Jeannette MacRae Hooton

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 15, 2012

Dec. 8, 1929 – Nov. 13, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Jeannette MacRae Hooton, 82, who died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at Natchez Community Hospital, will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. Walton Jones officiating.

A private burial will follow at the family cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Elms Court, the family residence, with family prayers at 6 p.m., followed by a Rosary. There will also be a visitation from 2 p.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Mrs. Hooton was born Dec. 8, 1929, in Natchez, the daughter of Alexander MacRae and Catharine Hubbard McKittrick. She was a graduate of Natchez High School where she played flute in the marching band, a cheerleader and a member of the pep squad.

Mrs. Hooton attended Gulf Park College. She was an artist, working with a number media, including oils, acrylic and mosaic and designed high-fashion knitwear. She was also an accomplished chef.

From 1969 to 1989, she was general partner and design coordinator for all operations of Hooton A.I.A. and Associates, based in Los Angeles and Mexico City. While living Mexico, she studied with Antonio Castillo of Los Castillos, silversmiths of Taxco and Mexico City. She later studied mural art with Alfredo Crimi in New York City. After she retired, she returned to Natchez and was employed as manager of the Guardian Thrift Shop and then as a docent at Dunleith. She also served as a Pilgrimage hostess at Greenleaves and Elms Court. She was a former member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Survivors include one sister, Lady Kate Montagnet; two daughters, D. Surget Gormanous and Catherine Roper; three grandchildren, Jennifer Bramen, Seth Eidt and Sarah Maier; three great-grandchildren, Cade Eidt, William Maier and Sidney Maier; and a number of nieces, nephews an cousins.

The family wishes to express thanks to Mrs. Alma Oneal and staff and particularly to the nurses and staff of Natchez Community Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring her love of animals by memorial contributions to the Natchez-Adams Humane Society or to a charity of choice.