Vanette was born December 14, 1927 in Dallas, Texas the only child of Oliver Jay and Ada Diehm Van Valin, who both predeceased her. She passed away Jan. 8, 2018. Vanette had celebrated her 90th birthday in December with a lavish party attended by friends and family.
Vanette was married from 1946 to 1972 to the late Frank I. Hopkins, who died in 1984. A stay-at-home mom for her four children, she also volunteered for local charitable organizations.
After raising her family, she started a retail career working part-time for Neiman Marcus NorthPark, and also assisted in the opening of the company’s Las Vegas store. She took great joy in helping people look more beautiful.
Her interest in anthropology, combined with a concern for social issues, led Vanette to obtain a degree in social science from Southern Methodist University in 1993.
Vanette is survived by, and will be forever remembered by, her four loving and grateful children: Michael Jay Hopkins; Randolph John Hopkins and Karen Kerr; Franette Dommer and husband Mick Dommer; and Paulette Hopkins and husband Todd Pickel. Also by grandchildren: Thomas Mathias and wife Carolyn; Aubrey Hopkins; Chris Hopkins; Katy Holmes and husband Blake Holmes; and David Hopkins; and great grandchildren: Makayla, Makenzie and Makenna Mathias; and Mary and Charlotte Holmes.
Vanette was a strong and faithful Christian and longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild, Guild of the Christ Child and other church committees.
Vanette greatly enjoyed dancing and performing in the Kiwanis Club of White Rock Lake musicals for many years. She loved art, jewelry, music, and most of all her family. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Vanette loved to travel and was fortunate to travel all over the world. She never met a stranger, and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and learning about their culture. Her delightful sense of humor and positive outlook drew people to her wherever she went. In her later years she enjoyed playing bridge and book club.
While Heaven received another angel, Vanette will be greatly missed by her family. She was the light of our lives.
Vanette’s family is grateful to the dedicated staff members at The Forum Park Lane for taking such great care of their mother during her stay there.
A visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, January 14, from 1-3 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas Texas 75225.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 15, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 848 Harter Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. Lunch will be served following the celebration in the Parish Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 848 Harter Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.
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