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Janey Hooper Obituary
Des Moines
Surrounded by her family, Jane Ann Hernandez (Hooper) passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 15, 2016.
Janey will be remembered for her big humorous heart, her tremendous musical talents, and her true love of being a mother and grandmother.
Janey's passion for music was shared with her children. Her son, Jesse, was her drummer on and off since he was a child. Her daughter, Jolee, shares her love of playing piano and singing. Her daughter, Gina, a life-long fan of all music her family played. One of her most favorite things to do was just to sit around, tell stories, and laugh. She was a devoted grandmother who encouraged curiosity, creativity, and to make time to "stop and smell the flowers."
Her career in music began in 1972 at Pines Bar where she went with her dad to watch him call BINGO. The band playing there that night was in desperate need of a last minute substitute pianist. Her father bragged to the owner of the bar that his daughter played "piana," and the owner had her sit in, and so began a forty-year career as a vocalist and pianist whose versatility has made her one of Des Moines most treasured musical gems in the realm of jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, and funk. Last year, she was inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame and is a three time inductee into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Her final days in her musical career were spent hosting Tuesday night Jam Sessions at Carl's Place and playing songs for Seniors in the Des Moines area through the non-profit organization, The Merry Makers.
Janey is survived by her mother, Norma Hooper; brothers, Jon Hooper, David Hooper (Barb), Mike Hooper (Chris); spirit-sister, Karen Woody (Steve); children, Gina Turner (Josh), Jesse Hernandez (Bobbi), Jolee Donnelly (Steven); grandchildren, Layla, Maurice, Penelope, Leland, Carleigh, Claire; nieces, Donna Hooper Mendoza (Jguadalupe and sons, Erick and David; daughter, Karen), Brianna Brewster (Adam); and nephews, Casey Hooper (Alexandra and son, Jack), Justin Polson, and Austin Polson. She is preceded in death by her father, Leland Hooper.
A celebration of her life will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines on Wednesday, October 19th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, which will include time to share stories about Janey starting at 5:00 PM. Prayers and reflection of Janey's life will be led by minister and cousin Kay Hooper at 6:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janey Hooper
Sponsored by Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street.
October 12, 2020
Janey, we think of you and HEAR YOU, in the Key of Love. with our thoughts more often than once a year... stay tuned,,,, RIP kenxqed > Patsy and Kenny Newman
Randy Ward
April 9, 2019
I met Janey around '74 when we played together in a very short lived band. After i returned from California a few years later we played together with Ella Ruth Piggee at P.J. Brennan's. I recently moved back to Des Moines from Florida and was shocked and saddened to learn of Janeys passing. This last Sunday; April 7th 2019 I was lucky to be asked to perform at the concert for her posthumous induction into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. It was an emotional evening for me because it also is the date if my late sons birthday. The concert was a step toward closure but I find myself thinking of Janey and realizing She was one of the finest people I have ever known. I will be missing her until the end if my days.
Beth Darner Johnson
August 13, 2017
Janey was in my high school class. A special lady even then. So sorry for your loss.
Denise & Alan Jones
October 24, 2016
We are very grateful that our paths crossed with Janey's in recent years. Her subtle, yet sublime, singing & playing style was such a delight! May God comfort all her family & close friends in the months & years ahead.
Maggie Boulding
October 24, 2016
Thank you, Janey for sharing your world class gift with us. Especially in your special performances at The Life Center where you brought such joy to the residents including my Mom. Rest in musical heaven, dear lady.
Debra Martinez
October 23, 2016
My husband and I met at Lloyd's. The reason I was there was Janey. I had been following Janey for a while. I loved her voice and her renditions of the classics - songs I heard while growing up - I got my love of music from my mom. My husband and let Janey know we met because of her. She made our day when she played at our wedding reception, which included her version of our favorite song, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life". I was so sad to hear she passed away last week. She will be dearly missed - she could make the most of any song she sang and she touched so many people.
Silhouette of Janey created by a senior resident at Plymouth Place during a performance
October 20, 2016
Janey's been a musical force in the Midwest for many years, but her participation with Merrymakers in Central Iowa brought out a side of her that won't surprise her many fans and friends. Performing for senior audiences in nursing homes and the like, Janey seemed always to make a connection, even with those whose cognitive abilities were diminished. She knew the oldies, but even when she didn't , her talent allowed her to play along while audience members supplied the lyrics. She left many old people with a smile.
Lori Young
October 19, 2016
Janey, rest and sing on in heaven! May God bless and strengthen your surviving family, friends, and fellow musicians.
bobby penson
October 19, 2016
it is really sad to know that janey is gone but she was such a classy lady and treated everyone she met as if THEY WERE SPECIAL when she was the one that truly was! bobby "wild thing" penson
Linda Godlewski
October 19, 2016
I am so saddened by the loss of Janey. When I think of her, I remember that big smile and the way she would sway or bounce when singing some jazz. She was an extremely talented individual and boy what a beautiful voice! Prayers and condolences to her family. Rest in peace Janey
October 19, 2016
I am so sad to learn of Janey's passing. To her children and all the Hooper's I can see Leland and my Mom & Dad SO excited to welcome her! God's peace to you all.
Love from Jeanne Weinland (Patterson)
June 1970 North High Graduation
Claradell Shedd
October 19, 2016
The halls of North High are diminished with Janey's passing. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends. Janey's 1970 North High class page: http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1970(2015.45).html
Claradell Shedd
Class of June, 1953
Allen Waggoner
October 19, 2016
Janey, you will be missed by all of us who loved you and your music. God speed and enjoy that great jam with all that have passed before you.
ken newman
October 19, 2016
Rest in Peace Heaven's Signature Voice and Keyboard style of Janey Hooper, with her undeniable warmth, creating that groove~ long enjoyed by the Newman family of Patsy and Kenny♫
Jenine Newman
October 18, 2016
Voice of a song bird and a heart of an angel. May your voice ring and your soul radiate through heaven and earth, always.
Cecil White
October 18, 2016
Janey brought the same soulfulness to her interaction with people as she did with her music...
Dianna Redd
October 18, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of such an amazing voice.
October 18, 2016
Janie considered my Mother (Helen Gale Galinsky) her "icon." She played for her and others when she came to the retirement home where my Mother lived for 8 years. The nurses always placed my Mom next to Janie so they could be next to each other.
Now, Janie is an icon to so many. She truly will be missed.
Jim Galinsky
ken newman
October 18, 2016
Janey will never be alone. That's how this works. Rest in Peace my friend of music. kenxqed♫'
Sioux Chiodo-Newberg
October 18, 2016
R.I.P. Janey, Thanks for all of the good times, your music, your voice and YOU!!! Deepest Sympathy to all of Janey's family!!! Wow, how she was loved!!!
Rita Hammon Downey
October 18, 2016
Never met Janey but heard so much about her from sister-in-law, Dory Downey Hollinger. Am so sorry for your loss, Nornie. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rita Hammon Downey
Springfield, MO
Vickie (Victoria) Noble (Bustamante)
October 18, 2016
Janey, will be truly missed. Enjoyed her at our Family events. Sing with the Angels Janey~ LOVE YOU~
Dick McDonald
October 18, 2016
Sorry I won't be able to attend the service. The family and everyone who knew her will miss a truly wonderful person. God just added a beautiful voice and person to his angelic choir.
Eric Machholz
October 18, 2016
You will be missed Janey. I spent many evenings sitting at the bar at Lloyd's or Sam & Gabe's sipping wine and listening to your outstanding music and talent.
Brian Holtz
October 18, 2016
Janey was the one responsible for getting me into the music business when she almost ordered me to run home get my conga's and sit in with her the remainder of the night at Jazzy Willy's. We played as a duo for about a year. "Teach me tonight" Janey I will miss our phone calls. Brian Holtz
Garla Gallimore
October 18, 2016
your voice and spirit will live on forever, you can now play the golden keys above. RIH
Lanny Banker
October 18, 2016
Rita and I will be praying for all who knew her and enjoyed that big always present smile
Adam Exline
October 17, 2016
Sending my condolences from Tampa. Such a terrible loss.
Eric Stimson
October 17, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Janey's passing. I can't remember the first time I heard Janey sing the Blues. Perhaps it was a Mel Harper's joint in West Des Moines. What a kind and beautiful woman, an artist that this city is so blessed to have born witness to her incredible talent. Just like Irene, we will forever miss you and are so lucky to have known 'ya.
Kelly Sargent
October 17, 2016
Janey meant a great deal to both Paul and me. When Paul first moved back to Des Moines from Texas, in addition to me, Janey was the one person who encouraged Paul to start playing again. She would invite him to play with her wherever she was playing. She was unwaveringly supportive and always treated me as if I were someone special. SHE was the special one, though.
MaryJo Street
October 17, 2016
Always remember her wonderful laugh and smile, in addition to her talent. Sad Loss.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
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Memorial Events
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Oct
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Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
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