Joan Maria Hooks

A New Orleans native, passed away at the age of 64 surrounded by her loving children on February 13th 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah after a valiant battle with Breast Cancer. Joan was born on September 15th 1948 in New Orleans, LA to Parents Peter Dave and Mable Alexander (both deceased). Joan leaves behind her 3 children Yvette Ridgley (Greg), Richard Ridgley, Jamal "Greg" Hooks (Krista). Grand Children Sean Morris, Malaysia Ridgley, Italy Ridgley and her buddy Sophie Hooks (Family Pet). Joan will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Including her aunt Dorothy Alexander. Joan was 1 of 4 children, Gilbert Dave (new Orleans, LA), Gerard Dave (Deceased), Sandra Joseph (Deceased). Joan was a strong woman and loved her children dearly. She had a silly personality but she also was a no non-sense lady. She loved her home in New Orleans. She loved to eat sweets and drink her "Chickaree" coffee which we used to call TAR. Joan was a great cook and made the best rum cake you will ever taste. Every Thanksgiving was a treat because she always made her seafood gumbo. She read her scriptures everyday and had a strong belief in God. She loved to dance and watch football with her sons and talk on the phone with her friends and family. The day that Joan passed on, she was joking around with the Dr.'s and nurses and made sure to ask how her buddy Sophie was doing. She did not complain nor cry because she did not want her kids to worry about her. All the kids that came to her house called her Grandma Joan, even if she was not related to them. She was known as Mama Joan to all the adults that came over related or not. Joan was an independent woman until she was struck with illness causing her to move to Salt Lake City, Utah. She worked for the United States Post Office for many years and then worked as a bartender at the Airport in New Orleans, LA. You can go anywhere you want now mama! Pain free, Worry free and you can enjoy your family members and friends that you love so much. We love you very much and will forever hold you in our hearts and your laughter will always chime in our ears. May the good Lord bless and keep you close... The Children of Joan Hooks would like to say a special thank you to the South Valley Dialysis Center for all the care they gave her over the last few years. We would also like to thank Dr. Warden, Shekira and Colona for taking good care of our Mother. A memorial service and celebration of Joan's life will be held Friday February 22nd 2013 at 2PM, Calvary Baptist Church- 1090 S. State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111