Ernest Hooper

Ernest “EJ” Hooper was born in love on November 11, 1941 in Lamont, MS to Ernest Hooper and Zephyr Barnes Hooper. His birth followed that of his older sister, Marvell and he fondly became known as “Lil Brother” to family and friends all of his life.

At 10 years of age, the family relocated to Corpus Christi Texas. He attended Carver Elementary School and became a proud graduate of Solomon Coles High School in 1959. As an active high school student, he played the mellophone (French horn) in the marching band, ran track and participated in various student organizations. He also had a gift for art and drawing which he easily did and shared with others. He briefly attended Del Mar College of Corpus Christi, Texas prior to enlisting in the Army where he faithfully served until he was honorably discharged.

In December 1962, Ernest met the love of his life, Betty Washington. They married on March 20, 1965. To this union one daughter (Carolyn Ann Hooper) and one son (Reginald Bernard Hooper) were born. He and Betty were married for 57 years. He was a devoted husband and father, protector and provider.

Ernest has always been known as a spiritually grounded individual. At a young age he and his family attended Calvary Baptist Church. He was very active in the youth ministry and other auxiliaries. In February 1968, he made a life changing decision to become a dedicated baptized Jehovah’s Witness. He served as a ministerial servant and later as an elder at the Hillcrest Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Corpus Christi. He enjoyed going door to door witnessing and sharing the good news with others as instructed in Matthew 24:14. So much so, that even when his health began to fail, he still continued to try as he could with the help of other faithful brothers. He enjoyed giving public discourses, traveling to Assemblies/Conventions, congregation gatherings and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters from all over the world.  He loved Jehovah dearly and lived and died with a resurrection hope.

Ernest always had a strong work ethic. He became a first class industrial mechanic and worked for Asarco Refining Company for 21 years until the company closed its doors. He then worked at Southwestern Refinery for 10 years. Like most men who find it hard to sit still at home, semi-retired Ernest joined Enterprise Rental Car as a Driver. He absolutely loved his job of transporting people, cars and whatever projects that he was called upon to do. He proudly served the company and his community for 12 years.

In his spare time Ernest was an inspiring poet who hoped to have his work published. He wrote and recited his poetry whenever given the opportunity. From car rides as a driver with Enterprise to Spoken Word Events to family reunions, he boldly shared his poetry. He had a self titled poem called “Super Hoop” a tall tale which he claimed to have “wrestled a bobcat and a snake once bit him and crawled off and died.” He also wrote a poem that he shared with the Mayor of Corpus at the time entitled “Sparkling City By the Sea.” Mayor Garrett liked it so much that he authorized it to be put on display at the Corpus Christi visitor’s bureau. Ernest loved to make others laugh and smile and did so with the purest of heart. He lived to be a blessing to others.

Ernest also had a love for riding motorcycles. He got his first after dreaming of owning one one day. One of his first dates with Betty, he rented one and took her for a ride. He purchased his first and then a second and lastly purchased every Biker’s dream, a Harley Davidson. He loved giving any and everyone a ride. If they didn’t ask, he offered. On any given day, he could be seen riding through the City on his motorcycle. He remained active rollerblading, exercising at the Silver Slipper, riding his bicycle and whatever activity he could think of to keep himself healthy.

Ernest loved to travel. He and the family traveled on many vacations. He and Betty enjoyed cruising to Jamaica, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. They also traveled on excursions to New York and Canada. The annual Hooper-Caraway family reunion afforded him the opportunity to travel from Los Angeles to Topeka and many other places in between. He loved his family and always looked forward to joining them whenever he could regardless of the occasion.

In the early 80’s Ernest introduced himself for the first time as “Papa Pooh'' to a couple of young nephews (Derek and Sean Donaldson) who were visiting at the time. The same name became his grand moniker for his 6 grandchildren. He is fondly referred to the same by his great-grands.

On  September 3,2022, Ernest “EJ” Hooper transitioned to eternal rest. Preceding him in passing, are his father (Ernest Hooper), mother (Zephyr Hooper), sister (Marvell Hooper Merriweather), Brother-In-Love (Norris Merriweather). Left to cherish his memory and legacy are his wife (Betty Washington Hooper), daughter (Carolyn Hooper) son (Reginald Hooper and wife Jessyln Burnett Hooper); nephew (Kenneth Merriweather) nieces (Karen Cortez and Kristi Merriweather); Grandchildren (Bryce Hooper, Victoria Hooper Moore (Earl Cammon), Nicholas Hooper, Hannah Hooper, Genson Hooper-Price, and Elgen Hooper-Price); Great-GrandChildren ( Makenze, Kyndal, Royal Ann, Khol, Charm, Ryland, Chloe and Blake); Brother in love, CL “Tony” Washington (Doris) of Ft. Worth,TX; Sister in love, Lois Donaldson  (Dennis) of Tampa, Fl, Sister in Love Verdale Washington (Robert, deceased) of Marlin, TX and a host of extended family members (nieces, nephews, cousins) and friends.

The family would like to thank  the team of physicians, nurses and therapists who cared for Ernest for the last several years. Their care and compassion have been greatly appreciated. Shelley Schilhab, Unity Home Health Nurse, Dr. Daniel D’Souza, Dr. Geofredo Rossi, Dr. Stuart Jacobsen, Memorial Medical Center Memorial City and The West Houston Woundcare Center.

Thank you Elite Life Celebrations by Barnes and Co. for your service in the handling of the final arrangements.

Special Thanks to the brothers and sisters of the Hillcrest and Briar Forest Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Thank you To all who have prayed, encouraged, called, text messaged, sent sentiments of condolences to our family. We are forever grateful for standing in faith with us in our loss. Ernest “EJ” Hooper lived, loved and laughed in the fullness of Jehovah’s grace and mercy and we are all encouraged to do the same.