Joann Hopkins

JoAnn Beneditti Hopkins: A life filled with family, faith and adventure.

Nineteen hundred and thirty-five was a good year, a very good year. During this year, JoAnn Benedetti Hopkins was born to Ted and Ella May Benedetti, in Enid, Oklahoma. She was the eldest of five siblings and one still born twin. JoAnn attended Enid public schools and excelled in music, theatre and academic endeavors. At age fourteen, JoAnn met the dashing young red-headed Air Force fellow Paul Hopkins, from the hills of Kentucky. From there the adventure began, culminating in 69 years of marriage, four daughters, three sons-in-law, a multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

During these sixty-nine years JoAnn followed Paul's military career, as a devoted chaplain's wife, to exciting assignments including Scotland, Germany, New York City, Washington DC, Southern California, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, Florida, Idaho, Texas and Oklahoma. JoAnn could not accompany Paul to Korea or Vietnam, so steadfastly maintained the Hopkins tribe until Paul's return.

Upon Paul's retirement from the military, JoAnn pursued her education and career, including a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Kansas State University; Master of Science, Accounting, Oklahoma State University; Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Accounting Professor, Phillips University.

Among their many passions, JoAnn and Paul delighted friends and jammers with gospel and Bluegrass music throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Survivors include her husband, (LTC.) U.S. Army, Ret. Chaplain, Paul D. Hopkins; three daughters, Debbie Evans and husband (LTC.) U.S. Air Force, Ret., Joseph W. Evans (LaFeria, TX), Lynn Etter and husband (LTC.) U.S. Army Ret., Dennis Etter (Norman, OK) and Tamara Hopkins (Norman, OK); wonderful grandchildren, Kerry Ann Etter, Kevin Paul Etter, Dr. (LTC.) Grant Hopkins Evans (Dr. (MAJ.) Jacqueline Evans), Paul Joseph Evans, Laura Elliot Lloyd (Alissa), Sarah Lynn Miller, Zachary Keith Schmidt (Taylor), Dr. Joshua Paul Hey, Bethany Dawn Hey, Dr. Wayne David Hey (Lindsey), and Lauren Hey; adorable great grandchildren, Payton Anne Schmidt, Collins Kay Schmidt, James Boone Schmidt, Ryder Guy, Hudson Guy, Caleb Miller, Lilith Evans, Roman Evans, Damien Evans, Whitney Hey, Tiffany Hey and Kimmy Hey; siblings, Teddy Lou Worthington (Eddy), Delores Gritz, Carolyn Seiter (Bill) and Frank Beneditti; numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and dear friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Jean Hopkins Hey and her husband, Dr. Wayne Hey.