February 21, 2025 February 20, 2025
Clara Carolyn Cross Hooker, a lifelong resident of Tenaha, Texas, was born on November 21, 1935, to Maurine Hairgrove Cross and Buel William Cross. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles Garrison Hooker for 61 years and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Our Lord and Savior called Carolyn home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, Jennifer and Jeff, and devoted caregivers, Laverne Tutt and Tiffany Daniels. Carolyn is survived by her children: Jennifer Hooker Cumbie and husband, Jim, and Jeffrey Hooker and wife, Dannett. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Claire Cumbie Brody and husband, Parker, Trey Cumbie, Camille Cumbie, Kori Hooker Belrose and husband, Grant, Kelsi Hooker, and Garrett Hooker. Carolyn also cherished her five great-grandchildren: Eda James Brody, Abel Royal Brody, McArthur Charles Brody, Zoey Faith Belrose, and Carter Lauren Belrose.
Carolyn’s unwavering priorities of family, faith, and community shined brightly throughout her life. Over the years, she jumped at every chance to help out with her six grandchildren and their activities. Carolyn enjoyed organizing family get-togethers, reunions, school, community, and homecoming activities, which brought her the greatest joy.
Carolyn displayed immense generosity in her early teaching days, often helping students with school supplies and food for their families. This act of kindness made her a beloved educator and principal at Tenaha ISD, where she served for many years. She received the “Teacher of the Year” award early in her career and was instrumental in improving the special education department and developing the Gifted & Talented program. Carolyn served as the elementary principal for almost 10 years.
Carolyn was involved in numerous organizations, including the Tennessee 4H Club, the Texas Association of Administrators, the Texas Elementary Principals Association, the Community Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she held various leadership positions.
After retiring from 40 years in public school education, Carolyn continued to impact children’s lives. She was employed by Panola College as an educator and an adjunct professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, supervising student teachers. Carolyn also served nine years on the Tenaha ISD school board, helping guide and implement decisions to improve the school system.
In 2006, she was inducted into the Tenaha Tiger Hall of Honor for her many years of service to Tenaha education and the community.
Carolyn loved her church family and was a member of First Baptist, Tenaha, for over 80 years. She taught an Adult Ladies Sunday School class, sang in the church choir, and volunteered for various church activities and committees, including WMU, VBS, Hospitality, Church Council, and her sewing circle.
Carolyn’s legacy of love, dedication, and service to her family, church, and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She is survived by her brother, Roland Cross, and sister-in-law, Dianne Cross, as well as many loving caregivers, nieces, nephews, and special family members and friends.
Family Pallbearers were Trey Cumbie, Garrett Hooker, Parker Brody, Grant Belrose, David DePriest, Jason Blair, Chad Smith, and Brad Vickery. Honorary Pallbearers were Roland Cross, Lee Howard, Chip Roberson, and Keith Martin.
Expressions of sympathy in Carolyn’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 S. George Bowers Dr., Tenaha, Texas 75974; or to the Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation, 759 CR 4382, Tenaha, TX 75974.
Funeral service for Carolyn Hooker was held on Saturday, February 22 at First Baptist Church, with public visitation at 9:30 am and the service at 10:30 am, officiated by Bro. Bill Holmes. Graveside services followed in the Woods Community cemetery.
Watson and Watson, directors. Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com