Elizabeth "Jean" Hooper
March 19, 1938 ~ June 4, 2022
Elizabeth “Jean” Hooper passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2022, surrounded by family in Wichita, KS at the age of 84. She was born on March 19, 1938 in Cement, Oklahoma to Kalvey and Lillie Hunter. She graduated from Cement High School in 1956, where she scored so high on her IQ test her senior year she was made to retake and scored a point higher!
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Kalvey and Lillie Martin Hunter; and seven siblings, Ernest Rogers, Lucille Walker, Alice Allen, Kerney Thompson, Arlis Hunter, Ollen Hunter, and Margie Hedgecock.
Jean is lovingly remembered by her husband, James; son, Jim (Sally) Hooper of Round Rock, TX; daughter, Janet (Russ) Clopine of Wichita; and five grandchildren, Erin (Reagan) Kays, Austin Hooper, Cameron Hooper, Evan Clopine, and Grant Clopine.
Jean was a devoted wife to James for 66 years. Prior to marrying on February 27, 1956 they were boyfriend and girlfriend beginning in the 5th grade. James truly was the “love of her life.” She was by his side throughout his years of service in the Navy followed by his career in higher education, both of which took them to many states and academic institutions, concluding with Oklahoma State University. She supported him and truly was the wind beneath his wings. They spent many hours working together restoring old cars. She knew as much about engines as James. She was a master seamstress and avid quilter. She reupholstered all the seats in the old cars, made all her clothes, curtains, and quilted well over 100 quilts in her golden years. There was nothing she couldn’t fix. When they decided to add on to their house she was on the roof with James, nail-gun in hand. They were a team for 66 years.
Jean’s life changed when she had grandchildren. They were the world to her, and she would do anything for them. She learned to play video games so she could sit on the floor with them and play for hours. She made the best waffles and chocolate milkshakes, and would watch “The Land Before Time” on repeat. She loved to read them stories, and when they came upon a word they didn’t know, would look it up in her huge coffee table encyclopedia.
Jean wished to be buried with her husband; therefore, her ashes will be buried with James when the time comes. A celebration of life will be held for both Jean and James once they are reunited in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jean’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Jean was such a sweet, warm, talented, intelligent and capable lady who was generous with her kindness and knowledge. She gave us so much information about the Hooper ancestry and got us so enthused about it. She and James were an amazing team. Love & hugs to the rest of the family.