Gladys Ward Hooker, born on September 30, 1929, in Dothan, Alabama, was a beloved educator and cherished member of her community. She pursued her education at Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida, and furthered her studies at Florida Memorial College, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Gladys dedicated over 30 years of her life to teaching at George W. Carver and Pinedale Elementary Schools, where she was known for her compassion and unwavering commitment to her students, staff, and families.

Her professional accomplishments were matched by her warmth, generosity, and deep love for her family and friends. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Dixon and Mrs. Laura Ward, her devoted husband Willie F. Hooker, Jr., her brothers Dixon Ward Jr. and Marion Ward, her sister Olivia Ward Jackson, and her loving son Ronald Hooker.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving son Dr. Willie Hooker III (Billy); grandsons William Hooker and Christopher Hooker; sister-in-law Katherine Ward; nieces Debra Fleming and Brenda Scantling, and a host of relatives and friends. Her legacy of excellence and kindness continues to inspire all who knew her.

Mrs. Hooker will be remembered at a viewing on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church, 10604 Iowa Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32219 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 12:15 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church, 10604 Iowa Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32219, followed by the Entombment at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.