Johnnye Ruth Briscoe Van Hook

Johnnye Ruth Briscoe Van Hook passed away peacefully on Thursday January 8, 2015 at the age of 89. Johnnye was born on March 24, 1925 in Moody, Texas. She grew up on a farm in the Liberty Hill community outside of Moody as the youngest of nine children and attended Moody High School, where she was a cheerleader and played on the volleyball team.

After graduating from high school in May 1942, she went to work for the Finance Department at Camp Hood (now Fort Hood) in Gatesville, Texas. It was there that she met Howard Van Hook of Somerset, Kentucky in January 1945, while he was stationed at Camp Hood as a Lieutenant prior to going to Europe during World War II. After Howard returned from the war, they were married on August 7, 1947, spending their early days of marriage in College Station, while Howard finished college at Texas A&M. They eventually settled in Houston in 1960, where they raised their family and lived through the early years of retirement.

Johnnye was a devoted housewife and wonderful, loving mother who gave herself first and foremost to her family. She loved her grandchildren, spoiling them with ‘sussies’(small gifts) and ice cream. Also, Johnnye was the woman everyone loved to be with: you knew you would always have fun when she was present. She was passionate about researching the genealogy of the Briscoe family, diligently combing through records at various county courthouses in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, and through discussions with distant cousins in each of those states. She also loved collecting antiques, later extending her love and knowledge of antiques into working at estate sales and River Oaks Antiques. In keeping with her generous heart, she gave away more antiques to her children than she kept for herself.

Most importantly, she was a sincere and devoted follower of Jesus, modeling the extravagant love of God to her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and many others regardless of their station in life. She extended kindness and compassion to many who were hurting or in need, even when costly or inconvenience. In her death, we gladly celebrate her passage into life eternal. The Kingdom of Heaven will be having great fun and rejoicing now that you are there.

Johnnye was preceded in death by her husband Howard Van Hook, parents John and Cora Briscoe, brothers Bogue, Jim, and Charlie, and sisters Lucille, Velma, Dorty, and Loraine. She is survived by her sister Wilma Briscoe Keen, three sons, Karl and wife Jan, Kyle and wife Loyce, and Kevin and wife Dana, grandchildren Josh and wife Kelly, Taylor and wife Matti, Kristin and husband Matt, Clay and wife Selena, Vanessa and husband Scott, Olivia, Andy, and Catherine, great grandchildren Kori, Devin, Clara, Avery, and Marlee, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas. A graveside service for family will be held at Moody Cemetery, Moody, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Still Creek Ranch, 6055 Hearne Road, Bryan, Texas 77808 (http://www.stillcreekranch.org/).

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.