Barbara Ann Pace Rooks was born November 26, 1949, in Leeds, AL to the late Joseph and Gertrude Pace. She peacefully transitioned at home, to her heavenly reward on Thursday, September 14, 2023, surrounded by her “girls” Greta, Cheri and Shondra.
She was the youngest of ten children. Those who proceeded her in death included her parents, three brothers: Alonzo Pace, Leroy Pace and Joseph Pace, Jr. and three sisters: Greta Pace, Maudie Harrell and Doris Jordan.
She matriculated in the Jefferson County School system and graduated from R.R. Moton High School in Leeds, AL. Following her graduation, she moved to Huntsville, AL and enrolled at Alabama Agricultural Mechanical University where she received her bachelor’s in business education and later received her master’s in library science. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was employed by AAMU in the University Library. She worked at AAMU for twenty plus years in the field of Library Science before retiring.
She gave her life to Christ at a very young age and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Leeds, AL under the pastoral care of the late Rev. I. B. Perry. After moving to Huntsville, AL to attend college, she then joined Union Hill CPCA Church under the pastoral care of the late Rev. McKinley Jones. She was a dedicated member of Senior Choir and other ministries in the church.
Following a long tenure with Union Hill, she joined Blackburn Chapel CPCA Church under the leadership of Rev. Tramaine Snodgrass in 2019, where she remained until her health started to decline.
She was a member of Eta Phi Beta, Inc., a business sorority. Barbara was passionate about sewing and crafting and her gift was displayed in the many beautiful projects that she created in her down time. Barbara cherished more than anything her “girls” and her three grandchildren. Her sweet spirit and unassuming demeanor will remain in the hearts of her loving, devoted family and friends.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted family, daughters: Greta Rowe (Lewis), Alpharetta, GA, Cherilyn Rooks, Huntsville, AL, Shondra Rooks, Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Madisyn Rowe, Brennon Rooks-Battle, Lewis Rowe, III; brothers William Martin Pace (Dorothy), Leeds, AL & Raymond Pace; Huntsville, AL; sister Luvon Rivers, Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Blackburn Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (507 Plummer Road Huntsville, AL 35806) with Pastor Tramaine Snodgrass officiating. Interment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Ms. Rooks will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Rooks family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, and 8:30 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
