We regret to announce the passing of Marilyn Joyce Hopkins, age 72, of Taft, TN. Joyce
was born March 17, 1951, in Topeka, KS to the late Earl and Mary Wemmer Hudgens.
She retired from Bellsouth-AT&T as part of the engineering department, and she was a
member of Unity Church of Christ. She passed away January 18, 2024, at her home,
under the care of her loving daughter.
Survivors include her daughter, Merri Christine Turner; stepchildren, Patricia (Curtis)
Neal, Leslie (Leata) Hopkins, David Hopkins, Tommy Hopkins; siblings, Peggy (Newell)
Hobbs, John (Esther) Hudgens, Susan (Tom) Welchel, Laura Wright Hardy (Tom), Julie
Kenimer; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to
her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Hopkins.
A private burial will take place at the Neeley Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Fayetteville-Lincoln County Animal Control, 1718
Pulaski Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Marilyn Joyce Hopkins.
Prayers for the family, especially Christine. My sweet Joyce, I loved you so much, friends since we were 19 years old.
Words can never describe how this hurts me. You stood with me when I married, you were my confidant, my sister,
my running mate. I can now only cherish our many times we shared and made special memories. Rest in Peace my loving and dear friend. Dee Dee
Prayers for comfort for the family. I am thankful that I met Ms. Joyce through her work at Edward Jones; she was always a joy.