Barbara Hooks

Barbara Ann (Phillips) Hooks, age 69, of Kentwood, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born March 23, 1954, in Lansing, MI to Harry and Nancy (Randall) Phillips. When Barb was 6 years old, they moved to Ypsilanti, MI, where she was a high achiever in school and active in Girl Scouts, church choir, and swimming. Barb was an accomplished pianist and was tested annually at the Canadian Conservatory of Music. Moving to East Grand Rapids in 1969, Barb graduated high school in 1972, and then attended Ferris State University. In her later years, she enjoyed visiting Grand Haven and being by Lake Michigan. Her greatest joy and love was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her precious great-grandson, Mateo. Survivors include her former husband, Sam Hooks; mother, Nancy Randall VandenBerg; daughters, Samantha (Anthony) Johnson and Jessica (James) Pickett; son, Josh (Sarah Keena) Hooks; grandchildren, Shaniah, Keith, Alexis, Joshua Jr., Kira, Alyssa, and Melina; great-grandson, Mateo; brother, Andy (Patti) Phillips; and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, O.M. Randall, MD and Clara and Lester and Bessie Phillips; father, Harry L. Phillips; son, John Hooks; and brother, Randy Phillips. Per Barb's wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Her remains will be laid to rest in the family plot at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Corewell Hospice and Palliative Care for their help, compassion, and kindness throughout this difficult process. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Hooks, please visit our flower store.