Marian Neal Hooker , 91, of Center, passed away November 14, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Center, with internment following at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Marian Neal Hooker was born August 18 ^th , 1931 in Gainesville, Florida, to Charles Roy Neal and Esther Marie Crown Neal. She went to her heavenly home on November 14 ^th , 2022, at the age of 91.

Mrs. Hooker finished both high school and college in three years each and graduated from the University of Florida at age 20. She and her husband were the first married couple to graduate together from there. She was too young to receive her grades and the college mailed them to her husband. Her Bachelor's degree was in education and she taught school for eight years. She started teaching Sunday school when she was 13 years old and taught it for the rest of her life. Mrs. Hooker taught GA's, RA's, Mission Friends, WMU, Training Union, and other Bible classes. Last year she was recognized with a plaque and many kind words by the Shelby-Doches Association, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the First Baptist Church in Center for having taught for 75 years. She went on a medical mission trip to Honduras with Dr. Hooker and Sharon and the First Baptist Church. One can only guess at the number of people whose lives she has influenced.

Growing up on a farm during the depression meant that she did chores before and after school. From the age of four, she got up at 4:00 a.m. and cooked breakfast for her father, who had to do his mail route early. Then she napped a little longer, gathered eggs and milked the cow before going to school. After school, there were weeds to pull, vegetables to pick, little sisters to help with, and household chores.

This great lady had many talents. She was able to draw exceptionally well, including things that many artists find difficult, such as horses and human hands. She drew up the blueprints for their house. Mrs. Hooker also took pride in working crossword puzzles in ink. She also did beautiful calligraphy.

Mrs. Hooker was loved by everyone who met her. She always greeted people with a smile and a hug. She never said an unkind work about anyone or to anyone. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, sister, and cousin. She had many dear friends of all ages and walks of life.

She in preceded in death by:

Her parents, Roy and Esther Neal

Her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Joe B. Hooker

Her sisters, Rachel Hall and Ruth Moseley

Her brothers-in-law Olan Williamson, Charles Hooker, and Dixon Hooker

Her sisters-in-law Verdine Williamson, Marie Hooker, and Gertrude Langdon

Mrs. Hooker is survived by:

Her son, Lewis Hooker and Sue

Her daughters, Sharon and Don Nelson, and Carol and Mickey Chandler

Her grandchildren, Ben and Casey Nelson, Douglass Hooker, Timothy Chandler, Hannah and Jared Davidson, Daniel Hooker and fiancée Alia, and Jonathon Chandler

Her sisters, Carolyn Thomas and Clarice Neal

Her sister-in-law Alice Jo Hooker

Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Center or to a charity of your choice.