Leola R. Smith

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133

Leola Rooks was born to the parentage of the late Prince Albert and Eulac Massey Rooks. She was born on July 9, 1943 in Baxley, Applying County, Georgia. Leola was the second child of thirteen children. She was preceded in death by four brothers Alfred, Leroy, Rufus, Walter and one sister, Theodoshia Rooks.

Known to all who knew and loved her she was affectionately called "Lee". Her childhood was spent in Baxley, Appling County, Georgia where she attended the public schools of the county. The family later moved to Alma, Bacon County, Georgia where she went to complete her education and graduate from Bacon County High School.

She was not foreign to the world of work, upon graduating from high school she began employment as a housekeeper. Wanting to improve upon her life she move to Miami, Florida. There she became a Paraprofessional for the Pinellas County Board of Education in St. Petersburg, Florida. "Lee" became an active member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. She was an active participant of the church choir for many years.

Leola met and married Lonnie Smith in July of 1969. When her health failed, Leola return returned home to Alma, Georgia in 2014. She moved her church membership to First African Baptist Missionary Church in Alma under the leadership of Reverend Stephon Deen. On Thursday, April 7, 2016 God dispatched an angel of mercy to whisper the good new to Leola that her burdens could be laid down.

Her memories will always be cherished, four sisters, Margaret and Jennell Rooks, Betty Ann fletcher, Wanda (Gonny C.) Snell, all of Alma, Georgia; Five brothers, James Rooks, Eddie (Sarah) Rooks, Arthur (Betty Ann) Rooks, Mike (Karen) Rooks; Kenny (Cheryl) Henry; two sisters-in-laws, Vallee and Dessiree Rooks; special aunt, Flora Mae Rooks one God daughter, Jakera Lovett; one God son, Ronald Gibson; special friend, Cora L. Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and endearing friends.

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