Barbara Celine Hooper

Barbara Celine Hooper was born to Clarence and Merlyn Hendricks in Namtu, Burma, on February 19, 1934. She was the third child of ten siblings and the apple of her father’s eye. She was nick-named “daughter” because of her nurturing nature. At an early age, Barbara and her family had to flee Burma and travel to India due to the Japanese invasion of Burma. Her family settled in a place called Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in South India where she received her education. Her father, and later on, her brothers were employed in British run gold mines. Barbara often visited family in Bangalore. It was during one of these visits that she met the love of her life, Victor Bernard Hooper, and, according to God’s grand plan, she married him and settled in Bangalore. Their union brought about the birth of seven children and the unofficial adoption of 4 of her nephews. Before her father passed away in 1958, he requested Barbara to take care of her mother and all her siblings. This is a task that she carried out with much pride, determination and dedication. Her husband, being the kind and loving man he was, worked tirelessly to support her in this cause. He loved and cared for his wife’s mother and siblings like they were his very own. Together, they not only took care of their own children and extended family, but became the peacemakers and point of support and comfort for many other families in Austin Town. The Hooper home became the sanctuary for several needy people in Bangalore. They took on the task of feeding, comforting and counseling the multitude. They enjoyed this divine responsibility and never complained. They always believed that “God Will provide.” Barbara loved to read novels. One day, when she couldn’t find a book to read, her eyes fell upon a New Testament given to her sons by the Gideon Mission at their school. She randomly picked the book of Revelation and it was by reading this book that Barbara came to know her Lord Jesus as her personal savior. She would always say that reading the book of Revelation scared the “hell” out of her, which in reality it did. She gave up smoking overnight and the transformation in her life caused Victor to also commit his life to the Lord. She also led her mother and some of her siblings to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Barbara later approached some missionaries to start bible studies for the grownups and bible club for the children, which resulted in the redemption of many souls. She became the founder of the Austin Town work in Bangalore which eventually resulted in the establishment of a church. Her favorite hymns were Bringing in the Sheaves, Blessed Assurance and the Old Rugged Cross. She also loved “I come to garden alone” by Jim Reeves. Barbara devotedly cared for her ailing husband until he breathed his last. She was the family Matriarch. During this past year she experienced declining health and physical breakdown. She faced these new challenges with dignity and a steadfast belief in her Lord and Savior’s Plan for her. She was submissive to her Savior Jesus’ Will and was ready and willing to lay her life down when she knew her work for Him on this earth was done. On December 30, 2017 at 3:04 pm, the Lord sent his angels to escort her to her heavenly abode. Barbara leaves behind her children, Charmaine, Marion & Noel, Veronica & Richard, Theodora & George T, Lloyd & Carol, Dudley & Sophia, and Beverley & George W. (Unofficially adopted children, Ian who preceded her in death, Cecil, Royston, Adrian and their families). Grandchildren: Clyde & Ruth, Jason, Marcus, Kristina & Charles, Dillon, Justin, Joelle, Nathaniel, Caitlyn, Liam, Ashley, Jordan, Cassandra, Jonathan & Jocelyn, David. Great grandchildren: Alicia, Ayden, and Jayden. Siblings: Phyllis & family, Charles & family, sisters-in-law, Dhillis & Audrey, many nieces and nephews & their families, along with a multitude of friends and church families.