Eleanor Catherine Wooten

Her beauty, like a rose, was simple, sweet but strong with the fragrance of gratitude. Eleanor Simon Wooten was born in 1927, in Houston, Texas, in the original Third Ward. She was the third child and first girl born to Florence and Felix Simon. A lifelong devout catholic, Eleanor was baptized at the historic St. Nicholas Catholic Church. She spent her entire school tenure at St. Nicholas Catholic School and graduated high school in 1945. "Elme" or El as she was nicknamed was smart, pretty and was a good little sister to her 2 older bothers and helped care for her 4 younger brothers. She and her only sister Dorothy were born 15 months apart. Although having opposite personalities, they shared a special relationship their entire lives. In fact, Dorothy referred to her as "the Queen." Eleanor was a natural business woman and attended business school before going on to Texas Southern university, where she earned a BA degree in business management and education. She met the love of her life at one of her jobs. While diligently working, she met a dapper young man named Hargrove, who actively pursued her. He finally persuaded her to marry him in 1951. El and Hargrove were married for 49 years prior to Hargrove's death in 2000. They were partners in business as well as life, as Eleanor managed all of Hargrove's businesses including Wooten's Pharmacy and Hargrove's two medical practices. She simultaneously acted as caregiver to her mother, grandmother and various family and friends. El and Hargrove had three girls, Florence, Patrice and Sharon. In addition to keeping the family business together, she actively participated in her daughters' lives as PTA parent, Girl Scout troop driver and cookie manager along with numerous other clubs and organizations. A hard worker, El always made quality time for her daughters. Gentle, kind but tough, she was the perfect role model for a family of girls. Although shy, El made her home the social hub for the family and community. Most importantly, Eleanor was the rock of her family. She was a great mentor, confidant and friend to her brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and the many adopted family members that visited and hung around "hotel Wooten" in various locations, including Truxillo, Rio Vista and N. MacGregor. She was known for her outward beauty which was exceeded by her inner beauty, kindness, and compassion. She was a selfless person who would give you her last. Eleanor lived an extraordinary life starting in poor segregated Houston to being able to travel the world. She had the opportunity to travel to Paris and while sitting at a sidewalk café, said "Who would have thought that a shy girl from Third Ward would be sitting in Paris." Eleanor had a simple approach to a gratitude filled life. Eleanor is survived by daughters Florence Wooten, Patrice and husband John Hightower, and Sharon Wooten Kailimai; granddaugters Eleanor "Cori" and Lailoni; great granddaughters Cheyenne and Nakoa, great grandson Bronx; sister Dorothy, brothers George (Marie) and Maurice (Mable); sisters-in-law Theresa, Flora, Hattie, Essie, Georgetta, Gwen and Eleanor; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. "Let the life I've lived speak for me."