The Hoover family traces its roots back to Frank Hoover Sr., who was born in 1882 in Lexington, Mississippi. Frank, a dedicated father, raised 14 children on his own property. He was known for his warmth and deep affection for his family. Growing up in Lexington, he was nurtured by his loving mother, stepfather, and two sisters. It was here that he learned the importance of family, which shaped his adult life, as he consistently prioritized his family above all. This enduring love was instilled in his children, and through the vision of his two daughters, our family lineage was united in celebrations known as our Family Reunions.
In 1978, Annie Lee and Abbie initiated a family reunion to pay tribute to Frank Sr., lovingly referred to as Papa. For numerous years, the Hoover Family has convened for a weekend of festivities, hosting a family BBQ or dinner at various banquet halls across different cities. As we came together, we expanded our knowledge of our ancestry, discovering our identities and origins, rooted in the heart of Lexington, Mississippi.
Over the years, we have traced our family history, and as we uncover more, we continue to evolve. We are the Hoover Family, but in 1999, we incorporated the name of Papa’s second wife, Louella Banks. Frank and Louella got married shortly after Papa’s first wife passed away. She loyally supported him and helped raise his children before they wed, along with her own. The two families united and became very close, leading to the first Hoover-Banks Family reunion held in Lexington.
As we keep learning, we also keep growing. We discovered more about Frank Sr.’s father, and later on, the names of his aunts were incorporated into the family heritage. In 2004, the family name was modified to include the Kimbrough line to pay tribute to Martha (Hoover) Kimbrough, and in 2005, the name was updated again to incorporate the Bacon line in honor of Mary (Hoover) Bacon. The final change to the name occurred in 2024, adding Anderson, which is the surname of Papa’s first wife, Rachel Anderson. She was the mother of Papa’s first two sons.
Despite the various paths our trials may take, the core essence that binds us together is the genuine principle of being a Hoover. The legacy of Frank Sr, rooted in love, loyalty, and endurance. When we refer to Hoover Strong, this is the essence we embody, one hundred and forty-two years later, coming together over forty years, we continue to thrive.