Ola Mae Hooks

Mrs. Ola Mae Hooks, the Matriarch and Queen of the Hooks family, claimed her heavenly mansion on Saturday, April 8, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Ola Mae (also known as Mrs. Jessie and Big Mama) was born on October 7, 1922 in Garvin, OK to the late Martin Lewis and Sarah Blacksher-Lewis.

She was a faithful member and church clerk at Galilee Baptist Church until it ceased to exist. She attended school in Idabel, OK. She was a member of the Idabel Public School Board in the early 1970's during Superintendent Woodrow Holman's tenure. She was a devoted wife, mother, and strong woman with determination who demonstrated unconditional love for her family and friends. She was the true reflection of a virtuous woman – full of strength and grace with a beautiful soul. She was quick to help others in need. Her reward: 94 years of life. She was blessed to witness 5 generations of family.

Ola Mae met and married the late Restee Hooks, Sr. and to their union 12 children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons – Roosevelt Hooks and LeRoy Hooks; two daughters – Shirley Hooks and Lillie Pearl Hooks-Smith; four brothers – Scott Lewis, John Lewis, Willie Lewis, and Elmer Lewis. Six sisters – Elnora Bell, Elma Adams, Maud Craig, Susie Cotton and twins, Pearline Biggers and Earline Tucker.  Also, one granddaughter, Deborah Hooks, and grandson, Restee Tyrone Howell-Hooks.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters – Willie B. Hooks of Detroit, MI, Loretta Sheffey-Riley of San Diego, CA,  and Leola Wright of Edmond, OK; seven sons – Restee Hooks, Jr., Elvie Hooks, John H. Hooks (Linda), and Curtis L. Hooks, all of Idabel, OK; Dr. Edmond L. Hooks (Gwendolyn), Rev. Roger E. Hooks (Bertil), and Rev. Martin D. Hooks (Barbara), all of Oklahoma City, OK; one brother – Mr. O.V. Lewis of Amarillo, Texas.

Also remembering her with love are 34 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.