Velma Marie "Hoppy" Hopkins

Velma Marie "Hoppy"  Hopkins was born the 27th day of February, 1932 to Irvin and Eskimo Scales, in Red River County in the town of Annona, Texas. The family later relocated to Idabel, Oklahoma. Velma was an active member of Westside First Baptist Church until her health began to fail.

She attended school at Booker T. Washington, Slater, and Riverside schools. Velma was employed at McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, Oklahoma, where she worked for 44 years.

Known as "Hoppy" by her peers at McCurtain Memorial Hospital, she mentored physicians, nurses, and therapist during her many years there. She was always known as the nurse who wore the bright white uniform; the modern day version of Florence Nightengale.

Velma touched the hearts of many. No one was a stranger. Her home was the perfect place to be nurtured, loved, and disciplined if necessary.  She was viewed by many who knew her as simple and down to earth. She took a back seat to her children; her life was her children.  If she could have had it her way, her entire flock would have resided under the same roof.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sue C. Scales, both parents, and siblings, Harold S. Scales, Horace W. Scales, VeLester Scales, Willie A. Scales, Irvin Scales, Jr. and Maryun "Theola" Berry.

Velma is survived by her children: Daughters, Frankie M. Scales of Idabel, Marilyn M. Walls of DeSoto, Texas, Vickie A. Scales of Idabel, and Donna M. Scales of Dallas, Texas. Sons, Hurles U. Scales and Lester E. Scales, both of Idabel, and Stevie "Steve" Bailey of Allen, Texas. Sisters, Vera M. Cobb of Harlington, Texas, Lenora Mumphrey and Virginia Williams, both of Pittsburg, California.

She touched the hearts of many family members. Her nephew, William Lee Berry of Pittsburg, California was embraced as her brother. Also remembering her with love are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, an aunt and other relatives and friends.