BETTY GOINS

Age: 81. You can fake fibbing until you’re about 70, she said.

Occupation: Museum of the Gulf Coast docent.

Community connection: Hugger.

Fast fact: She sought buffalo chips for her son-in-law’s pottery materials.

Quick Quote: “I am extremely passionate about the brotherhood of man.”

Maybe Janis Joplin just needed a hug.

As a Museum of the Gulf Coast volunteer, Betty Goins of Groves has visited with people the world over who identify with Joplin, the Port Arthur-born troubled rock queen who charmed and insulted the world, revealed her insecurities, and overdosed after a hard, quick life.

“Janis needed love,” Goins said.

Goins thinks more people ought to have hugs of encouragement, and she’s got plenty. She loves everyone on their own terms.

“I am extremely passionate about the brotherhood of man,” Goins said. “I don’t want to be judged because I’m old, white or female. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change a tiny part of it … gee … if only with a smile.”

Alan Van Hooser, her pastor at First United Methodist Church of Groves, said he admires Goins’ optimism after losing both her husband and her daughter. Goins said her mood evolved.