Jeannie M Hopkins' Obituary
Jeannie (McKey) Hopkins was born December 24, 1934 to the union of James Franklin and Mary Adell McKey in Eupora MS. She was the eldest of 7 siblings – two girls, five boys.
Mom grew up receiving her education in the MS public school system. She accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age. As mom progressed through life, she supported her family in one of her favorite places – the kitchen. Mom and her siblings attended school and worked on their family farm.
Jeannie met Elmer (our dad) in her teens and they dated for a time. They married in 1953 and moved to St. Louis,MO, to live with his family. Shortly before his draft into the US Navy they married in 1953 and started their family shortly thereafter. From their union, they were blessed with three girls. Fedelies came along first. When she was two years old, Jeannie relocated to Berkeley, CA. We lived with family while dad completed his military obligations out of state. As life progressed, dad came home as often as possible. Within those years, Felecia was born, then Tremayne.
Jeannie was a resourceful woman and discovered creative ways to make our lives happy. She was a homemaker during the early years. When dad was honorably discharged from military service, he found work as a baker at Wonder Bread Baking Company, Berkeley, CA. Growing up, the girls attended school in Berkeley, CA until we relocated to our home in Oakland, CA. Her brother, Tommy McKey and Jeannie were the only siblings living in the bay area and always supported each other. The families grew and life progressed.
To further support her growing family, Jeannie made the decision to become an Avon Represetative (now referred to as Ambassadors). She was extremely successful at this endeavor. She attained the top-tier recognition for sales and retained Presidents Club status for many years. This successful status awarded her numerous Mrs. Albee (Abby) porcelain figurines, awards, invitation to special recognition events, and other acknowledgements. Jeannie sold Avon for fifty years. In addition, she was a bus driver for mentally challenged children for six years.
She was also a home healthcare provider at Oak Center Towers, Oakland, CA, which was another choice she included in her efforts to assist and support others.
Jeannie was all about family; there was loyalty and joy toward those she loved and cared about. She was socially outgoing; she loved people and had that infectious smile she shared with many. She loved cooking, sewing and gardening. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings for holidays or for no reason, just to get family and friends together. Her specialty was churning homemade vanilla ice cream and baking (light as air) 7-up cake. So good!! She received multiple requests for that cake, honoring them all. Jeannie also enjoyed traveling, especially to HI (she went multiple times). She said traveling to Panama took to long, so she didn’t take that cruise again, lol. As often as possible, she would travel home to MI or MS to visit family.
Later in life, Jeannie chose to have her mom, Mary Adell in her home. She cared for her until she transitioned on March 16, 2008. Jeannie always made it known to her girls that she wanted to receive care in her home until it was her time to leave this life. It was our job and our joy to keep her wishes in mind and honor them. That we were able to do so was truly a God-blessing.
Prior to COVID, Jeannie enjoyed attending the Adult Daycare Facility in Oakland (BACS). She thrived in the exercise & movement classes, music and dancing and arts and crafts.
Jeannie leaves to cherish her memory three daughters – Fedelies (Sheldon) Royé; Felecia and Tremayne Hopkins; five grandchildren – Chemarin Mayfield, Tristan Robinson, Tremiyya Bumpus, Lisa Jamerson and Djavan Royé. Eight great grandchildren – Alaysia, Mulaan and Kavion Lindsey, Don and Future Hopkins, Zaire Wilburn, Sanai Kirby, Caesar Shaw and Ashé Royé. There is a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who also cherish her memory. Jeannie has two remaining brothers – Aaron (Vivian), MS and Delenor McKey, MI. Sister-in-Law, Angeline McKey (Paul).
On this homegoing journey, our mom preceeded her parents – James Franklin and Mary Adell and siblings – Tommy (Camille), CA; Clara (Eddy) Worthy, MI; James (Yvonne) McKey, MI and Paul McKey (Angeline), MS.
What’s your fondest memory of Jeannie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jeannie?
Share a story where Jeannie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jeannie you’ll never forget.
How did Jeannie make you smile?