KILMARNOCK—Earl Harvey “Yankee” Hooper of Kilmarnock began his journey anew on April 9, 2019, surrounded by family at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital in Mechanicsville,
Mr. Hooper was born in Northumberland County September 17, 1940, the son of the late Willie Earl Hooper and Corinne Haynie Hooper Kelley. He received his education in the Northumberland County Public Schools. At an early age, he joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville.
Yankee was a jack of all trades and master of many things. Throughout his life, he worked as a fisherman in the menhaden industry, a construction worker in Maryland and DC, and a lawn care provider after returning to the Northern Neck.
He had a love for motorcycles, cars and mowers. He could talk about anything whether it was Harley Davidson, BMW or John Deere. He kept everything cleaned, titled and ready to roll.
In the early 80s Yankee met his lifelong companion, Maxine Carter, and they made their home in Kilmarnock. Together they enjoyed visiting with family and friends, riding motorcycles and encouraging others along the way.
Joining other family members who had traveled before him, Yankee was predeceased by his son, James Hooper; daughter, Cheryl Newton; parents, Willie Earl Hooper and Corinne Haynie Hooper Kelley; stepfather, David Kelley; and siblings, Corrine Hooper Waters and McLarn “Mac” Hooper Sr.
Yankee will be greatly missed by family and friends and those that he met along the way. Everyone he encountered knew he was “one of a kind.” Yankee leaves to cherish his memory his significant other, Maxine S. Carter; daughter: Lolita Harris (Michael) of Arlington; sons, Given Rice of Heathsville, Anthony E. Hooper of Washington, D.C., Tyrone Newton (Cheryl) of Heathsville, Terry Phillips (Chantel) of Washington, D.C., Cobren Hooper of Philadelphia, Pa., JaVon R. Carter (Debbie) of Regina and James A. Carter Jr. (Temeka) of Alexandria; 18 grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Washington of Lottsburg; two brothers, Kermit S. Hooper (Mary) of Heathsville and Kirk G. Kelley (Valarie) of Upper Marlboro, Md.; stepsister, Cynthia Parker (Nathaniel); stepbrother, Robert Kelley; special cousins, Joe Brooks and Wesley Haynie; special friends, LeVern Wiggins, Enos “Bumpse” Saunders and Robert Russell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life service was held at 1 p.m.Saturday, April 13, at The Chapel of Berry O. Waddy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Burgess. The Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Waller officiated.
Following the service repast was shared with family and friends at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Wicomico Church.
