Billie R Hooker

Billie Ruth McBride Hooker, Red Oak, passed away January 12, 2024. She was born July 23, 1925, on a farm in Italy, Texas. Billie had two brothers, Elton and James Earnest, and one sister, Minnie Lee. The family moved to Hillsboro, Tx in1938. She graduated from Hillsboro High School in May of 1942. Billie married the love of her life, Leonard Roscoe Hooker on November 4, 1942, the morning he received his call to report to the U S Army. During Leonard’s Army service in WWII, Billie worked for Dr. T. R. Barnett in Hillsboro as a receptionist. Leonard returned home from the service in 1946 and resumed his job at TP&L. Sandra Lynn was born in July 1947 and the family moved to Dallas in 1952 when Leonard was transferred to the Dallas office. In April of 1955, Gary Lee was born. Billie began working for the VA Medical Center in Dallas in 1962. She retired in 1986 as a Unit Manager in MAS. Billie enjoyed traveling, playing dominoes, league bowling, fishing with her husband. She was a long time member of DeSoto Methodist Church. She was known as “the Pie Lady.” She made home-made chocolate pies for any church member spent a night in the hospital for a total of 41 pies. Billie was proud of her family and loved to share pictures and stories with everyone. Preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Leonard, parents, Jim and Nan McBride, sister, Minnie Lee Williamson, Itasca, TX, and two brothers, Elton McBride of San Diego, CA, and James Earnest McBride, killed in action on Wake Island in WWII. Billie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Lynn Neely of Red Oak, and her son, Gary Hooker and his wife, Patti of Farmersville, TX, three grandchildren, Brian Neely, Allen, TX, Travis Hooker (Stacey) of McKinney, TX, and Janet Walker (Brad) of Farmersville, TX, 7 great grandchildren, Brady Neely, Addison Neely, Karlee Hooker, Kendall Hooker, Allie Walker, Rhett Walker and Jack Walker. Two sisters-in-law, Mary Pickett and Barbara Hooker, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 12:30 to 1:00 pm on Friday, January at First United Methodist Church at 310 Roaring Springs, DeSoto. Services: 1 p. m. Friday January 19, 2024 at First United Methodist Church at 310 Roaring Springs, DeSoto Interment: Ridge Park Cemetery, Hillsboro, Texas