Janie Ann Key Hooker

Janie Ann Key Hooker, 90, peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father on October 30, 2025. Janie was born in Surry County on May 9, 1935, to loving parents, Claude Swanson Key, Sr. and Lonnie Esther Key. Janie was from a large family, being one of six siblings, with many extended family members in and around North Carolina and Virginia.

Janie married her life-long love, Clarence "Melvin" Hooker on September 18, 1954, and the couple enjoyed 64 years of wedded joy.

Upon returning home, Janie was welcomed into Heaven by Melvin and family after a life well lived.

Janie's legacy is a life wholly committed to service in the Lord's name to family, friends, the Church, and community. Janie's commitment to humanity knew no bounds, as she helped, touched, and impacted countless lives of many near and far with the Word of God, her warm spirit and zeal for life. She spent every moment caring for others. Janie, her husband, and the church were able to support and rescue the Keomanideth family from a refugee camp in Thailand after much hard work, prayer, and patience, and sponsored their transition to life in America. Janie made meaningful connections with everyone she encountered that she maintained and cared for with intention throughout her life.

Janie dedicated her time to service-oriented roles throughout her life at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Wachovia Bank, Edgewood Christian Schools, LJVM Coliseum, Winston-Salem Visitor Center, Winston-Salem Dash, and Yadkin Tours. Janie's vast volunteer history included roles as Chairman of Refugee Resettlement of international efforts and Director of Homemaker's Choir, and multi-year commitments to the following organizations:

Piedmont Baptist Association, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, and Winston-Salem Board of Elections.

Janie enjoyed worshipping the Gospel through music and served as Minister of Music for over 50 years at Fellowship Baptist Church, Forest Hill Baptist Church, Goodwill Baptist Church, and Forsyth Park Baptist Church.

Janie's favorite memories are made up of precious time with family and friends while gathering over meals, spending time at their cabin in the mountains, traveling together, and embarking on mission trips around the world.

Janie is survived by her three children: Barry Melvin Hooker (Charlotte) of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Benny Ray Hooker (Pat) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Betsy Key Hooker Hintzmann (Todd) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Lena Marie Hooker of Nashville, TN, and Thomas Ray Hooker of Winston-Salem, NC; step grandsons, Andy Snow (Shannon) of Wilmington, NC, and Mitchell Snow (Christine) of Clemmons, NC; goddaughter, Janie Sengsy of Kernersville, NC; and French summer son, Jean-Pierre Farges (Alexandra) of Paris, France.

The Hooker Family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff and volunteers at Trellis Supportive Care. Please join the family on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM for a service (with a visitation time at 11 AM) at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek Chapel, Winston-Salem, NC, with Pastor Ken Warner and Rev. Bill Horton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Entombment will immediately follow the service at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 3250 High Point Road, Winston-Salem, NC. This will be a time to honor the life of love and service for others to God's Glory that Janie led.

Memorial contributions may be made for NC Baptist Men to Fellowship Baptist Church, 1075 Teague Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 27107.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Hayworth-Millar Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.