Judith M. Hooker

Judith May Hooker (Stevens) beloved wife, mother and grandmother died and claimed the resurrection promise Monday, August 14, 2017 after many years of battling Polio and the effects of post-Polio Syndrome. She died holding the hand of her loving and devoted husband and surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Judy was a woman of Christian faith who near the end deeply desired to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Judy was born January 9, 1933 in Grand Rapids to Joseph and Anne (Ghysels) Stevens. She married Robert “Bob” Louis Hooker May 14, 1952.  They were blessed with four children, Robert Jr., David, Anne and Joseph. Judy was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College. She was a teacher to kindergarteners in the Grand Rapids Public Schools and to first graders in Willow Run, Michigan. She also worked professionally at downtown redevelopment and was the Executive Director for the Dyer Ives Foundation, and owned and operated J.S.H Interiors. She was a member of Central Reformed Church and she lived her entire life with the teachings and love of Jesus Christ in her heart. Judy was also an avid volunteer who gave generously of her time, talent, and treasure to many organizations including; The Arts Council of Grand Rapids, Council of Michigan Foundations, Donors Forum of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Junior League, Grand Rapids Service Corp, Grand Rapids Woman’s Symphony Committee, Grand Rapids Symphony, Honorary Chair for the Grand Rapids Foundation’s 70th Anniversary, Kent County Council for Historic Preservation, Mary Riste hospital Guild, Performing Arts Campaign, Pine Rest Hospital Drive (Foundations Division), Planned Parenthood, “Save City Hall Campaign,” Summerfest Music and Dance Program (Joffrey Ballet), and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. She also served extensively as a trustee to Grand Valley State University serving as both vice-chair and chair and as a director of the Grand Valley University Foundation and later its advisory cabinet.  Judy believed in being engaged in the political process and was always involved in local state and national elections servicing as Fifth District Co-Chair for Governor Miliken’s 1978 re-election campaign; lobbying for ERA extension and ratification; Fifth District Co-Chair: George H.W. Bush for President; Delegate: Republican National Convention – Dallas, Texas 1984; Deputy Chair: George Bush – Fund for America’s Future; Co-Chair fund raising dinners for George H.W. Bush; President Bush’s Personnel Advisory Committee; and Treasurer: John Engler for Governor. She earned numerous awards including West Michigan Republican Honoree and Grand Valley State University Hall of Fame Honoree. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Anne Stevens, her sisters and brothers Joan Stevens Vander Ploeg (William) of Grand Rapids, Miriam Stevens Loomis (George) of East Lansing, Esther Stevens Wisse (Clarence) of Grand Rapids, Henry Ghysels Stevens (Evelyn) of Tucson and Joseph C. Stevens of New Haven. She is survived by the love of her life and husband and most remarkable caregiver Robert Hooker, and her four children; son Robert Hooker Jr. (Michelle) and their children Elizabeth, Victoria, Adam, Taylor and Isabella; son David Hooker (Leslie) and their children Tanis, Lauren and Charlotte; daughter Anne Hooker and her children Jeremiah, Jordan, Jesse, Judith May, Julia and Jennifer; and son Joseph Hooker (Susannah) and their children Charlie, Sophie, and Robby. Visitation will be held at Central Reformed Church on Thursday August 24, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Central Reformed Church at 11:00 AM Friday August 25, 2017. A reception will follow immediately Kent Country Club.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Reformed Church Music Fund or the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.  

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