Janey Hooper
October 15, 2016
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.
Pam Eakins Thompson
10/18/2016
Janey, you were one of a kind, a true spirit of Love. Thank you for the inspiration through the years of North high, Cavaliers, Thunder Bird and all the other venues you made extraordinary. May God watch over your family during this time of loss.
Dan and Sharon Meyer
10/18/2016
Dave, Jolee, Jesse and Gina and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. You can take great solace in knowing the tremendous impact Janey had on so many lives. I still remember with fondness the performances Jolee and Jesse shared with us at UMS and I could see the awesome impact your Mom had on your lives at even a young age. Take care.
Karl Butler
10/18/2016
Lea was my first football Coach Janey was like a sister ,she was warm sweet and for real to every one.We all have our special moments with her the smile the voice the happiness she gave us all.Thank you for the joy you gave us all.
Stephanie LeClair
10/18/2016
I'm honored to have called you my friend, so many memories I will cherish forever! What a glorious concert heaven must be having! You will truly be missed my Janey girl! Love you!! To your family, my sincerest sympathies. Prayers for peace, comfort & strength through this very difficult time.
Todd & Sherri Marker
10/17/2016
We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kristi Baker
10/17/2016
I first heard Janey at Thunderbird Lanes many years ago. Then on to Blues On Grand And lots of other venues. She was awesome! Always stopped to talk with me. So sorry ??
Kathie Bingaman
10/17/2016
Janey was one of my sister's best friends in jr high and high school. We reconnected about 5 years ago (after 40 some years )in a surprising way. So glad we did! God in his infinite wisdom puts us in certain places at certain times for a reason. Janey was a very special lady and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again, Janey....
Deb Judisch
10/17/2016
I first heard Janey a LONG time ago when she was at the Thunderbird Lanes Bar as part of the Cavaliers! Wow...watched her sing her heart out right up until she went to deliver one of her children! The only one of you kid's I know well is Jesse. Honey...if you remember, this is Heidi's mom. SO sorry for your loss but imagine the gain in Heaven's choir! All of you hold each other up at this time. You'll be in my prayers and thoughts.
Patrice Howard
10/17/2016
My what a " Songbird" Janey was. He heart was genuine, and her spirit authentic. In my heart I will love the sound of her voice singing forever.
Tom Hoffman
10/17/2016
As we all are, I am blessed to have hade Janey in my life as a friend and as an entertainer. I mourn her as we all do, but I can't help but to feel fulfilled as her song and her piano lifted me so many times to Heights so high my heart soared. .. A beautiful soul, a beautiful heart, a beautiful smile is how I will remember Janey.
Terry Cassady
10/17/2016
It was my privilege to have grown up with Janey and to have been her friend. She was a gift to all who knew her. Her musical talents lit up a room and lifted everyone's spirits. I'm honored to have one of her CDs. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
william milne
10/17/2016
my heart is heavy and the memories are running down my face of growing up together on 11place janey and my sister and brother are racing through my mind along with all the music venues, diff. bands over all these years and janey's talent and warm heart, she was a gift to all.RIP my friend
Julie
10/17/2016
Many great memories of seeing you and dancing to your music many Saturday nights. Heaven is jazzy now! Rest in Peace sweet lady!
Ronald L German
10/17/2016
Words can't express the deep sorrow brought on with Janey's passing. Her talents, and the memories she provided, will live on with all those she entertained. Janey was far more than a song stylist....she was a life stylist. As all who knew her would agree, the time we shared with Janey was a gift. Rest in peace sweet Janey.
Rick Acri
10/17/2016
To all the Family Friends that Janey touched in her journey through life. My prayers will help me get by this, my prayers for every one?? One last thing would like to share. Always every music set I attended, included a song by Marvin Gaye Mercy Mercy??God bless!