Aug. 6, 1914 – Oct. 19, 2005
Lillian L. Van Hook, the first African-American woman to own and operate a record shop in St. Louis, philanthropist and avid supporter of numerous charities, died Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, following a brief illness.
For 29 years, from 1948 to 1977, Lillian L. Van Hook was best known as the owner and operator of Lillian’s Record Shop, located at 4465 Easton Ave., which is now called Martin Luther King Drive. It attracted nationally and internationally renowned recording artists. She also successfully engaged in several other entrepreneurial pursuits as an accountant and notary public.
Her quiet dedication to others was reflected in her lifelong legacy of community service. A faithful, devoted member of St. Elizabeth Mother of John The Baptist Catholic Church for more than 30 years, she served on the Ladies Council and was an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary. For 36 years, she served in several capacities on the board of the Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center. She served diligently on the Finance Committee for more than 27 years. She chaired the One Hundred Year Celebration of the Annie Malone Center Soiree. Annually, she spearheaded the Annie Malone Charity Parade and was also an honoree.
“Lillian never thought about herself, she always thought about others,” recalls Jean Neal, former CEO for Annie Malone.
Lillian worked tirelessly on the Board of Directors of the St. Joseph Home for Boys and the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club.
Born August, 6, 1914 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Lillian was the oldest of four siblings, Edward, Addie, and James, born to Jackson and Willenia Rhodes, and had a half-brother, Harry Rhodes. At an early age, the family moved to Carondolet, in St. Louis. She matriculated at Vashon High School and completed two years at Harriet Beecher Stowe Teacher’s College. She was married to Bolden Scott until his death. On May 12, 1964, Lillian Married John H. Van Hook, a detective with the St. Louis Police Department, becoming his devoted wife and business partner for 19 years until his death in 1983.
Survivors include her children Joyce M. Van Hook, John H. Van Hook III, Deborah C. Van Hook, Carmen Van Hook, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a sister in law, godchildren and friends.