Hopkins

Virginia Diane Lairsey Hopkins, 69, of Waycross, reunited with the Lord Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

She 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 brothers-in-law, Carlton Ring and Jock Rosenberger.

Shewas born August 6, 1955, and was 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. She 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 her 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. She was deeply committed to serving the citizens of Waycross and strived to enrich our community.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Marvin Black Hopkins Sr.; her daughter, Frances Hart Woodard and sonin- law, Kevin; her son, Marvin (Mart) Black Hopkins Jr. and her beloved grandson, Macrae Charles Woodard; her dear sisters, Carolyn Rosenberger, Chris Ring, Linda Thornton and Sherry Lairsey; her sister-in-law, Nadean Lairsey and many special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 1, from the Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross.

Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome. com.

Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.