Gale Crawley Steele Hooker

With profound sorrow yet steadfast faith in the love and grace of God, the family announces the passing of Gale Crawley Steele Hooker, 78, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, on June 17, 2025. Gale, beloved by all who knew her, was born on October 20, 1946, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to her devoted parents, Norma Gale Crawley and David E. Crawley, Jr. She lived her entire life in the heart of Kosciusko, eventually settling into a cherished home across the street from her parents, where she could gaze upon their home and horses from her porch.

Gale graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1965 and later graduated with a degree in Home Economics at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. While studying at Belhaven, Gale set her sights on a charismatic student that all of the girls were eager to know. Michael Henry Steele had an undeniable charm, and she landed a date with him. That date turned into a good life that included his attending Ole Miss Law School, joining Crawley and Ford Law Firm, and having their three children. Their shared belief system kept them active at First Presbyterian where she aided in the design of the new church. During a different stage of life and decades later at a Belhaven reunion, God smiled upon her as she spotted an impeccably dressed man with a dazzling smile—Lamar Hooker. Their connection was instant; they were inseparable and devoted to each other. They were united in marriage in March 2002, sharing a deep bond until Lamar’s passing in 2023. Gale knew that meeting Lamar was a gift from the Lord, and their nightly Bible readings together were a testament to their shared faith and love.

A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Kosciusko, Gale’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and VBS leader when her children were young, pouring her heart into her church family, who embraced her and her three children—Michael, Suzanne, and Elizabeth—as their own. She was instrumental in planning the interior finishes of the old Presbyterian church off the square and guiding the new architecture and interior of the current Presbyterian church. The congregation’s love and support, especially in her final months, enveloped Gale and her family, for which they are eternally grateful.

Gale’s talents were as boundless as her kindness. A gifted seamstress and interior decorator, she left her stylish mark wherever she went. Her creative touch transformed homes with exceptionally chosen furniture, hand-tailored draperies, and carefully curated art, creating spaces that radiated warmth and beauty. Her own home, featured in the Historic Tour of Homes, was a masterpiece of antiques and treasures collected from across the United States, each piece telling a story of her adventures. Whether preparing a gourmet meal with magazine-worthy presentation or embarking on antiquing trips and Lamar’s tennis tournament circuits, Gale’s zest for living was as real as her love of cats. Everyone in the surrounding areas knew exactly who to call when a lonely kitty needed a home. In later years, she and Lamar delighted in visiting their grandchildren, marveling at their growth and accomplishments.

Gale’s heart was her greatest gift. She considered it a profound honor to care for her father, mother, and Lamar in their final months, a reflection of her deep love and devotion. Gale was a dedicated part-owner and manager of Court Square Village in Kosciusko, where her compassionate heart shone brightly. She took a profound interest in the well-being of those in need, often generously providing for their physical and medical needs from her own resources with kindness and consideration. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, and creativity, woven with threads of generosity and grace.

Gale is preceded in death by her parents, Norma Crawley and David E. Crawley, Jr., and her beloved husband and partner of 35 years, William Lamar Hooker. She is survived by her brother David E. Crawley III and three children: Michael (Shelby) Steele of Kosciusko; Suzanne (Chris) Wellborn of Madison, Alabama; and Elizabeth (Mike) Kaiser of Hendersonville, Tennessee. She leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Tye, Fletcher, Marshall, Elizabeth, Benton, Ava, Anna, Bentley, Nathan, and Winston Anne and soon to be born great grandchild Brixton. Gale is also survived by Lamar’s loving family: Grice (DeeDee) Hooker, Gregory Scott (Katy) Hooker, Clinton Lamar (Molly) Hooker, and their six children: Brady, Carson, Britton, Finley, Blake, and Wyatt.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Gale, particularly from her First Presbyterian Church family, headed by Pastor Devenish and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, headed by Joe Steele, and also for her caretakers, Mandy and Sarah. Judy Ryan, a retired charge nurse and wonderful friend, was especially dedicated and oversaw complex routines and medications. The family is grateful for Drs. Hawari, Cantrell and Bourgeois, and for the care given at Huntsville Hospital. Her right-hand confidant and friend, Bessie Love, has tirelessly doted on the entire family for decades and ongoing, providing Gale and her children with love and affection. Her loyal friends and co-workers Kaki, Kevin, Cuz and Mysti also lifted many burdens from her shoulders and provided cheer. Gale’s life was a melody of faith and service, played joyfully for the Lord, and her memory will resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.

Gift offerings in Memorial may be considered for the following:

First Presbyterian Church, Kosciusko, MS

or

National Christian Foundation, Mail to: 1901 Ulmerton Road, Suite 400, Clearwater, FL 33762. Please write the fund number (#4052447) and fund name ('The Friends of Oxford Evangelical Presbyterian Church), or online at National Christian Foundation.

or

PCS Community Center Capital Campaign