orleans, LA; great-grandchildren: Lindsey Watson, Chase Watson, Jakob Hooks, Peyton Hooks, Nate Alberson, Shelly Alberson, Landon Phillips, Cade Phillips, Belle Priest, Trent Sippell, Abbie Priest, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She received her nursing license in 1962 and was employed with North Little Rock obstetrician Dr. Marion Church where she was known as “Nurse Rita.” Many mothers will attest to her loving care during and following their pregnancies. Everyone knew, loved, and respected Nurse Rita. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Me-Maw.” Her family was a priority in her life, and she encouraged family devotion in each of her children. All birthdays started out with a phone call from her with a robust song of “Happy Birthday.” You could always count on a letter from Me-Maw in support during a difficult time, to commend you when there were achievements, or to get you back on track if you were slipping. She was the center of her family…the matriarch…the constant. She was selected as the “Queen Mother” of the year of the local Little Rock radio stations. She proudly wore her crown, walked on a carpet of rose petals, and was escorted by her son in a stretch limousine as she experienced an enchanting evening of food, entertainment and acknowledgement of her royalty as the very best mother. She was so deserving of this honor. Her husband, Bill, was the love of her life. They loved and nurtured their children together…gardened…fished…camped…and cherished each other. However, she would laughingly share the story of riding a horse bareback to her parents’ home soon after they married and telling her mother that marriage was just not what she thought it would be. Her mother helped her back on her horse and sent her on her way. Of course, she did go back home, was always grateful that she did…and the rest is history. Me-Maw will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, but she has left a legacy by her example of being a strong, Christian woman who loved her God, her family, and her friends. Her family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care she received by the Arkansas Hospice staff. Their support allowed her to remain in her home with her family and her fluffy companion…her cat, Cleo. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery in Faulkner County, Arkansas, following the service. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time. Donations may be made to: Arkansas Hospice, #14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116; Levy Church of Christ, 5124 Camp Robinson Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

Juretia Hooks

May 15, 1926 - June 11, 2011