Sheila Joyce Hooper

My beloved sister, Sheila Joyce Hooper, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7th at Mission Hospital, with family by her side.

Born on February 19, 1954, in Sylva, NC, Sheila made her home for many years in the Big Ridge community of Glenville.

Sheila was dedicated and hard-working. She spent several years with Lea Industries before beginning a 40-year career at Champion in Waynesville, where she was deeply respected and appreciated by her coworkers.

Sheila loved the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or traveling to Montana in the Fall to fly-fish, she found joy in nature. She also enjoyed tending her garden and canning the vegetables she grew.

An animal lover at heart, Sheila had a special affection for black bears, deer, raccoons, and feral cats. She always made sure the animals around her were well cared for.

Above all, Sheila loved her family. She was always willing to help anyone in need and never expected anything in return.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ira Wayne Broom and Eva Young Broom of the Big Ridge community; her parents, Radford Hooper and Wilma Broom Hooper; and her sister, Bonnie Messer of Sylva.

Sheila is survived by me, Barbara Jenkins of Candler; her nieces, Jennifer Caywood (Marty) of Biltmore Lake and Eva Messer of Sylva; her nephews Evan and Trent Caywood, her great niece Bonnie Ann Marie Connell, her special cousin, Connie Baird (Jack) of Franklin and several other family members.

Sheila was a kind soul with a wonderful sense of humor—truly a joy to be around. She will be deeply missed. She was not only my sister, but also my best friend. I will see you again in Heaven.

I Love You, Barbara

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Catman2 Shelter, Cullowhee, NC

Jackson County Animal Shelter, Sylva, NC

Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad, 79 N. Norton Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717

A memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. Pastor Scotty Patrick will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home