Marilyn B. Hooker

Marilyn B. Hooker was born on October 7, 1927, in Casper, Wyoming and passed away in Roanoke, VA on April 16th. Her parents were William Ray Borough and Marie McGruder Gates. Her father was in the oil business, so they moved throughout the west and eventually settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and received her Associates degree from Bradford College in Massachusetts. Marilyn has always been known for her radiant smile, exuberant personality, and her zest for life. She was a leader whether in high school glee club or team sports. She was always full of ideas and a party planner. She traveled throughout the world and loved to dance every dance. The beach was a favorite with long walks and swimming, but above all she was 100% a Disney fan. She felt that Walt Disney had all the answers to life and went there yearly even celebrating her 90th birthday there with her family. Marilyn was married to A. Frank Hooker Jr. for 56 years. They lived in Martinsville and Penhook Virginia. Although wife and mother were her primary rolls she also excelled in financial investments, real estate acquisition, and entertaining. She was also a wonderful interior designer. Marilyn loved her family always sharing stories about her two daughters Carolyn Goodspeed of Roanoke, Virginia and Michele Hooker of Taos, New Mexico. Marilyn has two grandchildren Robert Alexander (Mae) and Jessica Turner (Brandon) three great grandchildren Dorothy Easter (Drew), Victoria Alexander and Beau Turner. She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Battjes Weaver. She dearly loved her nephews William Battjes (Debbie), John Battjes (Leslie), and niece Terrie Battjes Mitchell (Jay) and great-niece Jaclyn Battjes (Alejandro) and great-nephew Tieg Battjes. She cherished her devoted friends Berta and David Carter. She will be incredibly missed by all of her family but has left a wealth of experiences and memories! Marilyn based her life on a strong faith in God and was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Roanoke, Va. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service Tuesday, April 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Memorial Park in Rocky Mount, VA followed by a celebration of life at Waters Edge Country Club. In addition to or in-lieu of flowers please make a donation to Cool Branch Volunteer Rescue Squad in Penhook, VA or the Franklin County Humane Society. We will be following the guidelines for social distancing and masks. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Rocky Mount.