Mary Ellen Hooser's Obituary
Mary Ellen Hooser, age 83, went to be with the Lord February 24, 2026. She was born August 30, 1942 in Roff, Oklahoma to William Jake and Minnie Prewett Brady.
The theme of her life was faith. Her father, Jake Brady, was saved in a pig pen in southern Oklahoma, and her mother was steadfast in her lifelong faith. That legacy has rippled into every generation after them, including Mary Ellen and her husband, John.
She married her sweetheart, Big John Hooser in 1960. She was 4 months older than him, teasing that she was a cougar in more than one way, as she graduated from Ada High School, mascot: cougars. They were married 60.5 years before he went on to be with the Lord before her in July 2021.
They moved from Ada, OK to Prairie Grove, AR in 2003, following their son and grandkids, making a new life post-retirement. They attended Summers Missionary Baptist Church and supported their family in every endeavor.
Mary was preceded in death by her biggest cheerleader and love of her life, John Boyce Hooser, Sr, her son John Boyce Hooser II, one granddaughter, Rachel Jackson, 7 siblings: Hoyt Brady, Harold Brady, Raymond Brady, Bill Brady, Minnie June Griffin, Faye Littlepage, and Joyce Summers.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Debbie Hooser, daughter Rhonda Hooser, grandchildren Cassie Hooser Davis, husband Scott, Jake Hooser, wife Catelyn, Caleb Jackson, wife Heather, William Isbill, five great grandchildren Lily and Ella Davis, Cannan, Boker, and Creed Hooser, her dog Tink, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
If Mary could tell you anything, it would be to trust in God and be thankful for everyday that you have. Her philosophy during hard circumstances: A hundred years from now nobody will know the difference anyway. She and her wit will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday March 2, 2026 at Summers Missionary Baptist Church in Lincoln, Arkansas. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Tuesday at Summers Missionary Baptist Church with burial to follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice 901 Jones Rd. Springdale, AR 72762 or Gideon’s International P.O. Box 641 Prairie Grove, AR 72753.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
