Mary Ann Mercer Rooks, 94, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026 at her home. She was just 17 days shy of her 95th birthday. She was born August 25, 1931 in Washington County, Florida. She was the fourth daughter of Laney and Ammer Mercer and was raised by Forrest and Belle Gilbert after the death of her mother.
Ann Rooks grew up in the Orange Hill community and attended Washington County schools, graduating from Chipley High School. She was a proud member of the CHS Class of 1952. In August 1952 she married Glen Rooks, the love of her life, and they began a 57 year marriage. Three years later they welcomed Michael to their family.
Ann was a dedicated homemaker, mother and wife. She also worked in the family businesses, Gilbert’s Grocery and Rooks Welding Shop. She was a talented seamstress and pianist. She loved mowing, gardening and preserving food from the garden. She was passionate about jigsaw puzzles and playing Rummicub. But she loved telling stories and sharing local history.
She was baptized into the Christian faith at Kaiser Pond and joined New Orange Baptist Church in August, 1946. After marriage she joined the Orange Hill United Methodist Church where she played the piano for over 60 years. She enjoyed curating the church’s history and serving her church in several capacities.
She is preceded in death by the Mercers and the Gilberts, her husband, Glen, and her three sisters, Hazel Gilbert, Hilma Horton and Carolyn Cook.
Left to cherish her memory are her son Michael Rooks(Tim Harper) , her sister in law Evelyn Weir(Jim) and her special friends, Melynda and Alan Hodge. She is also survived by a niece, Doris Boyd, and nephews, Charles Stringfellow, Don Stringfellow, Wallace Cook and Terry Cook. She is also survived by several cousins.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Sloan and Sharon Carter for their care over the years. The family also thanks her dedicated caregivers Pearl Baxter, Tammy Ansley and Sarah Hall for their loving care. Special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice, nurses and staff , especially Priscilla Graham, Angel Brunick, Anna Hull, and Bonnie Farrier.
A funeral service for Mrs. Ann will be held 11:00A.M. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Orange Hill United Methodist Church in Chipley, Florida. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held at 10:00A.M. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Ann’s memory by donating to the Orange Hill UMC Cemetery Fund.
Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net