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ROOKS -- Myrna Loy Rooks, the ninth child born to the late Wilbert Sr. and Sophie Rooks came into this life on June 3, 1940 in the Bronx, New York. On November 18, 2008, at the age of 68, she joined her parents. Myrna Loy, as she affectionately liked to be called, was an accomplished designer and her background is both notable and impressive. She had a passion for fashion early in life and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. She did her design apprenticeship on 5th and 57th St. During this period in her life Myrna was actively involved in designing the coat for Jackie Kennedy that Jackie wore to President Kennedy's Inauguration. Myrna also created attire for stars such as Judy Garland and Ethel Merman. She designed costumes for various Broadway shows such as Gypsy and worked with renowned fashion designers including Elizabeth Arden, Bill Blass, Yves Saint Laurent and Donald Brooks. Myrna was the costume designer for Newchild Productions here in Albuquerque. One of the other joys of Myrna's very busy life was combining her creative design skills with her teaching skills at North Forth Arts Center, VSA Arts of New Mexico. She absolutely loved working with the wonderful staff and students at VSA. Myrna also graduated from UNM with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and was the first recipient of the Charlie Morrissey Scholarship. She joins her father Wilbert Sr., and her mother Sophie; a brother Wilbert Jr.; and three sisters, Mildred, Marion and Miriam. She leaves to cherish her memories two loving sons, Anthony V. Leavell and Andre G. Leavell Sr.; loving and supporting brothers and sisters; William and Florence Rooks, of Pinebush, New York, Warren and Etta Rooks of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marion Wilson of St. Croix, U.S, Virgin Islands, Walter and Barbara Rooks of Fallon, Nevada, Herbie and Chris Rooks of the Bronx, New York; adoring grandchildren, Andre G. Leavell Jr., Myiesha R. Leavell; great grandchild, Arnel Zamora; a very caring close friend, Joana (Juba) Clayton; a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
        Published on: Sun December 07, 2008