Floy Austin Hopkins, 101

Floy Austin Hopkins, artist and craftsman, loved by so many, died after a short illness June 18, 2017 at home in Little Rock.

Floy was born November 22, 1915 in Bennington, OK, the first of six children. She worked to put herself through college in three years, graduating from what is now Texas Women’s University in 1934, with a degree in homemaking. She married the love for her life, Denzel Hopkins, and moved to West Texas where they started farming, she taught homemaking, and they reared three treasured daughters. She designed the unique home in Lubbock, TX where they lived for over 40 years.

Floy became a professional artist and studied extensively at Texas Tech University and with notable artists. She always relished creating “paint-ins”, “paint-outs” (over 20 years-worth) and sharing techniques, media, and laughter with her art friends.

Just before and then after her husband died, she lived for 16 years on Lake Diversion in northern Texas, 45 minutes from a town of any size. She remained active designing, gardening, painting, raising guineas and trapping raccoons. At 95, she moved to Little Rock where she continued creating and making the most of every day she was given.

She is survived by her three daughters: LoVetta Hopkins Gurley of Tulsa (husband Dan deceased), Lyndell Hopkins Edgemon and husband Charles of Anton, Texas, and Karmen Hopkins and partner Donna Gullette of Little Rock; eight grandchildren: Mark Hopkins Gurley of Lenexa, KS, Sylynda Gurley Bertrem of Tulsa, Charles Lance Edgemon of Wichita Falls, TX, Matthew Thomas Gurley of Tulsa, Kyle Lee Edgemon of Tyler, TX, Sharla Gurley Thompson of Tulsa, Trevor Lane Edgemon of Littlefield, TX, and Claire Elise Hopkins Mattingly of Anchorage, AK, and their spouses; and 19 great-grandchildren – all of whom brought her great joy.

Floy did not want a funeral but wanted everyone to have a “big party” and “tell all the fun stories bout her they can remember”. Her celebration of life will continue Thursday, June 22, 12 pm in the chapel at the Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock. To sign an online guestbook, visit anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an art organization or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.