Barbara Hopkins Smith

Barbara “Bobbie Jean” Hopkins Smith passed away peacefully on June 2nd, 2025. She was born on June 11, 1940, in San Francisco, California, to Austin and Signa Hopkins. Soon after her birth, the family relocated to her father’s hometown of Washington, Georgia, where she grew up and graduated from Washington-Wilkes High School in 1958.

Following high school, Bobbie attended Massey Business College in Atlanta. In 1959, she married Ronald Smith, and together they had two children, Cindy Campbell (Scott) and Brian Smith (Patsy).

Bobbie enjoyed high school socials and football games and treasured the summers she spent in Atlanta with her Aunt Vera—riding the train there as a child was one of her fondest adventures. She had a deep love for the beach and found joy in the waves and sand between her toes. Many weekends were spent making memories with Brian in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and with Cindy in Destin, Florida.

She began her career in the banking industry in Atlanta, later moving to Athens, Georgia, where she joined The First National Bank of Athens. She would go on to complete a 25-year career in banking with SunTrust Bank. A dedicated and hardworking mother, Bobbie worked her entire life—at times holding two jobs to provide for her children.

At age 59, she was diagnosed with cancer but continued to work even throughout chemotherapy. After retiring from banking, she found great fulfillment working in the office of Dr. Neil Pylant, where she made some of her most cherished memories.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her Father Austin Hopkins, Step Mother Catherine Hopkins and Mother Signa Hopkins. She is survived by her brother, Sid Hopkins (Janice), and four stepbrothers: Colon Edwards, Gene Edwards, Robert Edwards, and Michael Edwards. She is also survived by her children, Cindy Campbell (Scott) and Brian Smith (Patsy); her nieces, Heather Clement (Brad) and Heidi Hutchinson (Kevin); and her granddaughters, Courtney Davis (John Aaron), Caroline Campbell, and Kate Smith.

A visitation will be held at Lord and Stephens West on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A private burial will follow in Washington at Resthaven Cemetery in the Hopkins family plot.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Bobbie, with special appreciation for the ladies at Talmadge Terrace and the team at St. Mary’s Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Barbara Hopkins Smith to: Mary Willis Library 204 E. Liberty Street, Washington, GA 30673 or Athens Area Humane Society (online donations encouraged).

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com