Joyce Hooker (Sumsion)

Obituary for
Joyce Hooker (Sumsion)

Joyce Sumsion Hooker, 84, passed away on March 25, 2018. She was surrounded by her family and friends, who returned her to her Heavenly Father with much love!

Joyce was born on August 22, 1933 in Chester, Utah to Alma Byrd and Evah Justesen Sumsion. Her family moved to Moscow, Idaho, where she and her two sisters, Cheral (Lindahl) and Aleene (LeBaron), grew up on a dairy farm. The family later moved to Cheney, Washington. Joyce attended and graduated from University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. While at University of Idaho, she fell in love with Thomas M. Hooker, and they were married on April 16, 1954 in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple.

Tom became an officer in the US Air Force, and he and Joyce spent an adventurous life traveling the world and raising their family. Their first son, Bryan, was born while they were stationed in Texas in 1955, then Chris and David were born in Japan, and finally LeeAnn in North Carolina. They also lived in Hawaii, Taiwan, Utah, and South Carolina, where Tom retired. Joyce and Tom then moved to Provo, Utah in 1976, building a home where they lived the remainder of their wonderful lives.

Joyce played the violin and piano throughout her life; she played in the Utah Valley Symphony, and instilled in her children and grandchildren a love of music. She also taught at what is now UVU and in the English department at BYU for 16 years, where she thoroughly enjoyed her relationships with her students and colleagues. An avid reader and painter, she also served others generously. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings all her life, and had a deep love for the Lord. Joyce was a remarkably wise woman, exceptionally perceptive and understanding, and she will be deeply missed.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Tom (in 2011). She is survived by her four children—Bryan Hooker (Dawn) of Carmel, IN; Chris Hooke (Lori) of Ventura, CA; David Thomas (Jillayne) of Cedar City, UT; and LeeAnn Smith (Dan) of Park City, UT; by 17 grandchildren, and by13 great-grandchildren who live in eight states.

A viewing (9:30AM) and funeral (11AM) will be held on Friday, March 30 at 555 E., 3230 N. (Edgemont 2nd Ward Bldg.), in Provo, Utah.