Barbara Hopkins

1934 - 2022

Barbara Hopkins
1934-2022
Barbara was born July 21, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York to Loretta Sarah Windecker and Herrick LeGrand Smalley and died on January 22, 2022, from complications of COPD. In 1945 Barbara and her family moved to Eastville, Virginia (pop 200) to assist in the war effort. She graduated from North Hampton High school in 1951 and Mary Washington University in 1955. In early June of 1952 she met her love, Bob Hopkins, while they were camp counselors on Lake Fairlee, Vermont where he taught horseback riding and she taught swimming. They were married in Johnstown, Virginia at Johnsons Methodist Church in 1955 and recently celebrated sixty-six wonderful years of marriage. Barbara and Bob lived in Bellaire, Texas for over 60 years. Barbara made deep and lasting friendships with many and had regular lunches with friends, participated in book groups, was an avid bridge player and active in tennis. Barbara was a passionate volunteer supporting her children, family and community causes that were important to her. She was a Camp Fire Leader, a host mother and grandmother to AFS International exchange students, served in multiple leadership roles in her church and was active in city affairs helping in the recreation department, Friends of Bellaire Parks and serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Barbara was an outdoor person and enjoyed camping, hiking and water activities. Remembered by all who knew and loved her for her infectious laugh and zest for life, she was devoted to family, improving the lives of others, the environment and all that is fair and just.
She is survived by her husband and their children, Beth Stevenson (John), Susan Cowart (Sue Stringer), and Loren (Raun) Hopkins (David Siegel), five grandchildren, Ian Stevenson (Jennifer Wang), Michel Cowart (Hillary), Ben Stevenson (Taylor Cooper), Grant Raun and Paige Raun, three great grandchildren, Maya Wang Stevenson, Porter Cowart and Mabel Cooper Stevenson, and niece and nephew Barbara and Keel Smalley.
A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, February 19 at 2:00 pm. COVID precautions will be in place. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to SEARCH Homeless Services, the Houston Food bank, Houston Pets Alive, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church or the charity of your choice.