Irma “Marie” Hooker Mason, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026. Born on June 12, 1940, in Haleyville, Alabama, to Elmer Lee and Minnie Alvin Hooker, Marie lived a life marked by devotion, grit, and a sweetness all her own.
Marie was known for her kind heart and firecracker spirit. Her sons often said that having her as a mother felt like winning the lottery. She was always there for them — fixing whatever was broken, repainting bikes to make them just right, and finding joy in making life easier for everyone around her.
She loved to sing to her family, her voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline, and she had a lifelong passion for Bingo — whether she was playing, working, or running a game, it was her favorite pastime and a place where she built community.
In her later years, Marie found her greatest joy in watching her granddaughter grow. She always found a reason to see Jenny, whether to slip her a dollar, hand her a few coins, or show her a rainbow outside. As she grew older, Marie became the spunky “sour patch kid” many came to know — sometimes a little sour, but always deeply sweet at her core.
If Marie had it, she would give it. If she could help, she did. If she knew you were hurting, she was there — even if you didn’t ask. Through sweetness and sourness, through tears and smiles, Marie was loved deeply by all who knew her.
She is survived by her two sons, Ray Mason Jr. and Bryan Mason (Lisa); her brother, Robert “Bo” Hooker (Annette); and a granddaughter, Jenny Storm Mason. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Bill, Jack, Mary “Toots”, Doris Jean “Dot”, Melba Jean, and Brenda Lee “Pee Wee."
Marie leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, and fierce love — a life remembered with gratitude by all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - West Columbia Chapel, 820 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm.
Burial will follow the service at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.
