Betty C Hopkins

Betty Lou Hopkins was born October 7, 1934*, the first of seven children of Vada and Buster Wimberly. Her youth was spent in Cranfills Gap, Texas working on the farm, babysitting her younger siblings, and playing basketball for the state-bound Cranfills Gap Lady Lions. In 1953* Betty married Leldon Christenson, also of Cranfills Gap. Leldon’s mother had encouraged Betty to write to her son while he was fighting in Korea. Since their farms adjoined, they had known each other since childhood, but it was through the letters they fell in love . The couple moved to Grand Prairie, Texas where Leldon worked in the GM plant. Their sons Leldon (Dale) Jr. and Larry were born while there. They later moved to Arlington, Texas. When Leldon became sick with Parkinsons, his widowed mother came to live with the family to help, so Betty could go to work in the dental office of her cousin, Dr. Darrell Reesing. While there, she formed a life long friendship with Dr. Janelle Bicknell, who became her employer upon Dr. Reesing’s retirement. Betty continued to work for her at least part time until she was 85 years old! The family enjoyed summer camping vacations to many US destinations, weekends in Cranfills Gap, and annual reunions with Betty’s brothers and sisters, nieces & nephews. Betty was active in PTA and taught Sunday School at Tate Springs Baptist church in Arlington for many years. She saw her sons marry and adored the grandchildren who came along. After Leldon’s death, Betty married ND Hopkins of Grand Prairie. Since ND was very active in the Homebuilders Association and in Grand Prairie civic organizations, they enjoyed many social activities and much travel. ND’s family embraced Betty as their own and after his death continued to include her in their many gatherings. Betty was loved by all. She truly had the spirit of her Lord. She was kind, encouraging, humble, generous, patient. Her faith and her peace were evident. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vada and William Ezekiel (Buster) Wimberly, brother Jake (Joann) Wimberly of Clifton, husband Leldon Christenson, husband ND Hopkins, daughter-in-law Marla Christenson, brothers-in-law Billy Moore and Dwayne Duncan, sister-in-law Sue Wimberly, stepson Tex Hopkins, step daughter-in-law Diane Hopkins. She is survived by sisters Norma Kate Duncan of Denison, Ide Moore of Meridian, Loyce (Robert) Ballard of Paris and brothers Cecil (June) Wimberly of Granbury, Cloyce Wimberly of Gatesville; sons Dale Christenson (Suzanne) and Larry Christenson (Carol) all of Hamilton; grandchildren Rachel Christenson, John (Bessie) Christenson, Levi (Brittany) Christenson, and Lance Christenson; great-grandchildren Braedyn and Aubryella Powell, Leldon Ridge and Lexie Christenson, Samuel Christenson; step daughters Vonnie Hopkins of Grand Prairie, Kathy (Mike) Ellis of Waxahachie and step sons Ronnie Hopkins of Waxahachie and Gary (Denise) Hopkins of Brooksville, Florida; numerous step grand and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tate Springs Baptist Church, Arlington, Texas or the charity of your choice. *1934-Hitler becomes Fuhrer; Bonnie & Clyde, and John Dillinger crime sprees end; first Shirley Temple movie; Babe Ruth hits 700th home run; Lou Gehrig plays 1500th consecutive game **1953-Korean war ends; Queen Elizabeth II is crowned; Rosenburgs are executed; death of Hank Williams

Betty C Hopkins

October 7, 1934 - April 27, 2024