Mary Drucilla “Dru” Hooper, 80, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 29, 2026 leaving to mourn family and friends. Dru was born and raised in Bay County. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ernest M. Hooper Jr; son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and Sherri Hooper of Bonifay and their children, Shauni Cooley (Caleb), Parker J. Hooper (Gianna), Mary Grace Swain (Ben) and great grandchildren, Jameson, Rosemary, Jude, her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Charlie Byram of Panama City and their children, Emily and Hannah and a sister, Susan Pitts (Dennis) of Panama City.

Dru was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth, her father, Archie Hesters, her mother, Doris Hesters and a sister, Carolyn Eckerle.

Dru moved back home to Panama City with her family in 1984 after years as an U.S. Air Force wife. A devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother, she cared deeply for her family and would not pass up an opportunity to brag on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dru enjoyed her home, prayer quiet time, reading her Bible, drives in the country and word find puzzles.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1:30-2:30 with a graveside service immediately following in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.