Rebecca Hooper Tuten

Rebecca Hooper Tuten, 93, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, died peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Becky was born on February 27, 1931 in Norfolk, VA to the late Charles McCarter Hooper and Virginia Anne Barco Hooper. She grew up in Virginia Beach, VA surrounded by her large extended family and many friends. She was a 1952 graduate of James Madison University, where she developed her lifelong passion for teaching. She also received a Masters degree in Teaching from The Citadel in 1972. 

Following college, Becky returned to Virginia Beach where she taught for five years before moving to Charlotte, NC. During this time, she spent many summers traveling including 3 months in Europe, and another summer in Canada and New England with her two best friends from college. In the summer of 1957, she met the love of her life, Arthur, on a blind date at the Cavalier Beach Club in Virginia Beach. They were married in 1958 and started their rich life together in Arthur’s hometown of Charleston, SC. Becky and Arthur had two fun years in downtown Charleston before moving to Mt. Pleasant. Although she lived in the Charleston area for 66 years, Becky often referred to herself as an Ole Virginian.

Becky was a member of the teaching profession for a total of 26 years, 18 of which were at East Cooper School in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary education society. In addition to teaching, Becky enjoyed reading anything related to history or nature. She was an avid bridge player, at one point belonging to 3 different clubs, and an enthusiastic gardener. She was always happy to be on a boat or around water, having grown up at the beach with her many cousins. In her later years she continued her love of travel. A favorite expression, always said with a smile, was “I’m sitting on GO!” She was a member of Alhambra Garden Club, the Old Village Supper Club, and a charter member of Mt. Pleasant Cotillion. She was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving various ministries and committees.

Becky adored her family. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was affectionately known as “Gammy” to her five grandchildren, to whom she was devoted. She was kind and lived her full life with grace. She will be missed by so many. 

Her family is most grateful for all the loving care and attention Becky received from caregivers at Mt. Pleasant Gardens Memory Care Community, Wellmore “Reflections” Memory Care and Skilled Nursing, and MSA Hospice - particularly Lorraine Harris, RN and Selena Burroughs.

Becky is survived by her two daughters, Anne Hooper Tuten Whittemore (Robert) and Rebecca Owens Tuten Schultz (Sean); five grandchildren: Franklin John Charles Schultz, David Hooper Schultz, Emma Bliss Whittemore, Andrew Coleson Schultz, and Alexander Crawford Whittemore. 

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, John Arthur Tuten of Charleston, SC., and her brother, Charles McCarter Hooper, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 2304 N. Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 or East Cooper Community Outreach (E.C.C.O.), 1145 Six Mile Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.

The family will receive friends on Thursday July 25, 2024 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in HENRY STUHR, INC. MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL on Mathis Ferry Road. A private graveside service at Christ Episcopal Church will follow at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com

                            ____________________________________________