Obituary For Jean Olaveson Hooks

Our beloved Mother, Jean Olaveson Hooks, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 21. She was known by her family as “Gran” and lived a full, wonderful, life mentoring and loving her 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Born to Thelma Brewer and Fred McCain on February 28, 1939, she grew up in Roanoke, Alabama. Jean married the late Jack Olaveson in 1955 and together they raised 6 children in LaFayette, Alabama: Jackie (Fred) Wertymer of Roswell, Georgia; Pat (Graham) Weatherstone of Columbus, Georgia; Phillip (Nancy) Olaveson of Opelika, Alabama; David Olaveson of Opelika, Alabama, who preceded her in death; Melissa (Jason) Cherry of Opelika, Alabama; and Jen (John) Heffner of Alpharetta, Georgia.

For many years, Jean owned a childrens’ store “Youngland” in LaFayette and later opened a daycare. Families always came first and she was naturally gifted with babies and young children. Jean was the first to lend a hand to those in need and a tireless worker with any task or hobby she pursued. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in LaFayette where she was involved with teaching, singing in the choir and volunteering.

In her early sixties, Jean decided she wanted an adventure so she packed her car and headed out west to work at Yellowstone National Park in Montana. While there, she met and later married Hugh Hooks and they resided in Texas until Hugh’s death. Jean relocated and renovated her father’s one hundred-year-old family home in Wedowee, Alabama. It was in Wedowee that she met Sanford Chambers, who became her longtime, devoted companion. In order to be closer to family, in 2014, Jean and Sanford moved to Opelika, Alabama. While living in Opelika, they enjoyed playing weekly bridge games, gardening and entertaining at Jean’s home on Anderson Road. Jean and Sanford were frequent travelers both in the United States and abroad. Their favorite trip was to Egypt and included a week-long excursion down the Nile River and a day trip to the Pyramids and Israel.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on December 2nd.,11:00 am., First Baptist Church, Opelika, AL, Chapel location. Family members will begin receiving guests at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee County Humane Society or to
Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.,

Guest Book

Jean was a dear friend to my mother, Dot Leininger in LaFayette. They worked together at Youngland. Jean was a daughter to mother and I am grateful for her love. I am named for my mother so don't be confused. With love, gratitude and sympathy. Dot Leininger Anderson

- Dot Anderson