Thelmarene Hooper
Thelmarene Stephens Hooper, age 85, passed away peacefully with her loving family on March 2nd, 2026 at SECU Hospice House of UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, NC.
Born on June 28, 1940, in Halifax County, Virginia, Thelmarene was the daughter of the late Othelia Viola Stephens.
She received her early education in the Halifax County school system and went on to pursue higher education with dedication and purpose. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Cheyney State Teachers College in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, and later obtained her Master’s degree in Education from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Thelmarene devoted 32 years of her life to teaching, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. She began her career in the Gary, Indiana school system, where she taught for seven years. During that time, she met and married the late Charles William Hooper Jr., in 1967. Their first daughter, the late Sheila Anne, was born in Gary in 1968.
In 1969, Thelmarene and her family relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where she continued her teaching career at Airport Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District for 25 years. In 1972, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Michelle Faye.
In 2017, Thelmarene relocated to Raleigh, NC to live closer to her daughter, Michelle.
Thelmarene was a loving daughter, sister, wife and mother who loved traveling, quilting, making Stampn’ Up greeting cards, bingo and rummikub.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Faye Hooper; her brother, Lewis (Essie) Stephens of Louisa, Virginia; one niece, Teri (Chris) Cain, two great nieces and a host of extended family members, close family friends, and former students who will forever honor her memory. In addition to her husband, Charles William Hooper Jr., and her daughter, Sheila Anne Hooper, she was preceded in death by her mother, Othelia Viola Stephens.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Thelmarene’s church family at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church for their unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her illness, as well as to the compassionate staff of SECU Hospice House of UNC Health Johnston for their exceptional care, kindness, and comfort during her final days.
A service celebrating Thelmarene’s life will be held on Sunday, April 26th, at 3pm at Capital Oaks Retirement Community 6498 Ray Rd, Raleigh, NC in the theater. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution made in Thelmarene’s honor to the NAACP or the American Association of University Women (AAUW).