Clarissa Hopkins Summers

Clarissa Lea Hopkins Summers, 84, previously of Houston, TX, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 in Mesquite, TX, where she had been living recently. Clarissa was born on April 8, 1939 to Leonard Otis Hopkins, Jr. and Catherine (Lipscomb) Hopkins in Chattanooga, TN. She was raised in Chattanooga, Pacific Grove, CA, Nashville, TN, and Joplin, MO.

She graduated from Joplin High School, attended Joplin Junior College and Southern Methodist University, and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later she earned a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature, also from the University of Arkansas.

She taught school for a short time before marrying her husband Jack Summers on September 4, 1963. They traveled throughout Europe and the United States as Jack carried out his tours of duty with the US Army.

In 1968, Clarissa and Jack settled in Shreveport, Louisiana, where Jack took a position with Texas Eastern Transmission Company. Daughter Heather was born in 1972 and daughter Laurel was born in 1975. The family moved to Houston in 1976 when Texas Eastern relocated its Shreveport offices.

Clarissa was known for her artistic abilities, creativity, and her love of all animals. She painted (watercolor) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, showing her artwork at festivals and art shows around Houston. A natural leader, she chaired the Westheimer Art Festival for two years. In the 1980s, she began rehabilitating birds and squirrels, which brought her much joy and many friends. She loved watching the wildlife in her backyard every day.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Jack Summers, her mother Catherine Hopkins, and her father Leonard Hopkins, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters Heather Summers Parsons (James) of Austin, TX, and Laurel Mack (J.T.) of Mesquite, TX, brother Leonard Hopkins (Jan) of Denver, CO, sister Cathy Hopkins of Oceanside, CA, brother Phillip Hopkins (Pam) of Raleigh, NC, and many nieces and nephews across the country. A graveside celebration of life for Clarissa will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11am at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Seagoville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Summers family.