Mary Louise Hooks Thompson, affectionately
known as "Ms. Mary," "Slick Mary," and "MT,"
entered this world on December 13, 1929. Born
to John Henry and Bertha (Baker) Hooks, she
was one of four girls. Her sisters, Cleo Marie, Ruby Dean,
and Martha Lee, were her first best friends and preceded
her in death. Years after the passing of her mother, her
father married Rubye Lynn Hooks (Mommie).

Mary accepted Christ at an early age and joined
her family's church, Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian
in Florence, Alabama. She was a faithful member and
served dutifully on the usher board until her health (and
disposition) no longer allowed her to do so. She was a proud
graduate of Burrell Slater High School, Class of 1948. She
was also a member of the Florence Alabama Club and the
Order of the Eastern Star, Miriam Chapter No. 6.
Mary's greatest joy was her family. She had one surviving
brother-in-law, James (Putt) Suggs.

She was blessed to
see, enjoy, and love four generations. She unconditionally
loved her six children: Joan Marie (William Sr.), the late
Beverly (Wendell), the late Darrell (Melinda), the late
Bertha, Erroll (Kristy), and Tyrone (Shermaine). She
unapologetically spoiled and cut-up with her eighteen
grandchildren. She cherished her numerous great and greatgreat-grandchildren. She kept her many nieces, nephews,
other relatives, and friends laughing when they were in her
presence. She never met a stranger and was well-known in
the community by old and young alike.

Mary had an incredible work ethic. Among other jobs,
she was head waitress at Turtle Point Yacht & Country
Club and retired from the University of North Alabama.
Although she was a hard worker, she also knew how to play.
If you turned on "Down Home Blues," you would see her
smile and dance while holding her signature "royal" drink.
Whether she danced in her living room, at Hoodies, at the
Round Up, or during the Handy Festival, she was the life of
the party. She loved sports. She was a Hall of Fame basketball
player and spent countless hours supporting her children
and grandchildren in their athletic and extracurricular
activities. Mary could be seen enthusiastically "correcting"
referees when she disagreed with a call they made. You
could also find her watching college and professional
basketball and football games, while monitoring her pool
sheet to see if she had hit. She could run you off of a spades
or tunk table and talk trash with the best of them.

Mary was a unique communicator and never had problems
expressing herself with "colorful" language. She "kept it
100" before the phrase was even coined.
She was a phenomenal cook and hostess. She fed anyone
who needed or wanted a meal. If you were fortunate enough
to taste her hot water cornbread, fried porkchops, potato
salad, fried chicken, greens, grilled ribs, macaroni and
cheese, beef tips and rice, or sweet tea, you never forgot it.
Your mouth is probably watering just reading this.
Mary believed in quality presentation. From the way
she presented her food, to her penmanship, to how she
meticulously starched and ironed clothes, presentation
mattered. She did not believe in going anywhere wrinkled
and would talk about you if you did.

Mary's personal relationship with God was demonstrated
in many ways, especially through her life of generosity and
service. At her core, she was a nurturer. She nurtured plants,
people, and the community that she loved. She had a green
thumb and could get plants to grow that others thought
were long dead. She loved people and was a reliable caretaker
for numerous relatives and friends. Sometimes in her hurry
to meet the needs of others and reach her destination, she
was seen around town running red lights. Believing that
traffic laws were flexible, ultimately, it was her driving on
the wrong side of the road that got her keys confiscated in
her late 80s.

She lived her 93 years with intention, vigor, and on her
terms. May her legacy continue to live through all who knew
and loved her.

Transitory Service Rendered By: Grace Memorial Funeral Home- Sheffield, Alabama