Sara “Sally” Hooker

Celebrating the Life of

Sara Janise Baskin Hooker

Sara Janise "Sally" Baskin Hooker, affectionately known as Sally B, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on September 14, 1942, in Ocala, Florida, to Thomas and Mildred Moulton Baskin. Sally spent much of her childhood in Marineland, Florida, where, as an only child, her days were filled with sunshine, sandy beaches, and the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins; a beginning that seemed to foreshadow the adventurous spirit she would carry throughout her life.

She shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, James C. Hooker, Jr. Together they built a family that became the center of her world. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim; her children, Sandy (Ben), Jimmy (Rebecca), and Ginger (Keith); her grandchildren, Autumn (James), Olivia (Connor), Kelly (Daniel), Stephanie (Louie), Bradley, Sophie (Austin), Caitlin (Nick), Timothy (Tiffany), Jamison, Madison, and Dawson; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Sally spent her career caring for children as both a pediatric nurse and later as a school nurse. Caring for young people wasn’t simply her profession; it was part of who she was. At St. Augustine High School, she became something of a legend among the surfers. Each morning, before the school day began, she checked the surf report and wrote it on a board outside the clinic. The surf team knew exactly where to look. Depending on the report, they would either head off to class or quietly turn around and head for the beach instead. Sally understood teenagers, and she found joy in encouraging the things that brought them happiness.

Her love for children extended far beyond her profession. Her home was always open, welcoming not only her own children but also their friends, many of whom became honorary members of the family. Her vivid imagination and willingness to “get messy” created adventures, laughter, and cherished memories for countless children—both official and unofficial.

She devoted many years to serving as a Girl Scout leader, where she and her fellow leaders dreamed up unforgettable adventures that inspired curiosity, confidence, and lifelong friendships. She was also an active and proud trustee in the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, honoring the legacy and literary works of her beloved Aunt Marjorie. Through the Society, Sally delighted in bringing Florida history to life by portraying a Florida pioneer, dressing in period clothing and reading stories to elementary school students. She believed history should be experienced, not just read, and she loved sharing that passion with the next generation. Alongside Jim, she faithfully supported the St. Augustine High School Band as a dedicated Band Booster.

Faith was the foundation of Sally’s life. She loved the Lord with all her heart, cherished her church family, and quietly lived out her faith through kindness, generosity, hospitality, and service to others.

Sally also had a heart for adventure. She and Jim shared a love of travel, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Among her favorite journeys were the special trips they took individually with each of their grandchildren, traveling the East Coast together and venturing into Maine and Nova Scotia. Those trips were filled with laughter, stories, and one-on-one conversations that made each grandchild feel uniquely known and deeply loved.

For the last fifteen years, Sally and Jim spent their summers in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, beside the banks of the Doe River. They found not only peace in the mountains but also a second family in the wonderful friends they made there. The Doe River community became a treasured part of their lives and one of Sally’s happiest places.

One of Sally’s last big adventures was a trip out West with Jim. With her characteristic wit, she jokingly named it “The Adventure Before Dementia.” It always made people laugh and perfectly reflected her ability to embrace life with humor and gratitude.

Sally was a gifted storyteller, and she never let the facts get in the way of a good story—especially if it meant sharing a laugh or preserving a family memory. Those who knew her can likely still hear her voice even now, beginning with one of her favorite expressions: “Short story long…” What followed was rarely short, but it was always worth listening to. She was deeply proud of her family and the generations who came before her, and she delighted in sharing those stories with anyone who paused long enough to listen. Through her storytelling, she ensured that the people, places, and moments she loved would never be forgotten.

She was also an enthusiastic Florida Gators fan. Living among Tennessee Volunteers fans during the summers only made football season more entertaining. She took great delight in cheering loudly for her Gators while surrounded by Big Orange Country. The friendly rivalry, laughter, and good-natured teasing became just another part of the adventures she and Jim shared.

Perhaps what we will remember most is that Sally loved life. She loved her family. She loved children. She loved the beach. She loved adventure. She loved to laugh. She loved opening her home, making memories, and helping people feel like they belonged. She held tightly to life because she loved living it. Every day held the possibility of another story to tell, another child to encourage, another trip to take, another football game to cheer, another memory to make.

What a gift that is.

In keeping with Sally’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Instead, we invite you to celebrate her life with us.

If you knew Sally, then you probably have a story to tell. Maybe you were one of the neighborhood kids welcomed into her home, a Girl Scout who went on one of her adventures, a student she cared for, a friend from church, a fellow traveler, a Doe River neighbor, or someone who simply crossed paths with her along the way.

Please share your favorite memory or photograph in the comments. Every story will help us celebrate a life that was lived with faith, joy, laughter, curiosity, and open arms.

Sally spent a lifetime telling stories.

Now it’s our turn.