OBITUARY

SANDRA LEE HOOKER

July 5, 1950 to July 19, 2026

Sandra Lee Hooker was born on July 5, 1950, at Cooper Hospital, Camden, NJ. She entered the world as the sixth child of the late James L. and Ellen B. Hooker. She was their youngest daughter and was often affectionately referred to as “Baby Girl” or “Doll Baby” by her father. Sandra was the “apple of his eye,” and he doted on her—especially loving her long, naturally curly hair.

Growing up, Sandra was a member of Faith Holy Temple COGIC, Camden, NJ, under the leaderships of the late Elder B.T. Morris and the late Elder H.N. Neal, respectively. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. She sang in the youth choir and was active in the Youth Department.

Sandra graduated Camden High School, Camden, NJ, in 1968. With dreams of becoming a nurse, she studied at Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Unfortunately, in the midst of her coursework, the nursing program was unexpectedly cancelled. Although disappointed, she transferred into Peirce Jr. College, Philadelphia, PA, where she undertook a Medical Secretary curriculum and graduated with an associate degree in 1974.

Sandra’s sources of pride and joy were her fraternal twins, Shawna and Shannon, who were born on January 14, 1984. They graduated Camden High School in 2002 with Shawna, a member of the National Honor Society, ranking third in the class. Shawna attended Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ, and graduated in 2006 with two Associate Degrees—one in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS.AS) and the other, Liberal Arts and Science Mathematics. In 2014, she graduated Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Mathematics. Shannon attended Metropolitan Institute of Technology, Philadelphia, PA, graduating with an Associate Degree in Software Technology in 2009. He graduated with a B.A. in Software Security and Software Design in 2013 and earned a master’s degree in software engineering Coding in 2014 from the University of Phoenix, Philadelphia, PA. She funded their education without any financial assistance.

Sandra had a passion for cooking. Initially—and she would confirm this—she was bad at it! Frustrated, she decided to focus on baking. So, she read recipe books, clipped recipes from magazines/newspapers and began her baking journey. She soon mastered the art of baking various cakes and pies from scratch to perfection. Lemon Meringue Pie was her greatest challenge; it took many attempts. The lemon was too tart, or the meringue either wouldn’t whip properly or burn. However, when the day finally came that she nailed it, Sandra ran around the kitchen, shouting: “I did it! I did it!” With her confidence restored, Sandra decided to retry cooking; but this time, her efforts yielded a different result: the food was edible. She became a fantastic baker and cook. Ask anyone in the family and they will tell you that her candied yams were unbeatable. She did share the recipe, but—like typical Black cooks—no measurements, only ingredients. Her only advice: “Taste, taste, taste.” So, for the rest of us who wish to try this recipe, that means “trial and error.” In other words, Sandra “lemon meringued” us!

She had excellent tailoring skills and sewed a myriad of custom-made apparel for her sister Wanda, e.g., dresses, coat and dress ensembles, and suits. She also crafted bespoke outfits for her daughter. Sandra crocheted a yellow beret-and-sweater set for a then-infant nephew, Jason Frazier, which was subsequently handed down to her son.

Sandra had great sartorial tastes. Her brother Gordon and she assumed the responsibility for their mother’s church attire. While Sandra shopped for clothes and matching accessories, Gordon paid most of the bills. There was one time when Gordon questioned why would she buy a handbag that cost more than the shoes—to which Sandra simply replied: “Because it matched.”

Throughout her life, Sandra made selfless and courageous decisions. There was one decision that changed the trajectory of her life—the decision to open her home to her three young nephews whom she raised to adulthood: Joseph (“Joe”), Nigel, and Shane Streater. They all graduated from Camden High School and continued their higher education in various fields. Another selfless decision Sandra made was to become the primary caregiver for her mother from the time she became ill and incapacitated until her passing in 2003. She was a devoted, caring daughter.

For forty-seven (47) years, Sandra worked at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Ancora, NJ. She started out working as a Human Services Technician (HST) and was promoted to Sr. Human Services Technician in Central Supply. Over the years, she received numerous awards and recognitions, namely: Acknowledgment for Support and Completion of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Survey (Feb. 6-8, 2002), Certificate of Completion of 110 Hours of Instruction in Central Supply Technician Training (Sept. 9, 2003), and certificates of appreciation. She retired in 2017.

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Sandra made her transition at Cooper Hospital, Camden, NJ. She leaves to mourn her beloved twins: Shawna Ellen Hooker and Shannon Gordon Hooker, her beloved nephews: Joseph H. Streater, Jr., Nigel A. Streater, and Shane B. Streater; one sister, Wanda M. Frazier; three brothers: Kenneth L. Hooker, Gordon J. Hooker (Karen), and Larry A. Hooker; goddaughter Ebony Hooker, a host of nieces/great-nieces, nephews/great-nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by: one daughter, Christy Lynn; parents: James L. Hooker and Ellen B. Hooker; two sisters: Matilda G. Johnson and Joyanne Streater; and lastly, two brothers: Delton E. Hooker and Elder Donald H. Watson.

****

SANDRA,

While a heart attack may have removed your physical being from our day-to-day, it will never remove your spirit from us—for you will live forever in our hearts and treasured memories. Rest in Heaven, “Baby Girl/Doll Baby.” We will miss you dearly.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family