Frances Isabell Keisler Hooper

Frances Isabell Keisler Hooper, 90, of St. Mathews SC died Sunday, July 24, 2016. Funeral services will be graveside at West End Cemetery in St. Matthews on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Frances Isabell Keisler Hooper was born in St. Matthews SC on July 7, 1926 the daughter of Willie Herlong and Lonnie L. Keisler.She went to join her parents on July 24, 2016.Her desire was that everyone know she lived a long and great life.As she often said, she received so many blessings from the Lord. Fran was a member of First Baptist Church of St. Matthews and was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class. She is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) W. Hooper, Sr. of the home, three children, Kathleen Rose Riske of St. Matthews, Rama Hooper Andrews of Columbia, and Robert W. Hooper, Jr. (Jane) of the Isle of Palms.Also, six grandchildren, Julie Ulmer (Fred), Laura Wetherell (T.J.) of St. Matthews, Jake Andrews and Rebecca Hooper of Charleston, Sarah Hooper of Rock Hill and Alyssa Bridges (Alex) of Columbia.Survivors also include her eight great grandchildren, Madison, Rachel and Dillon Ulmer, Samantha Riske-Adkins, Jerry, David and Jamie Riske, all of St. Matthews, and Arya Bridges of Columbia, and one great, great grandchild, Katelyn Riske of St. Matthews. Fran graduated from St. Matthews High School in 1943 where she was a member of the Beta Club, served on the school newspaper and was valedictorian of her class.She also received the Commercial Award and was immediately recruited by Civil Service for a job in Washington, D.C.She became a “government girl” during World War II.Her career included working for General “Hap” Arnold in the Pentagon when he was Chief of the Army Air Corps.She later moved to Andrews AFB where she became the Documentation Manager for the base.She and Bob were married at Andrews AFB just before he was sent to Vietnam for his third tour of duty.While at Andrews, Fran started her pursuit of a BA degree in Business Administration by attending classes on base given by the University of Maryland.When he returned, they were transferred to Panama for a three-year tour.While there, she served as Assistant Administrator for the USAF Southern Command.On return to the States, they were assigned to Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California, where she retired after 30 years of service.Their next assignment took them to Scott AFB in Belleville, Illinois.While there she finished her college work on base with classes given by the University of Southern Illinois.She and Bob also headed the Sunday School Department for the Baptist Church in Lebanon, Illinois.Bob retired from the Air Force at Scott AFB and they returned to St.Matthews. Once they had their house built, they became active in the Calhoun Players.Fran directed and Bob produced six of their shows-South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun, Calamity Jane, Mame, Cactus Flower and Arsenic and Old Lace. Next, they became active in the Square Dance Club, Ring-O-Ramblers in Orangeburg where she met her close friend, Louise McCall. In 1991, she and Bob took over the management of Calhoun Country Club.After retiring in 1987, they again returned to run the Club in 2006 and finally retired in 2012. During this time, they also managed the Senior Golf Circuit started by the Gressette family, finally retiring from that in 2013. They were active campers during most of their life and made several trips cross-country, into Mexico, Canada, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.Along with the McCalls, they also visited China and Italy. Friends may call at Culler McAlhany Funeral Home in North, SC on Monday, July25, 2016 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice. Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home in North (www.mcalhanyfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family with arrangements.