Cornelius "Connie" Rooks

Cornelius “Connie” Rooks was born Cornelius Thompson on November 10, 1929, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the late Ira Lee Thompson and Walter Thompson, Sr. She peacefully departed this life on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 96 years old.

Throughout her life, Connie dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and later as a childcare provider, roles that allowed her to spend many years caring for and nurturing others.

Connie had an outgoing personality and a presence that was uniquely her own. Once you met her, you never forgot her. She lived a long life filled with family, love, and generations of memories. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed to lovingly know her as Grammy and Bubbie. Her love of cooking and crafting became part of that legacy as well, with treasured recipes, traditions, and a creative spirit passed down through the generations of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Lee Thompson and Walter Thompson, Sr.; her brother, Walter Thompson, Jr.; her two sons who were stillborn; her beloved daughter, Marlene Jones; her grandson, Grady Jones; and the love of her life, Grady Rooks, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Lori (Nathan) Love; her son-in-law, Michael Jones; her granddaughters, Trina Simmons, Erica (Anthony) Jacobs, Ebony Love, and Eleigha (Terry) Ostrander; and her grandson, Andre (Glendy) Jones.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Christopher, Danny, Aaron, Carson, Ava, Carter, Jackson, Reyla, Niko, Liam, Olivia, and Mauricio.

Connie’s 96 years of life created a legacy that reaches across generations. While her family will deeply miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that after a life well lived, she is at peace and reunited with the love of her life, Grady Rooks, and the loved ones who went before her.

Her family will forever cherish the memories, laughter, love, and unmistakable personality that made Connie who she was. Her memory will live on not only in their hearts, but also in the recipes prepared in their kitchens, the creativity expressed through their hands, and the family traditions that will continue for generations to come.

Special Acknowledgments

The family of Cornelius “Connie” Rooks extends our heartfelt gratitude to the priests and church family of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Lewisville, Texas, for their prayers, love, and support.

We are deeply grateful to the nurses and staff of Trinity Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion they provided.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the administration and care team of Mallard Creek Rehabilitation and Therapy Center in Fort Worth, Texas, for their exceptional kindness, compassion, and care during Mom’s final days.

Your care, prayers, support, and kindness brought comfort to Connie and our family during a very meaningful and difficult time. We will always be grateful.