Patricia Ann Hooker

Patricia Ann Hooker, age 69, of Spring Valley, California, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, following a brave battle with cancer. She was born on May 14, 1957, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, to Eudell Billie Paulk and Wilber Willis Paulk, but ultimately made San Diego her home.

Patricia met the love of her life, Jimmy (Jim) Carroll Hooker of Texarkana, Arkansas, in St. Mary’s, Georgia, where Jim was serving in the U.S. Navy. The two married on June 18, 1981, and began a life of adventure together, living in South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and New Mexico before finally settling in California.

Patricia devoted her life to her family. As a homemaker, she raised four children—Paula A. Paulk, Gregory Jackson Paulk (Rachelle), Jimmy Derek Hooker (Amada), and Alek Riston Hooker (Victoria)—while also managing a busy household and caring for multiple beloved pets during Jim’s many deployments in service to his country.

Nothing brought Patricia greater joy than her seven grandchildren: Faith Inessa Paulk, Lassen Moises Paulk, Alora Kim Paulk, Jimmy Derek Hooker, Jr., Alek Joseph (AJ) Hooker, Sophia Paulk, and Camden James Hooker. She was completely devoted to them and loved being present for all of their milestones and activities. On weekends, you could often find Patricia on the sidelines or in the stands at soccer games, little league baseball games, or high school football games, cheering them on with pride. She treasured the quieter moments just as much—watching movies, making silly slime, or baking cookies with her grandchildren.

Patricia had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone—from someone sitting beside her at the dentist’s office to a fellow shopper in a supermarket line. She was a friend to many and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Her outgoing personality, kindness, and beautiful, warm smile could brighten any room she entered.

Patricia will always be remembered for her unwavering devotion to Jim, her love of family and shared time together, and, of course, her amazing coconut cake at Christmas, a tradition and a taste her family will never forget.

We could not have asked for a better wife, mom, grandma, or friend. Patricia will be deeply missed every day, but the love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Eudell Billie Paulk and Wilber Willis Paulk. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; her four children; and her seven grandchildren, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held at El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service, 684 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020, US, on September 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, US, on September 17, 2026, from 9:15 am to 9:45 am.