Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 23, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Sue Thomas Hooks, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, at the age of 95.  A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sue was born on August 16, 1930, to Jenks and Louise Thomas.  She was a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering love, whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sue was married to the love of her life, Maurice Wayne Hooks, for 51 wonderful years before his passing in 2010.  Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories.  In 1958, Sue and Wayne founded Chair and Equipment Rentals in Charlotte, a business that would grow into the successful company now known as Party Reflections.  Through their hard work, vision, and dedication, the business grew into a regional brand with locations across North and South Carolina.  As pioneers in the rental industry, Sue and Wayne set a standard of excellence that continues to service weddings and events across the southeast.  For over 40 years, Sue worked tirelessly alongside Wayne, contributing to the growth and success of the company while also nurturing her family.  Her commitment to both her business and her loved ones was a testament to her remarkable work ethic and boundless love.

Sue was a devoted mother to her two children, Daniel W. Hooks and Maurisa H. Beaver, and a proud grandmother to her six grandchildren: Dallas Hooks (Callie), Brandon Hooks (Macey), Rebekah Lozano (Jesus), Rachel Beaver, James Beaver, and Jonathan Beaver and two great- grandchildren: Olivia Hooks and Franklin Lozano.  Sue’s faith was in Jesus and was demonstrated in her daily life with love for God and all those around her.  She was a member of First Baptist Church Charlotte for over 30 years.

The Thomas family was known for their singing.  Sue and her sisters sang as a quartet their whole lives, entertaining for Christmas parties, family gatherings and even to nursing homes in the later years.  Their real claim to fame came when they appeared on the original version of The Family Feud in 1980.   Sue was a graduate of Tech High School in Charlotte in 1949 and was a proud member of the “Tech High Lunch Bunch” that still meets monthly to enjoy the lifelong friendships formed in youth.

For the last 15 years, Sue was a resident at Matthews Glen Retirement Community.  In recent years she became a puzzle enthusiast and could be found daily at the puzzle table.  The staff and fellow residents will miss her happy personality and her well-dressed style.  She will be remembered for her generous spirit and the love she poured into every relationship she nurtured.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she is survived by her siblings, Peggy Cromer, Nancy Short and Jerry Thomas (Nancy) as well as countless nieces and nephews.  Sue was predeceased by her parents, Jenks and Louise Thomas and her siblings, Jenks Thomas Jr., Joyce McCorkle, and Linda Hunter.

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 S. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC.  Funeral services to celebrate Sue’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the church.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to Operation Christmas Child.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.