Frances Geraldine Gayley (Geray) Hooks, of Kountze, passed away on August 12, 2015 at the age of 85. Born in Cushing, Oklahoma on January 12, 1930, she moved with her family to Beaumont in 1937.
A graduate of Beaumont High School, she attended the University of Texas and earned her teaching degree from Lamar University. She worked as a stewardess with Braniff Airways in the late 1940s, and because of her love for flying and travel, became a licensed pilot in 1963. While living in Beaumont, she was active in many social and civic organizations, including Melody Maids and the Women's League of the Beaumont Symphony. She served as President of the Junior Forum and worked several years with the Neches River Festival. She taught first grade at Caldwood Elementary from 1974 to 1984, earning several awards for her excellence. Her teaching brought her much joy and satisfaction. In 1984 she began a long and successful career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, eventually rising to Executive Senior Director. Through her success and recruitment of others into Mary Kay, she was able to help change the lives of many women in the Southeast Texas area, and beyond. In addition to her many honors and awards with Mary Kay, she enjoyed travelling to Hong Kong, Australia and Europe with colleagues who had also earned these trips owing to their high position and production within the company. She was a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Beaumont, where she served on the Board and was soloist for many years, and was also a member of the Mother Church in Boston.
Geray is survived by her two sons, John, of Kountze, and David, of Woodstock, Vermont.
She is predeceased by her husband, H.A. Hooks, her son, Robert Clayton (Rocky) Hooks, her sister, June Hooks and her parents, Frances and C.E. Gayley.
A memorial service celebrating Geray's life will be held at Farmer's Funeral home in Silsbee on Thursday, August 20th at 11:00 am.
At the family's request, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
