Evelyn Theis Hopkins

Evelyn Theis Hopkins, 96, of Columbia, Illinois, passed away on December the 18th, 2023. She was born in Granite City, Illinois on February the 18th, 1927, oldest child of the late John and Mary Theis. She was married to Charles J Hopkins for over 71 years. Their marriage was a glowing example to their children, grandchildren and all who they met of a true love story that even death could not extinguish. Evelyn was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving on many committees and always ready to volunteer to assist the families of the parish. Known far and wide as “The Hat Lady”, she was rarely - if ever- without a fashionable chapeau, accompanied by appropriate amounts of glittering, sparkling jewelry. Ladies in attendance at the funeral are encouraged to wear hats, in silent honor of this grand lady. Blessed with a melodious voice, she always answered the phone with a cheerful “Good Morning,” or whatever the appropriate time dictated. Her love of the color pink was well known, outdone only by her fondness for strawberries. She served many years with the Columbia Woman’s Club, serving a term as the President. One of her greatest joys was the Ladies Red Hat Society, a club in which she truly did thrive. Evelyn was a woman of great and unshakable faith in God, a virtue that was the guide to her life. She was the companion and mate of her beloved Charlie, experiencing more than seven decades together of baseball games, Ironworker events, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, a growing family and finally the separation of his death, now made joyous with their heavenly reunion. She was sweet, gentle, loved by many, and missed by all. Surviving are two sons, John (Margaret) Hopkins of Alton, and James (Sharon) of Waterloo, Illinois, and one daughter, Marie Hopkins, of Columbia, Illinois; 11 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren, one sister Mary Ann Rockwell of St. Louis, along with many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by 3 brothers - Edward, Howard and Arthur Theis, as well as a grandchild, Illinois State Trooper Nicholas J. Hopkins. Visitation will be on FRIDAY December the 29th, 2023, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by a Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 411 Palmer Road, Columbia, Illinois. Father Carl Scherrer will officiate, followed by interment in the Evangelical St Paul Cemetery in Columbia, Il. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to Heartland Hospice in Fairview Heights, Illinois or Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia, Illinois.

Evelyn Theis Hopkins

February 18, 1927 - December 18, 2023