Constance M. "Connie" Hooper

Constance Hooper, age 91, of Baytown, died peacefully as she slept just after the New Year on January 2, 2021.  She was born on September 11, 1929, in Beaumont, Texas, to Melvin and Thelma Smith.  On August 6, 1948, she married John Hooper in Beaumont. 
  
Connie grew up in Beaumont as the second of three daughters.  She graduated high school a few years after the end of World War II and started nurse’s training shortly afterwards at the age of 18.  When she met John, a new season of life began; they were married at St. Anthony Catholic Church when Connie was just 18 years old.

What can be said in words to quantify a life well-lived?  No list of accomplishments measured in the world’s terms can ever approach what Connie did in her life, for much of what she did, she did for others.  She married the man she loved and immediately left her childhood home when he was called to active duty during the Korean War.  She moved several times with her infant daughter in the space of a few years to be with her husband during those war years.  The young family was able to move back to Texas after the war ended, now with two young children.  Three more children were to come over the next decade.  Raising those five children was the work and the joy of her young life.  The couple were founding and faithful members at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Baytown, and they generously spearheaded many service projects at the church and in the community.  Throughout the years, the couple also donated to several philanthropic organizations.  After John’s retirement, the couple often traveled and many of their trips centered on researching the genealogy of their families. 

As she and John continued to grow old together, her role shifted to full-time caregiver for her husband.  In 2013, the couple celebrated their “sky blue” anniversary of 65 years together.  After he passed in 2014, Connie’s daughter Patti moved in to be with her mother and care for her as she began to need more help.  

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she’ll be remembered for never missing a birthday, her southern hospitality, her home cooked meals, and her listening heart.  She enjoyed sewing and made several beautiful handmade quilts for her family and loved ones over the years.  She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, and decorating. 

The Bible says in 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  John and Connie left a legacy of faith in God which they handed down to their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren.  This legacy is a testament to their character.  It is a testament to a father who followed Jesus.  It is a testament to a mother who also loved the Lord and labored tirelessly on behalf of her husband and her children.  She nurtured many, and was loved by many.  She will be missed greatly.  We are so grateful for her legacy of character while she was with us here on earth.
 

Connie is survived by her sister Evelyn Sherman; her daughters Kathleen Julicher and husband Mark of Bulverde, Texas; Susan Norton and husband Colby of Plano, Texas; and Patti Allen of Baytown, Texas; her sons John Hooper, Jr. and wife Barbara of Helotes, Texas; and Richard Hooper and wife Marianne of Ruston, Louisiana; 15 grandchildren: Joseph Julicher, Esther Wingard, Daniel Julicher, Sarah Chude, Anna Mears, Clara Carlisle, Kelley LaCroix, Patrick Norton, Kevin Hooper, Maura Hooper, Chris Allen, Justin Allen, Ben Allen, April Hooper, and Brynna Hooper; and 40 great-grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband John Hooper, her parents Melvin and Thelma Smith, her half-brother Herbert Troy Smith and her sister Susan Smith LaRousse.

Connie Hooper was interred on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, TX, 77703. 
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Red Cross.

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