Joyce Hopkins

Joyce Irene McNabb Hopkins passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022.  She was the daughter of Herschel Sprague and Pauline Inez McNabb, born in Helena, Oklahoma on February 25, 1933. She moved with her parents to LeFors, Texas when she was two and to Hooker, Oklahoma in 1949.  This was the year she met the love of her life, Billy Hopkins.  Fate had it that they would meet grabbing hold of the same pole at the roller rink.  No wonder she caught his eye as Joyce was beautiful inside and out.  She had a smile and personality that would light up the room. They dated for over a year until Billy was drafted into the U.S. Army January 1, 1951.  He wasn’t about to let Joyce get away while he was in the service so he called and asked for her hand in marriage and they were married March 24, 1951. Billy served for two years and during this time Joyce completed her high school degree at Hooker High School and began working at Tri-County Electric.  When Billy returned, they moved to Guymon and decided to start a family. She and Billy lived in Guymon for over 60 years, and it will always be home to her. In 1955, Gayla was born and Joyce made the decision to be a full-time mother.  A second daughter, Debra, was born in 1960.  Joyce stayed home until both girls were school age.  She started back to work and held various bookkeeping positions landing her career with Guaranty Abstract and Title Company of Guymon where she served for 24 years. She was exceptional at her career and highly regarded.  She set a great example for her daughters as a working woman and taught them to set their aspirations high.

Joyce treasured family.  Joyce’s father passed away at a young age when Joyce herself was only 25.  Without hesitation, Joyce and Billy both stepped in to provide strength and comfort to her mother and two younger brothers, John and Bruce. She hosted many get-togethers with family and friends. When you knocked on her door, there was always food and a place to rest your head. She was a math wizard and loved games, especially dominoes.  You had to be on your toes as she didn’t lose easily. She played clear up till her last few weeks on this earth. She loved camping and fishing, especially the annual trip to Monument Lake, Colorado where they took many family and friends.

Joyce was a member of the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church.  She was active in the Women’s Groups where she served her Lord and established life-long friends.

In 2017, when Billy’s health began to diminish, Billy and Joyce moved to Katy, Texas.  In 2019, Billy passed away.  She missed him dearly, always feeling a big part of her was gone too.  She carried on making the most of life and everyone she touched just loved her.  She will now be resting in eternal peace beside Billy.  She will always be in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Survivors include her daughter, Gayla Wilkins and husband, Michael, daughter, Debra Cates and husband, Bryan Thomas; grandchildren, Brandon Stofko , Alicia Stofko, Ryan Cates and his wife, Vy; great grandchildren, Braedyn, Brecken, Logan, Beau, Ellie; two brothers, John McNabb and his wife, Leda and family, Bruce McNabb and his wife, Rhonda and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fort Bend Senior Meals on Wheels in Rosenberg , Texas through the funeral home.

Graveside service for Joyce Hopkins will be Friday, January 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  at Good Hope Cemetery.  Viewing will be before the service at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. in Helena beginning at 1:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.