Mary Shaw (McLean) Hooker

Ms. Mary Shaw (McLean) Hooker, age 81, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice in West End, NC.

The Obituary

 In Loving Memory of Elder Mary Shaw (McLean) Hooker
December 4, 1943 – June 3, 2025
“A Life Well Lived – 81 Years of Agape Love, Education, and Service”

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26

With joyful hearts, we celebrate the radiant life and legacy of Elder Mary Shaw (McLean) “Mer-Shaw” Hooker, who transitioned peacefully into her heavenly home on June 3, 2025, at FirstHealth Palliative Care in Pinehurst, NC. At 81 years young, her mission of love, service, and excellence was complete—and her legacy lives on in all of us.

Born in Sanford, NC to Andrew “Buddy” Lee McLean and Alice Gertrude (McLeod) McLean, Mary was a proud graduate of W.B. Wicker School, where she shined both academically and athletically. She was a strong softball pitcher and a skilled trombonist in her high school band—disciplined, determined, and full of flair even then.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Barber-Scotia College and later a Master’s in Education. Mary began teaching in Edenton, NC and eventually moved with her beloved high school sweetheart and kindergarten friend, Wayne S. Hooker, to Washington, DC. There, she served as a treasured educator at A. Kiger Savoy Elementary in Southeast DC for 34 years. Even after retirement, she continued teaching in Prince George’s County and later in Lee County Schools in NC—totaling over 50 years in education, from PreK to 12th grade.

Mary was more than an educator—she was a cultural tour guide, life coach, playwright, and dream igniter. From Broadway field trips to FBI partnerships, fine dining lessons to museum tours (and always explaining that a docent is a guide!), Mary opened worlds for her students. She believed every child—regardless of their challenges—deserved to thrive, and she made sure they did.

Her gifts were recognized with numerous honors, including a $5,000 Scottish Rite award for teaching excellence.

Faith was her compass. In DC, she was a devoted Elder at Faith Presbyterian Church. After returning to Sanford, she rejoined Blandonia Presbyterian Church, serving as liturgist, VBS Superintendent, Session member, daycare board member, caregiver to the sick and shut-in, and teacher during “Moments for Children.”

Mary was a true community servant. She volunteered with the Sanford Lions Club, helping children receive vital eye screenings—honoring the organization that supported her father when he lost his vision to glaucoma during her college years. Quietly and generously, she provided financial help to families in need—groceries, bills, gas, shoes, coats, and more—asking for nothing in return.

But beyond her career and service, Mary was fun. She loved life, laughter, and snacks!
Her favorite food was lobster. She also loved cooking collard greens, salmon, and grits—especially for her granddaughter. She wasn’t big on leftovers, but she loved a good meal out or drive-thru snack.

She was hooked on Game Show Network and adored Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, The Floor, and anything that tickled her brain or her funny bone. She was known to enjoy a sweet treat: seasoned skins, peanut cluster bars, pecan rounds, Snickers, Almond Joy, Oreos, M&Ms, and a tall glass of Lactaid milk. She especially loved Sandra’s Bakery—elephant ears, donuts, and carrot cake muffins were her favorites. And don’t forget her stash of pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and cashews!

Mary was a devoted mother to Carla Michelle Hooker and the late Wayne “Syl” Hooker, Jr., and a proud grandmother to Kamaria Tahira Hooker and Allison Hunter. She adored her daughter-in-law, Susan Boykin (Raleigh, NC), and shared a special bond with her Godchildren: Ronald “Junior” Brown, Jr. (Veronica), Tara Brown-Coleman (Triangle, VA), and April Kelley (Dan, Lusby, MD). Her siblings include Betty Joyce “Belse” Adams (Temple Hills, MD), Sarah McLean, Melanie McNeil (Sanford, NC), and Ronald “Ronnie” McLean (Flora, Carthage, NC).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved son Wayne, and her siblings Margaret McLeod, Reynold McLeod, Andrew “Wimpy" McLean, James Michael McLean, and Paula Murchison.

She also leaves behind a beautiful tribe of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church members, and former students whose lives she changed with her love. Her beloved bonus sons—whom she called her own—include Edwin Smith, Eugene Collins (Oakland, CA), Eric Shumate (Fort Washington, MD), Ray Wilmore (Accokeek, MD), John Burris, Corey Eye, Henry Fogelman, and Rin Pham (Sanford, NC); two bonus granddaughters that she helped raise in Maryland, Shanta' (Wilmore) Bigelow and Sajetta "Muffy" Ford;  Her dearest lifelong best friends and bonus sisters include Linda Larkins, Delois Daye, Rita Odom, and Geneva Merritt.

Mary never met a stranger—only a friend or a student she hadn’t taught yet. Her heart was open, her mind was brilliant, and her words—always wise.

She will be remembered as radiant, poised, articulate, classy, compassionate, fashion icon with a servant’s heart, a brilliant educator, and most of all, a woman of unshakable faith and unconditional love.

Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

And now she does. And forever, she’ll dwell in our hearts too.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC