Essie Lee Hooper Soape , 79, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Soape was born April 11, 1937, in Center, to Carter G. Hooper and Vernice Loraine Gibson Hooper. She was a member of White Rock Baptist Church in Center and Order of the Eastern Star, Newburn Chapter.

She is survived by
Daughters:
Zaundra Whitton of Joaquin
Doris Bennett of Center

Sons:
Randy Soape and wife, Sherry, of Center
Carter Soape of Center

Grandchildren:
Kevin Whitton and wife, Tammy
Pamela Whitton
Gary Whitton and wife, Brittany
Kenneth Whitton and wife, Lauren
Amanda Campaniello and husband, Jason
Shane Jordan and wife, Amber
Ashley Warren and husband, Chris
Ben Bennett and wife, Sarah
Charles Bennett
Jeremiah Soape and wife, Holly
Kayla Wilkinson and husband, Jeff
Steven Taylor and wife, Ariel
Brandi Taylor
Angela Carraway and husband, James

21 Great Grandchildren

Brother: Verlon Hooper and wife, Thelma, of Center

Sister: Vivian Luman of Center

Numerous other relatives

A host of friends

Preceded in death by
Husband: Charles R. Soape Sr.
Son-in-law: Roger Whitton
Great Grandson: Shone Whitton
Parents: Carter G. Hooper and Vernice Loraine Gibson Hooper
Brother: Travis Hooper
Twin Sister: Dessie Knight

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Pipes, Troy Keele, Charles Bennett, Ben Bennett, Shane Jordan, Steven Taylor and Jeremiah Soape. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Whitton, Blake Warren, Devin Warren, Kenneth Whitton, Robert Killey and Gary Whitton.