Cecile M Hooks

Cecile McRae Hooks, 96, of Atlanta has died at Lenbrook Square. She was the second child of Eloise Bouvier and Cecil Alexander McRae, McIntosh, Florida. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth McRae Hamrick and her brother, Angus Andre McRae. Surviving her are two other sisters, one brother and a sister-in-law: Patricia McRae powers (Kent), Eleanor McRae Hummert (Ron), Richard Weston McRae (Evelyn), and Jean Larrabee McRae. Two of her many nieces and nephews live in the Atlanta area: Angus McRae and Alex Hamrick.

Cecile graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida with a BS and a MA degree from The Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia (now Union Presbyterian Seminary).

In 1960, she arrived in Atlanta after receiving a call to become Director of Christian Education at the Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. She held this position until 1967 when she married J. Austin Dilbeck, Atlanta business man. During their 22 years together, they enjoyed traveling in Europe and the Far East. Austin died in September 1989.

In 1991, Archibald Reese Hooks and Cecile were married. Two grown step-daughters, Lynn Hooks Lowance and Nancy Hooks Chambers, provided lots of pleasure and merriment to this union which lasted until Archie's death in October 2011.

Cecile continued to worship at the Druid Hills church where both of her husbands were members prior to their deaths. In 2015, she was elected Elder Emeritus, Druid Hill's highest honor.

Among her interests were traveling, teaching the Bible, oil painting and golfing at the Atlanta Athletic Club. While at Lenbrook she was President in 2004 - 2006, Editor of the Spotlight (newspaper) and Chairman of many of the art shows.

A memorial service remembering her life and contributions will be held at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place in McIntosh, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 1026 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, 30306.