Carol Renee Jones Hooper ” Hoopie”, 69, of Warren, passed away May 28, 2023. Born September 29, 1953, along with her twin brother, Harold, to the late Johnny Hicks and the late Margaret Ragland.
She graduated from Wilmar High School class of 1971. She was a student basketball athlete who earned the nickname ‘Spider.’ She went on to pursue her higher education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she received the first Black female basketball scholarship. Carol graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education.
Carol accepted Christ at an early age at Shady Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmar. She was an active member of the Youth and Young Adult ministries and attended Church school regularly.
She began her Teaching/Coaching career by educating and teaching the fundamentals of sports to students in Stamps, Crossett and Magnolia Public school districts. Having a love for the youth, Carol returned to teaching after retirement and taught Science in the Warren public school system. She later began working for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, where she served as direct caregiver for clients in her area until her health began to fail.
As a member of Bethel AME Church, Warren, Carol served as the local YPD Director, a Steward and a member of the church choir. She served on the local area and conference levels of the Women’s Missionary Society and most recently as the Southeast Arkansas Conference WMS PME Director. She was an active member of the Lay organization having served as 2nd Vice President of the former South Arkansas Conference and as Director of Lay Activity for the East Arkansas Conference.
She was also a proud and faithful member of the Monticello-Warren District Choir. Carol was the Immediate Past Associate Matron of OES Key Flower no. 59, where she was known as ” the one to get it done.” Carol continued to work for the Lord at St. James AME Church, Warren, where she served tirelessly until her health began to fail.
She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Otto and Velma Jones; stepfather, Preston Ragland; twin brother, Harold Jones; uncles, Eddie Davis, Lamar Jones; aunts, Myrtle King, Mildred Bass, Marie Jones and Sharon Henderson.
Carol is survived by her children, Rhonda Jones Garner of Lancaster, TX., James Hooper Jr. of Wilmar, Thomas Hooper (Kim) of Warren; siblings, Glenda Blake (Robert), Theresa Shipp, Phyllis Jones, Reginald Brooks (Sharon); special god sister, Ellen Reed (Orlando); bonus daughters, Karen and Lawanka Hooper; goddaughters, Bridgette Smith, Angelia Alexander; special son, Anthony Jackson; uncles, Joe Jones (Angela), Ottis Jones (Brenda); aunts, Bobbie Webb, Georgia Hammock, Eunice Shorter; special aunt, Elmarie Jones; grandchildren, Mikael Garner, Raeisha, Doresha, Kash, Khase; mother/aunt to Laneshia Pride; bonus grandson, Shaquille Coleman; her number one client, Quantario “Duke” Hamilton; special friend of the family, Gerald Barnett; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held June 3 at St. James AME Church in Warren with Presiding Elder James R. Hooper Sr. officiating. Burial was in Wilmar Cemetery, Wilmar. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
Girl, I miss you so, so much….