Ms. Betty Jean (Bootsie) Hopkins

Betty “Bootsie” Jean Hopkins was born to the late Dewey and Allie Mae Hopkins on June 13, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri. To this union, Betty Jean, Vetonia, Lee Etta, Idamae, Dorothy, Connie, Richard, Ronald, Dewey, James, Alice, and Martha were born. All preceded her in death except her two surviving sisters, Alice and Martha.

After the death of her parents, and companion “RAY,” Betty moved with her sister, Martha Bates, where she resided for over 30 years. She in turn became a part of the “Bates Family". If you saw Martha, then you definitely saw Betty. They were inseparable, like two peas in a pod. Betty loved Martha and Martha truly loved Betty.

Betty was educated in the St. Louis Public School system. She confessed a hope in Christ in 1990 and was a member of Word Harvest Church in St. Louis, Missouri under the leadership of the Bishop Michael Bates, Sr.

She worked jobs in several hotels and nursing facilities and her last place of employment was with Morgan Food Company (KFC). She took pride in her work and the employees loved to talk to “Ms. Betty”. The crew would joke how there was never a dull moment with Ms. Betty.

Betty loved warm summer days when she could sit outside and talk to her neighbors. She loved to crochet and oh, how she loved snacks. Whenever you saw her outside, there she was with needles, yarn, and a bag full of snacks. She also enjoyed listening to music and knew many of the old-time goodies. Many fond memories of Betty were made on the porch.

Betty was indeed a soldier. Nothing kept her down and no matter what, she never complained. Even up to the last minutes of her life she continuously asked, “Martha are you okay”? She was always eager to assist and made sure her sister was okay. The magnitude of sisterly love was evident. She fought a good fight, and her battle is over. After a brief illness, surrounded by family, Betty was quietly welcomed home to be with the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two sisters, Martha Bates and Alice Pearson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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