Barbara Hopson

Mrs. Barbara Hopson, longtime educator and community activist, passed away July 1, 2012. Born in Berlin, Germany, she had been a resident of Atlantic Beach since the 1950’s living in the same home she and her husband, Edison, built. Mrs. Hopson was a retired 5th grade teacher from Atlantic Beach Elementary School. She loved her profession and her dedication is remembered by her former students as the best teacher they have ever had. As a lover of the environment, Barbara’s mission was to maintain the natural beauty and essence of Atlantic Beach by serving on its beautification committee and acting as an avid defender of the tree ordinance. Brave throughout all of her endeavors, Barbara earned her pilot’s license and instrument rating during her retirement years, learning not only to fly, but to maintain her airplane. She was a proud member of the 99’ers, an elite group of female pilots. Her many talents and interest included sewing, handwork, music, gardening, animals and world travel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edison and sister, Edelgard and is survived by her adoring daughter, Margaret Hopson-Fernandes and her husband Carlos; grandchildren, Eddie and Maria Hopson-Fernandes; brothers, Walter and Peter Hochheim; and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1423 8th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach with interment to follow at Beaches Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for the visitation from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville or the National Kidney Foundation. Words of condolence may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com.