Edna was born January 17, 1931 in Vernon, Wilbarger Co., Texas, the fourth of five children of parents Oscar and Annie.
Growing-up, Edna moved with her family to Wagner, Oklahoma and then Houston, Texas. In 1947, while attending Sam Houston High School in Houston, she met her future husband Joseph A. Hooper. She moved once again with her family to Los Angeles California, where she graduated from Venice High School, Venice California in 1949.
Edna and Joe married in October 1950 prior to his deployment with the USMC to Korea, returning to Houston after Joe’s discharge. Joe and Edna eventually settled in Pasadena, Texas, where they raised three children and lived for more than forty years.
In 1969 Edna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Houston. A dedicated teacher, she taught mathematics and served as math curriculum director at South Houston Intermediate School, retiring from South Houston ISD in 1992. Edna was also active in many family related organizations, including: Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls, Cub and Boy Scouts, and, The Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 711, Pasadena Masonic Lodge number 1155 and O.E.S. Chapter 984 S.P. Waltrip Lodge number 1328. She was an avid ‘Jeopardy’ viewer, Houston baseball and football fan, crossword maven, player of ‘Mexican Train’ dominoes and other card games. Most of all, Edna and Joe loved being grandparents.
Edna is survived by: her son and daughter-in-law Russell and Robin of Sugarland, Texas, son and daughter-in-law James and Maria of Houston, Texas, granddaughter Michelle and her husband Nick and great grandson Henry of Arlington, Texas, her granddaughter Mariel of Houston, Texas, her sister-in-law JoAnn of Simi Valley, CA, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and, other extended family: Anthony, Kellie, Cameron, Madeleine, Jackie, Allen, Josie and Alex.
Edna is preceded in death by: her parents, her husband Joseph and their daughter, Janet, her four brothers, Oscar Jr., Albert, Leander (Barry), and Donald, and, daughter-in-law Barbara and Barbara’s grandson Hayden. Edna and Joe were married 61 years.
A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, September 9th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at Waltrip Funeral Directors 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, TX 77055. Followed days later by placement of her urn alongside Joe’s at the Houston National Cemetery, Section C-12, Row D, Site 74.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.waltripfuneraldirectors.com for the Hooper family.
