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Obituary of Shirley Irene Hopkins
Our dear mother, Shirley Irene Hopkins, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2023. She was born on January 15, 1941, in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, to proud parents Emmitt and Arminta Pollock. Her name, Shirley Irene, was a beautiful combination of the iconic actress Shirley Temple and the timeless song “Goodnight Irene,” a name that would come to symbolize the grace and warmth that she carried throughout her life.
From a young age, Mom demonstrated a nurturing spirit that would shape her path. At the tender age of 11 years old, she lost her mom and became a mother figure to her 4 year old younger sister, Vicky. Rocking chairs and lullabies became a constant theme in her life, symbolizing her lifelong commitment to caring for others.
In her youth, Shirley was actively involved in the family’s endeavors, raising and selling pigs and produce. Her talents extended beyond the farm, as she became a gifted pianist, even receiving an invitation to showcase her skills on the radio.
Shirley’s academic journey was equally impressive. She graduated from Jeffersonville High School as part of the class of 1959 and proudly participated in Junior Achievement. Her fondness for her small graduating class led her to attend every reunion, cherishing the lasting bonds she formed.
Her academic prowess earned her scholarships to Wilmington College, where she graduated in 1963. During her college years, Shirley’s leadership shone bright as she was chosen as the Queen of her Senior class and served on the School’s Governing board. Her involvement in the theater group and numerous awards highlighted her outstanding contributions such as Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges. Shirley’s dedication to education and hard work allowed her to put herself through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education.
In 1963, Mom embarked on a new adventure, moving to Tucson, Arizona, where she began her teaching career and married the love of her life, Sanford LaVerne Hopkins. Together they began building a family filled with love and laughter.
As a retired teacher and full-time mother, Shirley shared her passion for learning with her eight children. She took pride in the fact that they all enjoyed school and valued education. But her lessons extended far beyond the classroom. Mom taught us children the importance of love; to love one another and to extend that love to everyone they encountered. She was a master of making every dollar stretch, conjuring amazing meals, sewing treasures, and orchestrating cost-effective adventures that brought joy to her family and countless others who frequented her welcoming house.
Throughout her life, Shirley was a pillar of support for her family. She courageously stood by her husband as he navigated career changes and relocated the family to Marietta, Georgia with five children and a baby on the way.
Despite the demands of raising eight children, Mom worked tirelessly to help support Dad and show up for her family. Her incredible capacity for love extended beyond her own family, as she fostered Native American children, exemplifying her commitment to serving others.
Shirley was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving others in the Church. Mom and Dad served a mission in 2005 at Martin’s Cove in Wyoming. Mom loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had great faith and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Shirley is survived by her eight children and their spouses: Stephen (Anna), Shannan (Kevin), Shawna (David), Stacy (Manny), Shelly, Sanford (Melinda), Scott (Abby), Seth (Michelle) and her 27 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Shirley survived her husband, Sanford LaVerne Hopkins, her parents, Emmitt Albert Pollock and Arminta Smith Pollock, and her siblings: Richard, Margaret Ann, John, and Vicky.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sumter Chapel 3500 W. Sumter Drive, Tucson, AZ 85742. Viewing and greeting of the family will be held from 9:00-9:45 AM before the funeral. The burial will follow the funeral at Binghampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Adair Funeral Homes 8090 N. Northern, Tucson, AZ 85704.
We love our Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma dearly and celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to family and faith. Her legacy will forever inspire us to follow in her footsteps.
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