Mary Hopkins

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mary Lankford Hopkins, 98, longtime resident of Chaffee died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009.

Mary was born Oct. 31, 1910, in Sikeston, Mo., to Joe and Gertrude Lankford. She was married to the late Harold Hopkins, her husband of nearly 50 years.

She lived in Chaffee most of her life before moving to Anderson, S.C., with her son in 1997. She was blessed with nearly 99 years of life before her death at Rainey Hospice Center.

Mary is survived by two sons and their spouses, Jae and Akiko Hopkins of San Diego, Calif., Mark and Ruth Hopkins of Anderson; five grandchildren, Amy Hopkins of Atlanta, Sara Bopp, Joe Hopkins and Andy Hopkins of Simpsonville, S.C., Steve Hopkins of Warwick, R.I.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Leslie and Kenneth Lankford.

Mary Hopkins was a teacher in Missouri almost 40 years. She was a well-known musician who traveled with the 140th Infantry Band as a soloist in her youth. She taught English and directed choirs and play productions most of her professional life.

She also taught Senior Women's Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Chaffee many years, a class that was previously taught by her mother. She was a six-decade member of PEO. She was a 70-year member of First Baptist Church in Chaffee and was currently a member of Concord Baptist Church in Anderson.

She often said that her greatest pride was in her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was especially proud of the many graduates of Chaffee High School. Having served there many years, she had the privilege of teaching two and three generations of the same family.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Chaffee, with the Rev. Gerald Collier officiating.

Visitation with the family will be in the fellowship hall following the service. Interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, where many other members of her family are buried.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Chaffee or Chaffee High School Foundation.

MacDougald Funeral Home in Anderson and Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee are in charge of arrangements.