Hopkins
WAYCROSS — Virginia Diane Lairsey Hopkins, 69, of Waycross, reunited with the Lord Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Mrs. Hopkins was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Throughout her life, she was a devoted Christian, guided by her faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fluis and Frances Lairsey; her brothers, Ralph Lairsey and William Lairsey; and her brothersi n-law, Carlton Ring and Jock Rosenberger.
Mrs. Hopkins was born August 6, 1955, the second youngest of seven siblings. Her family owned and operated Lairsey’s Grocery in Blackshear for nearly 40 years.
She was a 1973 graduate of Blackshear High School and furthered her education at Okefenokee Technical College. Mrs. Hopkins worked for CSX for several years before venturing into business with her husband, Marvin. Together, they owned and operated Hopkins Sporting Goods, Wilmar Sportswear, Hopkins Advertising, and A-1 Self Storage.
One of Mrs. Hopkins’ greatest joys was being elected in 2004 to serve the citizens of Waycross and District 4, a role she proudly held for six consecutive terms. She thoroughly enjoyed serving alongside her fellow commissioners, many of whom became lifelong friends. Mrs. Hopkins was deeply committed to serving the citizens of Waycross and strived to enrich our community.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Marvin Black Hopkins, Sr.; her daughter, Frances Hart Woodard, and son-in-law, Kevin; her son, Marvin (Mart) Black Hopkins, Jr.; and her beloved grandson, Macrae Charles Woodard. Mrs. Hopkins is also survived by her dear sisters, Carolyn Rosenberger, Chris Ring, Linda Thornton and Sherry Lairsey; her sister- in-law, Nadean Lairsey; and many special nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Saturday, February 1, at Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om.
Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
