Gwendolyn Joy Hopkins Lee

On Sunday, December 31st, 2023, Gwendolyn Joy Hopkins Lee left her beautiful life here on earth to dwell in the house of her Lord forever.

She was born April 11, 1940, in Clarksville, Arkansas to the late Alpha and Gus Hopkins of Clarksville.  She was the second sibling out of seven raised by the couple. In her youth, she was active in barrel racing horses, a member of the Hartman Basketball team, and acted as caretaker for her younger siblings in the home.

She married and moved from her childhood home at 18 years old, beginning her own family and life as a pastor’s wife, which led her to over THIRTY different communities and homes over the years. Subsequently, she developed a tracking system for moving boxes that rivaled Fedex, pre-digital era.  We never lost a box in transit, which was a credit to her ingenuity, organization, and frugality.

Always welcoming new friends to the parsonage, she saw that our home quickly became the epicenter for our friends, backyard football games, driveway pickup basketball, cheer practices, members of the latest music band, bible study groups, as well as leaders and speakers for revivals or special events. She prayed over many a pot of chicken and dumplings, like they were fishes and loaves of bread, and every time God performed a miracle, feeding every guest in our bursting house.

She ministered to every soul she met, personally, by genuinely demonstrating God’s love for them. Her ministry was not only individually but extended to a powerful spirit-filled ministry speaking to hundreds of women across several states within the southeast for several years. Her love for God was evident in her love for others. Her sweet spirit was infectious, and she always brought the joy of the Lord into a room. She knew full well that God inhabits the praises of His people, and she lived a life of praise. Our family and her friends have truly been blessed by the presence of God manifested in her life.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Ann Smith of Ozark, Arkansas; and brothers, Johnny Hopkins of Coal Hill (Carol Hopkins, now of Clarksville), Arkansas and Keith Hopkins of Hartman, Arkansas (Shelly Waln-Hopkins, now of Creighton, Nebraska).

She is survived by her children: Jay (Dede) Lee; Joyce (Guy) Morgan; Joe (Tammy) Lee all of Jonesboro, and Jacque (Steve) McGhee of Piperton, Tennessee; thirteen grandchildren: J.T. Lee of Jacksonville, Florida; Britney (Michael) Christie of Collierville, Tennessee; Jordan Lee; Ryan (Abbie) Morgan, all of Jonesboro; Matt (Sarah) Morgan; Candyce (Naji) Foster, all of Denver, Colorado; Lindsey (Drew) Moss of Little Rock, Arkansas; Sam Lee of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Taylor Williams of Dallas, Texas; Toribeth Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Lauren Songstad of Salt Lake City, Utah; Hannah (Al Corey) McGhee of Ennis, Montana; and Cooper McGhee of Franklin, Tennessee; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother Ray Hopkins of Sheridan (late Joann), Arkansas; and sisters, Betty (Tom) Rofkahr and Pat Wadley (late Eugene), all of Clarksville, Arkansas, and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at Refuge Church – Jonesboro-West located at 1925 Wood St., Jonesboro, Arkansas on Saturday, January 6th, 2024.   Visitation will take place at 2:00 pm, followed by the service beginning at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Gwen had a heart for growing a church and the family of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to the Refuge West Church.  You can do so online at JONESBORO-WEST CAMPUS | Refuge Church (refugechurchag.com) ,  select “GIVE”, then choose “WEST MEMORIAL FUND”.

For those who cannot attend, there will be a link to watch virtually on the Refuge Church Jonesboro-West  : https://www.facebook.com/refugechurchagwest