Lena Mae Hopkins
1928-2015
Lena Mae Coffee Hopkins, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, peacefully passed away on the evening of Monday, August 10, 2015. She was 87.
Born in 1928 in Indianola, Oklahoma, Lena grew up with her mother and five siblings. She was very close with her younger sister, Doris, and as the two grew older they frequently acted as traveling companions on trips throughout the country.
Lena married Frank Hopkins in 1948 and together they had two sons, Jeff and Tim. The family lived in McAlester, Oklahoma, where Frank sold and wrote radio ads and Lena worked as a medical transcriptionist and later as a secretary for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Later in life she moved to be closer to her family in Edmond, where she worked again as a medical transcriptionist. In her free time, Lena loved listening to big band music, especially Sinatra; as a young couple, she and her husband were known to tear it up on the dance floor – everyone else stepped back to watch Lena and Frank dance.
Lena was always an avid reader and was adamant about keeping up with current events. She could usually be found with a newspaper in her hands, her dog in her lap and a cup of coffee within reach. Her granddaughter was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with her growing up, and together the two would watch movies, read and write stories or just make up a game as they went along.
But beyond all else, Lena was an incredibly thoughtful person and always went out of her way to ensure other people were happy and thriving. She was an active churchgoer and frequently volunteered to help those in need.
Lena is survived by her son, Jeff and Patty Armer; her son Tim and his wife, Angie; her granddaughter Emily; her sister, Doris; and many nieces and nephews.
A public service will be held on Thursday, August 13 at 10 am at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond, and she will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester. For those who feel inclined, it was Lena's wish that donations be made to two of her most cherished charities:
The Urban Mission
3737 N. Portland Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Central Oklahoma Humane Society
7500 N. Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
