Anna Lee Bryson Hooper

Anna was born October 13, 1917 in the Cowee community of Macon County, NC. Anna’s family moved to East LaPorte on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County when she was six. Many of the values she carried throughout her life were forged during her family’s years living in this rural mountain community during the Great Depression. Anna graduated from Western Carolina University in 1940 with a BA in Education. She was proud to have been elected to the May Court at WCU in her senior year. Following graduation, she began teaching third grade in Bald Creek in Yancey County. As she began her teaching career, she lived with her family in Burnsville and was selflessly dedicated in her continuing support of her younger brother, Hale, and to her mother and father. During the war years beginning in 1942, Anna spent her summers in Washington, D.C. working in the State Department. It was always clear from her reflections that this time in DC, making friends and aiding the war effort, was one of the most rewarding times of her life.

On December 21st, 1947 Anna married Conrad Hooper, moved to Raleigh, and taught third grade at Myrtle Underwood School. She left teaching in 1950 to become a full time mother to her children, Becky and Bobby. Anna’s children and, especially, her husband always felt her absolute devotion to family. She loved to please her family with perfect southern fried chicken and coconut pie served with motherly love. Anna’s husband, Conrad, credited her skilled management of the family household as essential to allowing him to pursue success in his career. Her three grandchildren, Zak, Sarah and Virginia fondly remember the hours she spent playing the games they choreographed, her presence at every sports and dance event, and the edible love from her cozy kitchen.

Anna will be remembered by her family and friends for the kindness that came from her heart, her generous support, her helpful advice, and her warm smile that broadcast her love.

Anna Hooper was predeceased by her husband, Conrad L Hooper. She is survived by her son, Bobby Hooper and wife Debbie of Atlanta, Ga. , her daughter Becky Michaels and husband Jack of Raleigh, NC, grandchildren Zachary Michaels of Berkeley, Calf., Virginia Michaels of Washington, DC, and Sarah Kindig, husband Nick, and, great-granddaughter, Adelaide Bryson Kindig, of Richmond, Va.

A celebration of Anna’s life will be held at Fairmont UMC, 2505 Clark Avenue, Raleigh on Tuesday, November 20 at 1:30 with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Anna Lee, donations can be made to the North Carolina Stroke Association. Donations can be made online at www.ncsa.org, or by mail at North Carolina Stroke Association, Piedmont Plaza 2, Ward A. Riley Ultrasound Center, 2000 West Street, Suite 504, Winston Salem, NC 27104.