Jean LaVerne Hopkins was born on January 8, 1937 to Tom and Lena Hopkins of Hot Springs (now Truth or Consequences), NM. She was the third of five children, with Billie Ruth being the oldest, Gwendolyn Irene (deceased at 4-years-old), Jean, Garland Gray followed by Shirley Maureen.
As a young girl, Jean spent a lot of time with her maternal grandparents and learned from them how to care for horses. Being a tom-boy, she also spent time with her dad, learning about cars and tools. She became an accomplished baton twirler and performed at her junior high and high school events.
In 1954 she married Johnie D. Lee and later that year, gave birth to Tonya Lynn. Johnie and Jean divorced in 1956.
Jean went to secretarial school and became an excellent typist, a job skill that proved lucrative off-and-on throughout her lifetime. She was the secretary to the city manager of Truth or Consequences for 4 years.
In 1961 Jean married Albert Nathan Krikorian and a year later they gave birth to a son, Gregory Layne. Jean enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom during these years, giving birth to Stephanie D’Ann in 1965. Albert and Jean were divorced in 1980.
After her children started school, Jean returned to the work force. She was secretary at Arizona State University for the Dean of the Law Dept., Psychology Dept., and for the Dean of Fine Arts. After that, she continued working for the State of Arizona at the Department of Social Services.
In her retirement, health issues prevented Jean from her dream of traveling, but she enjoyed her dogs and rabbits, feeding the birds and supported the Humane Society of America. She’s greatly missed by her friends, children and Granddaughter, Kirstie Lynn Cummings of Wichita, KS.
Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: “LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.” The LORD replied: “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
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