of Batesville, AR
November 20, 1939 - December 31, 2024
Anna Marie Hooks, 85, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Anna was born November 20, 1939, to Woodrow and Gwendolyn Breeden in Courtney ''Holler'', near Guion, Arkansas. After graduating from Batesville High School, she stayed in Batesville while attending Arkansas College (Lyon College), where she met and married Gene Hooks. After college, Anna and Gene moved to Green Forrest, Arkansas, Gene's hometown, where he became a high school teacher and head basketball coach as they raised their two boys, Lance and Shawn.
After the tragic death of Gene, Anna and her boys moved back to Batesville, where she and her sister, Betty Rose, opened ''Rose Anna's Donut Shop,'' which they operated for many years.
In 1982, she and her two high school boys moved to Rifle, Colorado, a small town on the Western Slope. It was an adventurous and memorable journey, and they returned to Batesville a year later, where she lived out the rest of her life.
Anna was beautiful yes, as a stunning beauty queen in her younger days, but her real beauty went much deeper. Anna's tenacity and determination to make a better life for her boys, despite being widowed and uprooted from her home, was courageous. Anna's infectious laugh, wit, and observations drew people to her, and her honest and loyal friendship was a gift to the lucky few.
She is survived by her two boys, Lance and Shawn, both now living in Batesville; a grandson, Hunter Hooks, his wife Mandy, and their children Emmet and Levi, from Littleton, Colorado; nephew Curt Sims and his family, wife Pam, and two boys, Woody and Lucas, from Denver.
She is preceded by her parents, Woodrow & Gwendolyn Breeden, her husband Gene, sister Betty Rose, and grandson (Lance's son) Dawson Hooks.
Anna's unique frontier mindset juxtaposed by her cosmopolitan beauty and style, will be woefully missed in this world.
Anna Marie Hooks. A life well lived… in full.
Services will be held on Saturday January 18, at 1 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Batesville. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the First Baptist Food Bank.
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10 Condolence(s)
Todd Allen
Friday, January 17, 2025
Sean and Lance, how beautiful your mom was. I can see so much of you both in her picture. Our condolences to you and your families, and you will be continuously in our prayers.
Oscar Jones
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Anna was a our neibhor on west side for several years. Dawson would sneak off from her farm and come swim in our pool. She was an interesting lady and loved her family and hometown very much. She will be missed. Please accept our condolences.
Earl Smith
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry to hear about Anna. Always enjoyed visiting with Anna and Aunt Gwen when we were in Batesville or at our Grandparents. She will be missed.
Cindy Nelson
Monday, January 13, 2025
Bill and I are so very sorry for your loss of a beautiful lady.
Sharon and Paul Strecker
Monday, January 13, 2025
We always enjoyed visiting with Anna when we’d take our books to get them done, always talking about the kiddos and what was happening around town. She was a beautiful lady inside and out and was a joy to be around, so sorry for your loss. Know that the family is in our prayers.
Paul and Sharon Strecker
Kathy Williamson Roberts
Monday, January 13, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with family
Connie Lovelady Coots
Monday, January 13, 2025
Condolences to Shawn and Lance, I remember visiting Great Uncle Woodrow and Gwen at the farm and
was mesmerized by Betty Rose and Anna Marie’s striking beauty, and so enjoyed their genuine hospitality. Our daughter was born on Gwen’s birthday so we kept in touch quite often.
Judy Walker Qualls
Monday, January 13, 2025
Prayers for all the family.
Jenice Collie Haley
Monday, January 13, 2025
Deepest condolences, she was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Sandy Manry Daniels
Monday, January 13, 2025
To her family I send My deepest sympathies.