Barbara Hopkins

Barbara F. Hopkins (Beall) passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. Mrs. Hopkins, affectionately, known as “Ma, mommy, Nana, Lil lady, Lil mama, Goo, and Googie”, was born on July 27, 1940, to the late Mr./Mrs. William Raymond (Ethel Brown) Beall, in New York, New York. She was raised in the valley and attended Ansonia Public schools. She received her degree and Typing certification from South Central Community College. Barbara married at an early age residing in Ansonia and later moved to New Haven, CT, with her children, where she spent most of her life before moving to Meriden, CT. Barbara worked at Union Trust, First Union and Wells Fargo for many decades until her initial retirement. During her tenure at Union Trust, she navigated the mergers and many name changes gracefully. Through it all Barbara remained a constant fixture, helpmate, face of courtesy, a pleasant voice and excellent listener, providing encouragement, spreading genuineness and love wherever she went no matter who she encountered. After retirement, Barbara spent some time caring for her loved ones. It wouldn’t be long before she would re-enter the workforce with her final act at Connex Credit Union where she would continue to provide exceptional service until her last stage exit in final retirement. Barbara was a faithful member of Community Baptist Church in New Haven, CT. for many years where she joyfully sung in the choir. When opportunity would have it, Barbara visited the House of Refuge with her granddaughter where she rededicated her life to the Lord. Barbara would be sure to ask about Pastor and Co-Pastor Greene, Elder Sinclair and Elder Banks and the members of the congregation by name. While at home, Barbara would engage in worship services at home thanks to social media and broadcasting. Over the years, Barbara would attend the House of Refuge service via Facetime. Her race was finished, her business was fixed with the Lord, and Never did she complain. Barbara adored her family doing whatever she could to lend a hand. She demonstrated love, she was a confidant, a true friend in its rarest form, and a great Mother, Nana, sister, aunt and cousin. Barbara is survived by her adored children; Ethel (Friday), Brian, Valerie, Lisa, and Joseph Hopkins; Ramona Gary (Issac) all of CT. Granddaughters: Montaya Cheeks (Che) with whom she resided, Lashantay (Jermaine), Tyeisha, Lakeisha, Alicia, Jonasia, Joliece, and Jonae Hopkins; Kimberly Nobles, Ashiya Garris, and Destiny Nelson all of CT. Grandsons: Jeffrey ‘Antwon’, Dontay, Joseph jr., and Tyshon Hopkins; Alexander Nembhard all of CT. A host of extended grandchildren and several great/great-grandchildren. Barabra is also survived by her bonus Son: John Perry. Bonus daughters in love: Patricia Reynolds and Loretta Bolden. God Daughters: Anita Davies, Dawn Coston, and Brenda Mabry. Sister: Lois Smith; Lifelong sister-friend - Delores Horner; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her young granddaughters: Cherise Hopkins and Jasmine Garris. Sisters: Shirley Lewis and Beverly Beall. Brothers: William ‘Butch’, Jospeh ‘Joey’, and Harold ‘George’ Beall. Nephews: Timmy and Tommy Jacobs, Paul Beall, and J.C. Reddicck. Longtime companion - Richard Rawlins, former spouse -Vernel Hopkins, and longtime friend -Raymond Vincent. . We were Blessed to experience a love like yours!!!!

Barbara Hopkins

July 27, 1940 - February 1, 2026