Janet Dopson

Janet H. Dopson, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on October 10th under the compassionate care of her Community Hospice of Northeast Florida team.

Jan was born on August 2, 1933, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the only daughter of Lewis Curtis and Etta Hemrick. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy G. Kreeger, Sr., with whom she shared three children, and by her second husband, Robert E. "Bobby" Dopson, former Jacksonville Battalion Fire Chief. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Harry Hemrick (Lucienne Marcelle) and Jack Hemrick (Jean), as well as one stepson Ronnie Dopson (Jana).

She is survived by her brother, Ben Hemrick (Judy), her three children, Sharon A. Morgan (Britt), Billy G. Kreeger, Jr. (Linda), and Todd E. Kreeger; one stepson Robert "Bobby" Dopson, Jr. (Elaine); her grandchildren, Lauren and Sam Morgan, Morgan Smith (Erica) and Cristy and Robert Dopson (Jeannie) and Cara Tye and Ronald Dopson; and several much-loved nieces and nephews.

Jan a.k.a. STAR was an incredible entertainer, she made her television debut with the Melody Maids Trio in 1951 on WFMY a Greensboro Station with Ann Crockett and Pat Sink all were Gray Highschool Seniors. They began singing together in 8th grade and appeared at various events across multiple cities. In 1962, Jan moved to Jacksonville, where she built her own entertainment business known as The Jan Dopson Combo. Playing at venues such as the Riverside Lounge, the Ramada Inn on Lane Ave., The Thunderbird Lounge, and the Gator Lodge. She had a devoted fan base that followed her wherever she played. During the 70's, she ran the bar and lounge of the San Mateo Restaurant in Putnam County, she also played at Shell Harbor and the Parker House Restaurant in Crescent City. She planted roots in Satsuma on the St. Johns River, where she shared a parcel with her dear friends Millie and Bill Keith and Jean and Joe Morris, and where she proudly designed and built her own home with the Chief. She wrote the song "Butterbeans" which became a fan favorite. She encouraged her audience to improv their own lyrics during the "Butterbeans hour". She even named their boat after the song.

She treasured her vacation months in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, where she and her family created countless fond memories over the years. Jan possessed a God-given gift for music and performing, which she shared generously throughout her life-entertaining at country clubs, private parties, lounges, school events, assisted living facilities, and churches. Her favorite pastimes included working crossword puzzles, playing bridge with friends, participating in bowling leagues, enjoying neighborhood cookouts and parties, and gathering with family. Jan was a fun-loving, people-oriented person who lived life out loud! She will be deeply missed. We find comfort in knowing she now plays for the King, resting peacefully in His eternal embrace.

A memorial service will be held on November 1st at 2:00 PM at Parkwood Baptist Church, 7900 Lonestar Road, Jacksonville Florida 32211; all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkwood Baptist Church or Community Hospice of NE Florida.