Carolyn (Chenualt) Rooks

Carolyn Sue Chenualt Rooks, born October 29, 1942, awoke in the presence of her Savior on September 23, 2024, at the age of 81. She passed unexpectedly in her sleep after a brief illness, as her loving and ever giving heart had no more strength to give. She was so very loved and will be missed by her husband of 60 years, Brian Rooks, and their children Rhonda Rooks McDavid (Tripp), Philip Rooks (Catherine); her siblings Judy C. Marshall (Gene) and Wayne Chenault (Kerry). Carolyn loved her multitude of grandchildren Maggie and Matthew McDavid; Drew, Dylan, Amber, Dustin, and Haley Rooks; and great-grandchild Allison Oswalt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Pal Chenualt and Maggie Allen Chenualt. God brought Carolyn to a knowledge of salvation by grace as a youth, and for her entire lifetime she served the Lord. Carolyn grew up in Meridian, MS and began pursuit of a lifelong calling as a teacher after graduating from Mississippi College, where she met and married Brian on August 1, 1964. Her life’s work was being a teacher and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and encourager. Carolyn earned a Masters in Education from UAB and her long career impacted hundreds of children, most notably as a beloved 3rd grade teacher at Briarwood Christian for 30 years until retiring in 2006. She was an amazing cook, seamstress, prayer warrior, and encourager whose gifts of hospitality and service were a blessing to so many. Carolyn and Brian made Birmingham home in 1968 and raised their children to seek God at McElwain Baptist Church from 1968-1988. Dawson Baptist Church has been their home church since 1989 where Carolyn was loved and will be sorely missed by lifelong friends in the Chapel Life Group and Dawsonaires. A celebration of life service led by Dr. David Eldridge and Tommy Sanders will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 27 with visitation following from 11 am – 1:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent Dawson Baptist Church for senior ministries https://www.dawsonchurch.org/giving or to Camp Seale Harris for children with diabetes https://campsealeharris.org/donate/.