Vennie "Ms. Lee" Hoffpauir

Vennie "Ms. Lee" Hoffpauir July 1, 1919 July 4, 2012 Vennie “Ms. Lee” Hoffpauir 93, was a native of Bonnifay, Florida and long-time resident of Morgan City. She was born on July 1, 1919 and went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2012. Ms. Lee, as she was known to all, could usually be found working in her yard, running the roads, visiting family and friends, or making floral arrangements for all those she loved. She was a long-time, active member of the Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Ms. Lee served as the president of one of the first Parent / Teacher Associations of Shannon Elementary School. She founded the Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Kindergarten where she served as the principal and a teacher for a number of years. Her oldest granddaughter visited the school often and heard all the students call her by name; from then on, she was called “Ms. Lee.” Family was always a top priority to Ms. Lee. She was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a devoted Cub Scout den mother, and a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. Ms. Lee was also devoted to her career life. She was an accomplished travel agent, real estate agent, and land lord. In 1955, Ms. Lee opened and operated The Fabric Center; it was the first store of its kind in the area. From 1967—69, Ms. Lee served as the president of the Morgan City Garden Club. During that time, she served on and chaired numerous committees—she achieved a lifetime membership to the club. A tree honoring her hard work and dedication was planted on the grounds of the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Ms. Lee also earned a lifetime membership to the local Artist Guild for her hard work and efforts with the club. Ms. Lee married the love of her life Leon Jerome Hoffpauir on December 31, 1937. Joe and Ms. Lee lived life to its fullest until he lost his battle with cancer on October 26, 1971. Together they have five children: Jerry L. Hoffpauir and wife Janet of Morgan City, Jane A. Langley and husband Keith of Morgan City, Sparkle Wiggins and husband Jerrell of Morgan City, Bob Hoffpauir and wife Tamra of Gulf Breeze, Floridia, Hanko K. Hoffpauir and wife Diane of Morgan City. Ms. Lee leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Jerri L. Bertrand, Todd M. Hoffpauir, Heidi Hoffpauir, Jeremy Hoffpauir, Jo-Ellen St. Romaine, Bubba Nini, Janea Giroir, Lionel Langley, J.J. Wiggins, Jarrod Wiggins, Jennifer Romero, Megan R. Hoffpauir, Robin C. Hoffpauir, Hanko Hoffpauir and Heath Hoffpauir. Ms. Lee also leaves to cherish her memory 31 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Ms. Lee was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Randall Kirkland and Sarah Harriet Sizemore; husband, L.J. "Joe" Hoffpauir; one daughter, Myrna Anita Hoffpauir; three brothers: Berdine G. Kirkland, Alver W. Kirkland and J.Z. Kirkland and one sister, Velda Ghirardi. Memorial visitation will be held at 9am until11am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Atkinson Presbyterian Church with a Memorial service beginning at 11am. Ms. Lee will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery following the services. Flowers are greatly appreciated; donations may also be made in Ms. Lee’s memory to Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church.