Barbara J. Hopkins

Barbara J. Hopkins, 81, of Eau Claire, died Friday, May 5, 2017, at Oak Crest AFC in Niles.



A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Bright Star Tabernacle (where she was a member), 5130 Old Pipestone Road, Eau Claire, with Pastor Mike Fields officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the church or to Hospice at Home. Bowerman Funeral Home, Eau Claire, is assisting the family, and online condolences may be left at www.bowermanfuneral.com.



Barbara was born July 10, 1935, in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Julius and Crystal (Gillenwater) Thar. She married James A. Hopkins, and she worked as office manager for their company, Southwest Michigan Electric. She loved animals, having family get-togethers, and cooking, and she was always ready to lend a hand and help out wherever she could.



She was predeceased by her husband, James Sr.; their son, James A. Hopkins Jr.; sister, Marie (Don) Partridge of Eau Claire; and granddaughter, Julie Ann.



Surviving are two sons, Jerry (Tina) Hopkins and John (Patsy) Hopkins, all of Eau Claire.  Barbara also raised a granddaughter, Jennifer (Ross) Hicks, who was the daughter of Barbara’s late son James Jr.  Also surviving are grandchildren: Branden (Haley) Hopkins, Jade Pipkins, Jonathon Hopkins, Marc (Ashley) Hopkins, Justin (Kim) Hopkins, Jimmy (Lacey) Lucas, Brittany (Johnny) Bovo, Jaydynn Hopkins, Jeremy (Annette) Hopkins, April Hopkins; and 21 great-grandchildren.