Nina Ozella Brightwell was born on July 19, 1929 to Cecil and Orean Brightwell at Blanchard, Oklahoma. On October 6, 2017 Nina went home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Nina graduated from Blanchard High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation she married the love of her life, Harry Hopkins. They began dating in the 7th grade and were married for 66 years. Nina worked at J.C. Penney’s for 26 years before Harry and Nina opened their own Hallmark Store, “Nina’s Hallmark” in Norman, Oklahoma. Nina loved taking family members with her to the Dallas market where many fun memories were made along with a lot of hard work. After 15 years Nina and Harry sold their store and retired. Their retirement years were spent traveling with the First Baptist Church group from Norman, keeping grandchildren and taking their four grown children along with their spouses all over the world. Nina and Harry joined First Baptist Church of Norman in 1954. They were active members and loved their church family. Nina taught the 7th grade girls Sunday School Class for many years and was ordained a deaconess in the church. Nina was a poet, writing poetry to all her children, grandchildren and for the Blanchard Alumni 50th reunion. She wrote a poem about 9-11 and sent it to President Bush. She graciously received a letter back from the president. She entered various poetry contests over the years and became quite the writer. Her favorite poetry was written to her husband, Harry. Nina was actively involved in the American Cancer Society of Cleveland County. She was a cancer survivor of 37 years. Nina participated in the Relay for Life and other annual events. Nina also became quite the artist in her final year of life. With only a few art lessons she was painting remarkable work that amazed us all. Nina’s biggest passion was her love for Jesus Christ and her family. She wanted more than life itself for all of her family to have salvation. She witnessed with her words but most of all her actions. Nina had an amazing gift of loving people with her kind words and gentle spirit. People gravitated to her because she was beautiful inside and outside. Her love was genuine. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Orean Brightwell, her husband, Harry Hopkins, son, Carl Hopkins, grandson, Nathan Neal, her sister, Maxine Brightwell, brothers, Retus Brightwell, Charles Brightwell, & Lloyd Brightwell. She is survived by her sons, Neil Hopkins and his wife Ann, Paul Hopkins and his wife Kellie, daughter in law, Karee Hopkins, daughter, Anita Hopkins Neal and her husband Jay; grandchildren, Cooper Hopkins, Carson Hopkins, Foster Hopkins, Holly Hopkins Erickson and her husband Beau, Hunter Hopkins, Hays Hopkins, Carl Jack Hopkins and his wife Beth, Jennifer Neal Vaughn and her husband Roger, Greg Hopkins and his wife Laura, Julie Hopkins Bennett and her husband Chris, Mason Hopkins and his wife Christine, and twenty-five great grandchildren with another one on the way. She has many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who she loves so dearly. Services for Nina have been placed under the care of Havenbrook Funeral Home. Viewing will be at Havenbrook Funeral Home on Monday, October 9, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 pm. We will remember and celebrate Nina’s life on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Norman, with interment to follow at Blanchard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Norman, 211 W Comanche St, Norman, OK 73069. To leave on-line remembrances and condolences, please visit www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.

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