Thelma "Louise" Rooks Gay

ROCKY MOUNT – Thelma “Louise” Rooks Gay, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Born in Columbus County, NC on March 29, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John Kenneth Rooks and Thema Mary Jackson Rooks. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Gay Hawkins; her brothers, David, Bobby, and John Rooks; and her sister, Frances Gale Rooks Bengel.

Louise retired as a dental assistant for Dr. Fuerst Dentistry after 12 years of dedicated service. She was a longtime member of Oak View Baptist Church where she volunteered as often as she could whether it was preparing meals, decorating, or helping out any way she could. Louise especially enjoyed cooking, listening to music, and dancing. A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Louise will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Louise is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas “Tommy” Lee Gay; her daughter, Rhonda Louise Gay Turner (Lloyd); her grandchildren, Casey Lynn Holmes (Jon), Erika Louise Coker (Zack), and Warren Turner; and her great-grandchildren, Connor Lee Coker, Danika Turner, and Trae Turner.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Louise’s life will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. David Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

The family would like to say a special thanks to her caregivers, her “bestest” friend Debbie Turner, Kristen Mills, Kindred Hospice, and her personal aide Allison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Louise’s memory to Oak View Baptist Church Building Fund, 2412 Arlington Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.