Janey Hooper

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.

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