Mary Lee Hoover

In Loving Memory of Mary Lee Hoover

June 28, 1939 – September 11, 2026

Mary Lee Hoover was born on June 28, 1939, in Belzoni, Mississippi, to the late Iona (Tillman) Jefferson and Booker Jefferson. Of this union, Mary was the sixth oldest child from 12 siblings. She has preceded four sisters in death: Catherine Lumpkin, Evelyn, Ethel Fleming, and Clementine “Clem”. Siblings who transitioned are: Jesse, Ossie Mae Cartharn, Willie Mae Rule, OC, Mae Pluma, Bernice Sutherland, and Chester at five years old. She was raised in Tchula, Mississippi, where she received her primary education at Tchula School Elementary and later attended Milston High School.

As a young woman, Mary relocated from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois, where she established her home and began the next chapter of her life. It was in Chicago that she met the love of her life, David Hoover. The two were united in marriage and shared a beautiful journey together for more than 64 years. Their enduring love, commitment, and devotion to one another were a testament to the strength of family and faith.

Mary embraced the Christian faith and was a longtime and devoted member of Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago. Later in life, she became a member of Monument Faith Evangelistic Church of Faith in Chicago, where she continued to worship and nurture her relationship with God until her transition.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. Together, Mary and David raised seven children. She devoted herself to creating a loving home and instilling in her children the importance of family, faith, perseverance, and love.

Mary leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved husband of more than 64 years, David Hoover; six children, Martina “Sandra” Darcheville, Janis, Alan, Terry (Theresa), David Jr., and Kenneth (Moniquee); and the memory of her beloved son, Darren Hoover, who preceded her in death.

She leaves a beautiful legacy through her fourteen grandchildren: Tommy L. Jr. (Madelyn), Norris N., Maurice, Christian, Christian M., Faith M., Jamarie, Pierre, Darius, Jaylan, Kayla, Kameron, Kenneth Jr., and Courteney; and her eight great-grandchildren: Kamyra, Tommy III, Millan, Kennedy, Amarion, Princess, Nefertiti, and D’Angelo E.

Mary will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, her devotion to her husband, her faith in God, and the many lives she touched throughout her journey. Her presence brought strength, love, and memories that will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

On September 11, 2026, Mary Lee Hoover peacefully transitioned from this earthly life. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, faith, and legacy will continue through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, church family, and friends.

She fought a good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. 

Services and interment Private