Cecil Sullivan Hooker was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Lucinda Taylor and Eddie V. Hunter on January 21, 1933. Hooker was an active and faithful member of the Poplar Springs M. B. Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, was the church’s Treasurer, a member of the Poplar Springs Trustee Board, sang in multiple choirs, and led as a Sunday school and Vacation Bible school teacher.
Hooker moved with his mother to Stockton, California, as a youth, where he graduated top of his high school class. After high school, Hooker enlisted and served in the Air Force. After serving his term, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he met and married the love of his life, Lorece Adams, in 1957, and started working for The Boeing Company as a military systems supervisor, where he retired after 30 years of service. Their son, Cleantha Ray, preceded him in death.
Hooker was very involved with his community, having coached many baseball, softball, basketball, and football teams while being a mentor to countless youths. Hooker was an active and accomplished bowler, having won many tournaments, as shown by the numerous trophies on display in their home. He was a born leader and served as a steward for many organizations in Neshoba County. Hooker held office for the NAACP, Community in Action (CIA), the East Neshoba Volunteer Fire Department, and the American Legion Post 238.
Hooker leaves to mourn his homegoing, his wife, Lorece Hooker; sister, Shirley Edwards; grandson Christian Wilborn and wife Tineya; great-grandchildren, Aliyah and Audrey; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. As we mourn his passing, we also honor the lasting impact he has made as a distinguished individual. By God’s grace, we will all see you on that resurrection morning.
