Virginia Hook McCracken

HOPKINS A Service of Thanksgiving to God for the Life of Virginia “Johnnie” Hook McCracken, 94, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, with burial following in Hopkins Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-6 p.m. Saturday at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Mrs. McCracken, wife of the late John Carlton McCracken, died Thursday, May 22, 2014. Born in Eastover, SC, she was a daughter of the late Sherrod Walter Hook and Flora Agnes Evans Hook. She was a graduate of Lower Richland High School and attended Brenau College in Gainesville, GA. In September 1939 she began work at the radio station WCOS when it first began operation, leaving in 1942 upon her marriage at which time she joined Carlton at Camp Sutton in NC. After his military service they returned to SC in 1945 and she was employed at the Administration Office Richland School District #1 before the birth of her children. For 20 years she worked at the Hopkins Post Office retiring in 1984.

Mrs. McCracken was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder and in several positions in Presbyterian Women where she was the recipient of an Honorary Life Membership Award in 1990. She has been an active member of The International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons for 65 years.

Surviving are daughters, Emily M. Derrick, Ann M. John (Victor B. III), Carla M. Schmitt (Robb W.); grandchildren, Joseph “Joey” C. Derrick (Nancy), Ann Drayton D. Lister (Hammond), Ginny J. Mattox (Berry), V. Breeden John IV, Kyle C. Schmitt, Luke O. Schmitt; great-grandchildren, James, Kendall and Evan Derrick, McNeill and Gray Lister, and Eden Mattox.

She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families, and Leroy Williams whose many years of loyalty, kindness and hard work enabled her to enjoy living independently on the farm she loved.

Mrs. McCracken was predeceased by her six sisters, Sarah Rembert, Margaret Davis, Betsy Hane, Billie Burfeind, Kathleen Morrell, and Sherry Hook.

Memorials may be made to Hopkins Presbyterian Church Cemetery Association, c/o Carolyn Huff, 107 Emanuel Dr., West Columbia, SC 29169 or Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29204 or the charity of one’s choice.