Theresa Smith Hooks

Mebane- Theresa Smith Hooks, passed away on February 10, 2017 at the age of 65 after 16 months of a courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Norwood Otis Smith and Beatrice Harding Smith of Winston-Salem, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ed Hooks and their 3 children: Bryan Hooks and wife Media, Amy Wallace and husband Steve, and Chris Hooks and wife Kat. She also will be greatly missed by 6 grandchildren: Charlie, Bekah, Kate, Blair, Cam and Preston. She is also survived by brother George Smith and his wife Aileen. Theresa was born in Winston-Salem and went on to Meredith College, in Raleigh, where she graduated magna cum laude in Chemistry and Math. It was there that she met her husband and they both began their careers in Raleigh. Theresa worked at IBM where her career spanned over 30 years as a software programmer. They moved to Cary to start their family and then to Mebane to grow roots. She meant so much to so many. To Ed, she was the greatest wife a man could have, always supportive, and truly forgiving. She meant so much to him as a partner and best friend. Their love for each other was very evident. For Bryan, Mom provided the foundation of his core values. She encouraged financial stewardship, perseverance and planning to follow one’s dreams, making wise decisions, and living a Christ-centered life. She was always supportive and always there to help. For Amy, she was a shining example of love and family. She exemplified hard-work, dedication, gratitude and humility. For Chris, the youngest, Mom was always by his side no matter what. When he was down, she always had a positive spin on it. That, to him, is just a small part of her legacy. To Stevie-Steve, Media, and Kat, Theresa became a second mother to them. Her house was always open, and her car was always ready to make a trip to help out whenever needed. She was available at the drop of a hat to help set up a new classroom, watch a sick child, cheer at a sporting event, or even take a 3am turn trying to help get a newborn baby to sleep. We truly believe she was the best mom ever, but ultimately her favorite title was Tatee. She loved being a grandmother more than anything, and she adored her grandkids. God is always working in our lives, and He knew that it would be hard for her to ever "retire," so He played a hand in an early retirement from IBM in order provide her with more time with her grandkids. She was happiest when she was with them. Tatee had a special bond with each of her grandbabies. Charlie was the first-born, so he got to break Tatee in. Although, truth be told, it didn't take much as she was wrapped around his finger from the first time their eyes met. To Charlie, Tatee was a super hero, soccer, basketball or football-playing teammate. Then came Bekah and Tatee had to take off her ballcap and put on her backpack, because in Ms Bekah's classroom, Theresa was always her best student. After Bekah came Blair-Bear, and that meant it was time to head outside for swinging and playing on the playground, long walks of being pushed in the red car, and building snowmen named Elmo. Tatee had enough more than enough room for just one more girl to spoil rotten when Ms Kate came along; then it was time for Tatee to become a princess and join her for tea parties. We were then blessed with two more little boys to love. Along came Cam and it was time for Tatee to become a friendly monster with lots of peek-a-boos and "SO BIG" games. And last, but not least, was sweet baby Preston. While Preston didn't get to spend as much time with Tatee, he has been blessed with many hugs, kisses, and snuggles with Tatee and books that she read to him and has left behind for him to read for years to come. She enjoyed travelling and exploring God’s great Earth. She loved working in the yard and garden, and relished the therapy of feeling the dirt in her fingers. She enjoyed the fruits of her labor by playing barefoot with the kids in the grass. Her volunteer work at the bookstore exemplified her giving nature and her love of books and reading. She treasured the fellowship and the relationships she made volunteering. She was a very active and giving member of First Baptist Church, always loving to help out in any way. Her work with the WMU, Samaritans’ Purse , and Operation Inasmuch as such examples. Theresa was always willing to give of herself and was always doing for others. To many of her kids’ friends, she was known as “Mother Theresa.” Never one to take credit, she enjoyed the true spirit of giving. She was of such strong faith, and that was never more evident than in her fight with cancer. Tatee's smiles, relay races, stroller rides, dance parties, big hugs and kisses, and faith in her Savior will never be forgotten. We have been blessed beyond measure, and know that she will continue to bless us and watch after us from Heaven. The family will receive friends at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane from 5 until 7 PM on Monday February 13, 2017 and other times at the residence of the family. There will be a memorial celebration at The First Baptist Church of Mebane at 11:00 AM on Tuesday February 14, 2017 with the Pastor Bland Campbell and Dr. Terry Farmer officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Duke Cancer Institute or Duke Home Care and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704. Condolences may be made online at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net