Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

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.

 

 

13 Comments

  • Maury Quo Posted June 20, 2017 10:13 PM

    God created a unique individual in Floy! I was inspired by her!

  • Marcia Abbott Posted June 21, 2017 6:37 AM

    I remember sweet Floy when she was our Brownie leader. She taught us so many creative things and we all loved her. She was a blessing to my life.

  • Sandra Needham Posted June 21, 2017 7:00 AM

    Treasured memories of a life of adventure, art and most of all, love of family

  • Sabrina Grobleben Posted June 21, 2017 9:04 AM

    Will miss you much, Aunt Floy! Having you around, especially for my kids, was like having a part of my grandmother and grandfather still around for them to know. You were loved by many, and leave behind a HUGE legacy. 😘😘😘

  • Kay Bowman Posted June 21, 2017 9:04 AM

    My condolences to the family, LoVeta, Lyndell and Carmen, I am thinking of you at this time.
    Love, Kay Bowman, Lubbock, Tx.

  • Florence Gum (Mrs. Donald) Posted June 21, 2017 9:34 AM

    I remember Floy Hopkins and her husband Denzil when they were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock, TX. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to her daughters and family at her passing. She was a special and talented lady. Thanks be to God for her long and productive life..

  • Jean McSweeney Posted June 21, 2017 10:01 AM

    What a wonderful life and wonderful woman. Her legacy and love will live on in all of you whom she loved so dearly.

  • Cheryl Snyder Posted June 21, 2017 10:18 AM

    Love to you Karmen and your family and what a remarkable person that your Mother was and what a wonderful daughter and family among so many other accomplishments. Love

  • Darrious Fuller Posted June 21, 2017 11:20 AM

    She Will Be Truly Missed.i e Enjoyed Every Moment I Got To Spend With Her. RIL Momma Floy !!!

  • Patty Cowan Posted June 21, 2017 8:23 PM

    What a creative and inspiring life! She brought many gifts into people’s lives. With caring thoughts, Patty

  • Becky Patterson Posted June 22, 2017 10:52 AM

    Reading her life story makes me really sad that I never got to meet this lady. So creative, so giving. Thanks for sharing her story.

  • Maeghan Arnold Posted June 22, 2017 4:11 PM

    I wish I had known Mrs. Floy- seeing her art today and her other handiwork is absolutely lovely. May we all live with the same zest that she did. Sending loving thoughts to you and yours. – M

  • CHARLES GULLETTE Posted June 22, 2017 7:49 PM

    It was a true pleasure to meet Karmen’s mom she was such a wonderful person.. Your family will be with you always and have beautiful memories of you. God bless. Charles and Yvonne.

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