Shirley Dean Hooper

Shirley Dean Hooper went to meet our Lord on January 2nd, 2025.

She was born in 1934 to Willis and Hazel Escue and spent her early childhood living in the humble surroundings of rural west Tennessee.

She eventually moved to Memphis where she attended Humes High School with Elvis. She married at 18 and had a son, Michael. Once Michael was in school, she went to work at Continental Gin Company where she stood out as a receptionist. It was there she met a handsome young engineer, Carlton Hooper. Moving to Tulare and then Buttonwillow she had her second child Marilyn Hooper (Strongin). Had you talked to her long enough, she would have told you that her life had always been associated with cotton in one way or another as she was the Office Manager of Cottonwillow, Inc. for twenty years. "Mam" was the bestest pal and chauffeur to her grandkids and a Sunday school teacher. She was an avid reader of "strictly" non-fiction. Especially when she didn't like the ending of a fictious book saying, "I could have written that better!" She was spirited, stubborn and preferred things to go her way. She loved her horses and dogs. (No cats please!). But most importantly, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was generous to a fault and fiercely protective of her family. She is survived by her brother Samuel Escue, son Michael (Susie) and daughter Marilyn (Pete). Grandsons Michael, Nicholas (Carly), Zachary & Anthony, and great-grandchildren Garrett, Emery, Jude & Hailey. Her presence and love will be sorely missed. We will think of her each day and remember her forever. "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be!"

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery Thursday, January 16th at 10:00 a.m.