Patricia Elizabeth Crooks

Patricia Elizabeth Crooks, age 60, passed away July 5, 2024, following a brief illness. She was born November 3, 1963, to the late Rev. Ezell Hunter Sr. and Geraldine (Cherry) Hunter. She was known by many names including Patty, Liz, Pat, and Lizzie. She left an impression on everyone she encountered. 

Liz graduated from Sandusky High School in 1982. She worked alongside her mother at Berardi’s Family Kitchen for many years where she became the illustrious chef and baker that we knew and loved. She retired after over 30 years of service but not without forging lifelong friendships and leaving an everlasting impact. 

Liz poured her heart into every dish and dessert she ever made. She took after her mother, Geraldine, in the regard that she wanted to spearhead every family gathering. Family was at the forefront of everything she did, and she made sure that everyone knew they were loved. Liz loved organizing the summer fish fry and baking desserts for Thanksgiving. Over the years Liz had written many things about family, life, and love. In one quote she said “Our family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and every union, the circle will grow and add more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger.” She was a true leader and “boss lady” in the family. She was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.  

Liz is survived by her husband of 41 years, (William) Martin Crooks of Cleveland, Ohio, and their 4 children; Shanana Latrece (Mark) Hunter of Cleveland, Ohio, Tacara Eugenia Shana (Brian) Goodwill of Columbus, Ohio, Latasha Renee Crooks and Martino Allen Crooks, both of Cleveland, Ohio; their grandchildren Shania Da’Shay Elizabeth Walls of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Jamaal Braden Combest, Dy’Lan Allen Brant; both of Cleveland, Taleah Breon Crooks, Kamariona Haskins of Sandusky, OH, Jordyn Shana Goodwill and Brooke McKenzine Goodwill of Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by her siblings, Esther Mae (late Jackie) Robinson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Eugenia (Vernon) Seavers of Sandusky, Ohio, Sherley Idella Jackson of Killeen, Texas, John Mark (Sarah) Hunter, Brenda Ann (Delaney) Alexander, Sylvester James Hunter, all of Sandusky, Ohio; Tamala Jane (Charles) Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Julia Hunter of West Palm Beach, Florida, Gerald Allen Hunter of Norwalk, Ohio, Mary Magdalene (Vincent) Elliott of Herndon, Virginia; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Ezell Hunter Sr. and Geraldine (Cherry) Hunter; brothers Ezell Hunter Jr., Douglas Paul Hunter, and Gary Alonzo Hunter.  

A funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. on July 27, 2024, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church 1920 Eddy Henry Way, Sandusky, OH 44870. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery.