Dorothy Jean Cline Hooper, age 99 years and 10 months, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning on March 9, 2025. She was born in Paragould, AR on May 7, 1925 to Noah A. Cline and Ila Smith Cline. Born as the Depression took over America, she nevertheless had a happy childhood, including many adventures with her cousin Barbara Nell Smith. They had the roam of their little town and generally stayed out of any big trouble. They did not count swiping pieces of just-made fudge as a big trouble.
She met her future husband when they started junior high school. Harry J. Hooper lived across town so they went to different elementary schools, but soon found each other as their classes combined. Many of their dates consisted of Harry J. walking across town to pick Jean up to go to the downtown theater on “Buddy Night” where the fare was 10 cents for two, then the walk back to her house and then back to his home. No wonder they were in good shape!
Halfway through their senior year of high school, Pearl Harbor was attacked. That was a heavy burden on those youngsters who would become the Greatest Generation. Harry J. finished his required courses to complete High School then immediately signed up with the Marines in the spring of 1942. He completed basic training, and then a Navy General came in and said he needed good men to transfer to the Navy, so it was off to basic training again, this time with a jaunty Navy cap. Jean began to work at the local Rationing Office, where she helped many people and also collected many fabulous stories. The letters flew between Paragould and the South Pacific.
Harry J. returned to Paragould early in 1945, and they were married June 30, 1945. To this union were born three daughters: Melinda (Bill) Marks, Melissa (Lamar) Howard, and Beth (Curtis) Presley. Jean was very involved in the girls’ activities as both a leader and a cheerleader. For many years, she and a friend taught the kindergarten Sunday School class at Highland Methodist. That took great courage and a sweet soul. In our opinions, there was no better mom in the world.
As the family expanded, eight grandchildren were born: Erica, Jeffrey, Leah, Emily, Dylan, Holly, Susannah, and Louis. Later years brought the delight of great-grands—Kai, Zane, Gabriel, Madeline, Maxwell, Rowan, Eleanor, and Henry. Their visits to Little Rock brought great fun to the Hooper household.
Jean and Harry J. celebrated 53 years of marriage before his death in 1998. She remained in their home for many years, doing all of the chores herself, until admitting she would enjoy a bit more rest. She thrived in an independent living apartment community until she fell and broke her femur in several places. Her last 7 years were spent at Briarwood Nursing Home, where again she made new friends.
Jean requested no funeral or memorial be held, but we will hold a visitation to remember the good times. It will be this Friday, March 14, at Asbury UMC from 7:00-9:00 pm, in “The Warehouse”. Use the west entrance (back parking lot). All are welcome.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
1 Comment
Your Mom was a treasure. If memory serves me correctly, my dad, Bill Joyner, would report running into your mom at Kroger or Walmart regularly. They were both stocking up on large amounts of paper towels and toilet paper!
It was through your Dad, who attended Baptist Tabernacle(now Parkway Place Church), that we met your Mom. Salt of the earth people they were. Condolences to you in her death, but what a fine life she lived!
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