Gwendolyn Lee Hooks

Gwendolyn Lee Hooks was born in Kansas City, MO to James Frank and Artic Lee Hooks, Sr. She was educated in the Kansas City, MO school district. As a majorette, she performed in three American Royal parades and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1971. She continued her education, achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UMKC, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Avila, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Administration. She taught from Pre-K to 8th grade, but she discovered her gift was shaping the minds of 2nd grade to 4th grade scholars. Although she spent many years in the classroom, she also held positions as an Instructional Coach, Reading Coach, Math Coach, and Vice Principal. She was a well-rounded educator and a dedicated member of Phi Delta Kappa sorority—a sorority for educators. After teaching and being an administrator at several schools in the Greater Kansas City area, she retired from the Kansas City Missouri and Hickman Mills school districts with over 40 years in the education field.

Gwen enjoyed traveling, dancing, cooking, gardening, watching HGTV, playing her slot games on her phone (since she could keep her money in her pocket) and attending plays. Being a grandma and spending time with her granddaughter Leiah was one of her favorite pastimes. Her passion for the Kansas City Chiefs inspired her to have a full wardrobe of Chiefs gear to be well-dressed for game day. She volunteered helping children in many facets, as well as families in shelters with her sorority and church—as being of service brought her joy. She had an infectious smile and laugh that could light up any room. She had a joke for literally everything! She would have loved it if James Brown sang about bulldogs since she loved them both! On top of being a dynamic and loving person, she served the Lord above all. She attended and ushered at her family’s home church, True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, for many years.

Gwen made her heavenly departure on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Her parents Artic and James Sr., brothers Clarence and James Jr., and sister Joycette were all waiting to welcome her into the pearly gates of Heaven. Left to cherish her memory: Her children- Thomas, L’Sharesee’, and Charles. Grandkids Gwen and Leiah, her brother Warren (Kackie), and her sister Cheryl (Michael), a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 04, 2025 at True Vine MBC, 2500 Bellefontaine 2500 Bellefontaine Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127. The visitation begins at 9:00am, the service will follow at 10:30am.