Wanda Jean Hopson

Mrs. Wanda Jean Hopson, age 82, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on December 2, 1941, in Washington, D.C. to parents, Clinton W. and Hattie Mae (McClain) Johnson.

Wanda graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. She attended Howard University where she met her husband, Michael. Wanda attended Los Angeles City College, earning certification in Vocational Nursing and she attended San Antonio College where she received her associate degree in medical assisting. Wanda also received several continuing education certifications and urology nursing certifications.

Wanda's two primary employers were Pediatric Dentistry, where she worked for over nine years as an Office Manager and Urology Consultants, where she worked as a Receptionist, Surgical Secretary and Medical Assistant for 23 years.

Wanda was a dedicated employee, she took very little time off from work, her co-workers and managers could always depend on her to complete all required duties and responsibilities, she was a very organized and detail oriented employee. Wanda's patients appreciated her patience as she would explain their procedures in detail and answer all questions. When she retired from Urology Consultants in 2007, many former patients came to wish her well in retirement. She was truly touched by how many people took the time to come and share in her celebration.

Wanda was an extremely talented woman, when she set her mind to do something, she did it. Wanda was an exceptional seamstress. She was able to sew any type of garments for men, women and children. Sewing was Wanda's passion and she loved purchasing patterns and various fabrics. Additionally, Wanda was very talented in sewing curtains, comforters, and decorative pillows. Wanda enjoyed crocheting and quilting, in which she found so much enjoyment while meeting with her church quilting group. She made every member of her family their own personalized quilt. Each quilt had a picture sewn on so everyone knew who designed their quilt.

Wanda liked to sing from an early age and loved to entertain everyone. She would headline events at Howard University. While in college she would go to New York City and sing at the Baby Grand Cafe in Harlem, New York. In 1961, Wanda signed a contract with Shaw Artist Corporation to sing at the Masonic's Temple in Washington D.C. and at the Club Colonnade in Springfield, Massachusetts. Ophelia DeVore Associates also signed a contract with Wanda to perform in various New York clubs. In 1962, Wanda entered into an agreement with Congress Record Corp. to perform in multiple venues. She was paid by Makina Production between 1970 and 1971 to sing in clubs. Wanda signed a contract with TOA Attractions Inc. in Tokyo, Japan. Her artist name was Elise Griffen. She performed fourteen shows during the one month that she was in Japan. Both Wanda and Michael exhibited their acting skills in a commercial for Chung King Foods. Wanda's 25th Wedding Anniversary was a highlight in her life, she had a wonderful time celebrating her marriage to her husband, Michael, with friends and family. Wanda was very active in the St. Mark’s Women’s Guild and Quilting Group and shared close friendships. She was also very active in the St. Mark’s Choir and looked forward to singing with her fellow choirists, especially for Easter services.

She took pride in everything she accomplished and instilled hard work, ethics, and honesty into her children. Wanda was a devoted wife to her husband, Michael Hopson, of 60 years. Over the years and through Michael’s military service, the family lived in Brentwater, England, Taipei, Taiwan, Los Angeles, CA, and Denver, CO. Wanda was a wonderful mother to her three children Kenneth, David and Diane. She was very active in her children's schooling and activities while they were growing up. Wanda and Michael worked hard to ensure their children were raised to be successful and productive adults. Wanda loved being a grandmother to her grandchildren Alex, Jordan, Brianna, Brandon and Jared, as well as a great grandmother to her great grandchildren Carter, Cienna and Judah. Her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and dog, Louie, were her pride and joy.

Wanda will be remembered as a loyal and supportive friend to so many people. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a keen sense to tell you like it is, which made Wanda a very beloved person. Wanda found great joy in meeting with dear friends over a good meal and enjoyed retail shopping. Many are fond of her stylish dressing and amazingly beautiful hats.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clinton, and Hattie Johnson.

Wanda is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Michael; children, Kenneth Hopson, David Hopson(Shelly), and Diane M. Chalmers (Devon); grandchildren Alexandria Nicole Hopson, Jordan MichalHopson, Brianna Jean Clark, Brandon Lawrence Field, and Jared Reid Hopson; great-grandchildren Kenneth Carter Hopson, Cienna Marie Field, and Judah Edward Clark; and numerous other loving relatives and many friends.

In honor of our Fashionista, please consider wearing your most elegant hat during the services.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. pm Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARYSUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 20244:00 PMPORTER LORING NORTH2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EASTSAN ANTONIO, TX 78232

MASSMONDAY, JANUARY 29, 202410:30 AMST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH1602 THOUSAND OAKS DRIVESAN ANTONIO, TX 78232

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rheumatology Research Foundation, The METAvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer Research or The American Diabetes Association.