Shirley M. Hooper, 91, of Carthage, passed away at her home on Friday, April 25, 2025. Shirley was born on February 26, 1934, in Clay, Iowa, to Sterling and Marjorie Bemis. She has been a long-time resident of Jasper County. Shirley worked at H.E. Williams for 20 years and was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Duenweg. She liked to be outside gardening and taking care of her flowers.
Shirley was united in marriage to Russell Pickering on August 26, 1952, in Arkansas; he preceded her in death on December 22, 1970. Together Shirley and Russell had three sons, Michael, Doug, and Randy; and one daughter, Vicky.
Shirley was lucky enough to find love a second time with George Hooper. She was united in marriage to George on February 14, 1976, in Carthage; he preceded her in death on February 17, 2020.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Pickering (Becky) of Carthage, Doug Pickering (Charlotte) of Sarcoxie, Randy Pickering (Leisha) of Keene, Texas; one stepson, Kevin Hooper (Terri) of Carthage; one daughter; Vicky Denholm of Carthage; one stepdaughter, Pam Dodson of Carthage; and two brothers, Paul Bemis (Connie) of Galena, Kansas, and Raymond Bemis (Sharon) of Troy, Ohio; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 21 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by, one stepson, Rodney Hooper; one stepdaughter, Valerie Bennett; three brothers, Robert Bemis, Jack Bemis, Ronnie Bemis; and three sisters, Lillian Walker, Mary Pippin, and Leona Freed; and two grandchildren, Trisha Lovette and Kerri Hensley.
Per Shirley’s wishes, she will be cremated. Her family will hold a service at a later date.
Condolences may be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
