Janette Hooten

Janette Hooten, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully at home in Kempner, Texas, on August 20, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on July 18, 1947, in Temple, Texas, Janette led a life full of warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community. Services will be 11:00, Monday, August 26, 2024, at First Street Church of Christ, 201 W 1st St, Lampasas, TX 76550. Burial will follow at Kempner Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the funeral service, at First Street Church of Christ. 

A proud graduate of Copperas Cove High School, Class of 1965, Janette was not only known for her academic achievements but also for her leadership on the basketball court, where she served as a captain on the girls’ basketball team. Throughout her life, Janette's warmth and kindness resonated with everyone around her. She was known for her forthright nature, always speaking her mind while being deeply loved and respected by all.

Janette’s career in education spanned over three decades, during which she served the Copperas Cove Independent School District (CCISD) for 31 years. She began as a school cafeteria worker, later becoming a workroom aide and ultimately a teacher's aide. Her commitment to education extended beyond retirement, as she returned to CCISD as a substitute teacher's aide for approximately ten years.

Janette cherished time spent with her family, particularly during the holidays, where she created lasting memories. She was renowned for her culinary skills, delighting loved ones with her exceptional chocolate cookies, pecan pie, coconut cream pie and homemade candies. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading Danielle Steel novels, collecting owl figurines, and creating beautiful counted cross stitch ornaments. Recently, she took up crocheting, adding yet another layer of creativity to her life. She enjoyed her regularly scheduled lunches with the Fairview group and the DQ/Martin Walker group as well as, attending granny basketball.

Faith was an important part of her life. She was most recently a dedicated member of the First Street Church of Christ in Lampasas, Texas. Previously, as a testament to her caring spirit and commitment to giving back to her community, Janette volunteered at the Little House Clothing Shelter at the Copperas Cove Church of Christ where she was a member for over forty years. Her strength, love and faith has left a beautiful legacy in which we find peace and comfort. 

Janette is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, James Hooten; her son, Russell Hooten (Charlene); her grandchildren, Ashley Graham (Joseph) and Grace Hooten. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Greg Deakin; her grandchildren, Cassandra Anderson (Tyler) and RJ Deakin. Her brothers, Weldon Wichman (Viola) and Bailey Wichman (Sherry), her sister, Susan Murphy; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

Janette was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Paula Deakin; her father, WP Wichman; her mother, Gladys Wichman; and her siblings, JD Wichman, Delares Raburn; and brother-in-law, Clifford Raburn.

While Janette Hooten will be remembered for her contributions to education and community service, she will be best remembered for her role as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to resonate within her family and the community she so dearly cherished.