Marlyn Hooper

(Written by Marlyn when given months to live over 5 years ago)

I, Marlyn Hooper, almost age 81 in Georgetown, Texas, was called home to Heaven on February 11, 2025. I was born to Marvin and Anita Nelson of Lamesa, Texas, on March 16, 1944, and they both preceded me in death. When my mother died, she took a piece of my heart with her.

I married Pat Hooper on November 22, 1990. We met at Schlumberger Oil Services in Austin. He was my soul mate, and together we traveled all over Europe and the United States. I had a streak of wanderlust, and my heart was in England. Hooper just had to follow along!

I was an active member of many organizations over the years and loved helping others. After retiring from Schlumberger, we moved to Sun City. Both Hooper and I were active in our church, The Worship Place. I played with the dulcimer group, loved to knit, made my own greeting cards, created lovely jewelry, made baskets and hooked primitive rugs. Hooper loved to tell everyone that I was a “hooker!” I made scrapbooks, was an avid genealogist, loved oil painting, canned vegetables and jellies, loved to read several books a week and even made my own potpourri. No one could stay at our home because we converted the extra bedroom into my craft room! I was a Master Gardener, and our yard was amazing. I loved “digging in the dirt” and enjoyed sharing my knowledge, speaking to many organizations. I loved antiques and my house was full of them. Some of my pieces I love so much that I am taking them with me!  I heard we could.

Of all my accomplishments, my real passion was my family. I adored my husband, Hooper.  Together we were an example of the possibilities of a true marriage. We had so much fun together.  My daughters, Lori and Lana, made life magical. We were constantly talking on the phone and texting between the three of us. Tyler and Brooke, my grandchildren, were my life. I adored them and wanted to live long enough to see what they became, who they married, and were they happy.

If you ever think of me, do this: read a really good book, plant some lovely flowers in your yard, go to an antique store, give your husband a big kiss, visit your doctor, eat a big piece of coconut pie or make something beautiful.

Survived by: daughter Lori Williamson; daughter Lana Thompson, her husband Tommy, their children Tyler and Brooke; stepdaughter Honei Hooper, her husband James Cook and her son Zach. I will be buried next to Hooper in Blanco Cemetery, Blanco, Texas.

Note from Lana and Lori: Our mother’s own words failed to mention that she fought and survived 11 rounds of cancer, four different types, none of which were related. She touched so many lives through that awful journey, and our lives were touched by the wonderful people who have surrounded her in love. Only because of M.D. Anderson, gifted doctors, their Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics with Dr. Rodon and the amazing support team surrounding Mother was she able to see Tyler live his dream of becoming a touring drummer in sold-out arenas and see beautiful Brooke accepted into Texas A&M. Hospice Austin was so very wonderful in the end, and they continue to support us through our grief.  If you feel so inclined, donations to The Caring Place in Georgetown, Hospice Austin or M.D. Anderson for Cancer Research may be made in memory of Mama.