Betty Nell Goodeaux Hooks

Betty Nell Goodeaux Hooks passed from this life on December 11, 2020 in her home in DeRidder, LA. Betty was born on May 29, 1936 to Bertrand and Tressie Goodeaux. Her nurturing nature and undeniably stubborn strength was established early in life being the oldest of six children.

At the age of 14, she met the love of her life, Jimmie Hooks. Years later, they married on June 3, 1954, in DeRidder, LA. Life circumstances would bring them to Arizona for a short period of time in 1955. It was there they welcomed their first child, DeLena. However, God’s grand plan brought them home bound to DeRidder in 1958 and He continued to bless them. They completed their family with a son, Duff. Betty’s strength, faith, and endless love and support helped build a successful business with her husband from the ground up. Her presence in Hooks Big D Corral will forever be known.

Over the years she welcomed many new members and children into her family. It was at this point in life, Betty became Meemaw. Betty made her home a place of joy. It was filled with love, a sense of true family ties and most importantly, a reminder of how much God loves each and every one. For her family, walking into Meemaw’s house was like coming home.

Betty was a devoted daughter of Christ. Faith was the pillar on which Jimmie and Betty built their lives. In 1999, they were part of the original congregation to charter Unity Baptist Church. They sat proudly together in 2001 on Easter Sunday for the very first sermon preached in a brand-new building that would be their church home for the remainder of her life here on Earth. She visibly glowed with joy when her family joined them on Sundays. Often times taking up one or two full pews with precious grand and great grandchildren. Betty never met a stranger and had enough love in her heart for whoever needed it. She faithfully served in many areas of the church. Most noted was her compassion for the young children and her continuous leading of children’s church on Sundays.

Betty’s pride and joy was her family. A very large family at that! She would tell every willing ear stories of each one and how proud they made her. Her beautiful smile, which always pushed her cheeks up high enough that her eyes closed, is an image all her loved ones will forever cherish in their hearts and minds. She never failed to be there when guidance was necessary, a hug or kiss was needed, or just a good conversation was desired. To know Betty, was to know unconditional love.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of sixty-six years, Jimmie Hooks of DeRidder, LA; son, Jimmy Duff Hooks and Pamela of DeRidder, LA; daughter, DeLena Hooks Ashworth of Ruston, LA; brother, Sammy Goodeaux of DeRidder, LA; sister, Barbara Rhame of Lake Charles, LA; five grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertrand and Tressie Hines Goodeaux; brother, Jim Goodeaux; sisters, Norma Cain, Larry Bell Hicks.

Betty’s family welcomes all for a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Unity Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Brother Michael Burkes will officiate the service. Everyone is invited for refreshments and fellowship following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Betty’s name to the Unity Baptist Church Building Fund at 19373 Hwy 171, DeRidder, LA 70634.