Gwendolyn Lee

1940 - 2024

JONESBORO - On Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, Gwendolyn Joy Hopkins Lee left her beautiful life here on earth to dwell in the house of her Lord forever. She was born April 11, 1940, in Clarksville, to the late Alpha and Gus Hopkins of Clarksville.

She was the second sibling out of seven raised by the couple. In her youth, she was active in barrel racing horses, a member of the Hartman Basketball team, and acted as the caretaker for her younger siblings in the home.

She married and moved from her childhood home at 18 years old, beginning her own family and life as a pastor's wife, which led her to over 30 different communities and homes over the years. Subsequently, she developed a tracking system for moving boxes that rivaled FedEx, pre-digital era. We never lost a box in transit, which was a credit to her ingenuity, organization, and frugality.

Always welcoming new friends to the parsonage, she saw that our home quickly became the epicenter for our friends, backyard football games, driveway pickup basketball, cheer practices, members of the latest music band and Bible study groups, as well as leaders and speakers for revivals or special events. She prayed over many a pot of chicken and dumplings, like they were fishes and loaves of bread and every time God performed a miracle, feeding every guest in our bursting house.

She ministered to every soul she met, personally, by genuinely demonstrating God's love for them. Her ministry was not only individual but extended to a powerful spirit-filled ministry speaking to hundreds of women across several states within the southeast for several years.

Her love for God was evident in her love for others. Her sweet spirit was infectious, and she always brought the joy of the Lord into a room. She knew full well that God inhabits the praises of his people, and she lived a life of praise. Our family and her friends have truly been blessed by the presence of God manifested in her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Smith, of Ozark and brothers, Johnny Hopkins of Coal Hill (Carol Hopkins, now of Clarksville) and Keith Hopkins of Hartman (Shelly Waln-Hopkins, now of Creighton, Neb.).

She is survived by her children, Jay (Dede) Lee, Joyce (Guy) Morgan and Joe (Tammy) Lee, all of Jonesboro, and Jacque (Steve) McGhee of Piperton, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren, J.T. Lee of Jacksonville, Fla., Britney (Michael) Christie of Collierville, Tenn., Jordan Lee and Ryan (Abbie) Morgan, all of Jonesboro, Matt (Sarah) Morgan and Candyce (Naji) Foster, all of Denver, Lindsey (Drew) Moss of Little Rock, Sam Lee of Colorado Springs, Colo., Taylor Williams of Dallas, Toribeth Williams of Fayetteville, Lauren Songstad of Salt Lake City, Hannah (Al Corey) McGhee of Ennis, Mont., and Cooper McGhee of Franklin, Tenn.; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ray Hopkins of Sheridan (late Joann); sisters, Betty (Tom) Rofkahr and Pat Wadley, (late Eugene), all of Clarksville; and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gwen's life will be held Saturday at Refuge Church – Jonesboro-West, located at 1925 Wood St., in Jonesboro. Visitation will take place at 2 p.m. followed by the service beginning at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary, under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

Gwen had a heart for growing a church and the family of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to the Refuge West Church. You can do so online at Jonesboro-West Campus | Refuge Church (refugechurchag .com), select "GIVE", then choose "West Memorial Fund."

For those who cannot attend, there will be a link to watch virtually on the Refuge Church – Jonesboro-West: www.facebook.com/refugechurchagwest.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com