Obituary

Donna Jean Hopkins (Garges), 75, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, held by her loving family.

Born in Mount Hope, WV, and raised in the coalfields of Eastern Kanawha County, Donna carried within her the quiet strength of Appalachia. Her early life was not easy, but she became a beautiful example of how resilience, love, and determination can lift the next generation. She was tenacious yet calm, always fighting for her family and others first.

Donna studied music at WV Tech before discovering her greatest purpose: being a mother. She worked in elementary education for most of her career and later retired from the WV Office of Laboratory Services.

She spent most of her adult life in Chesapeake, WV, where she raised her family along the Kanawha River. Donna cultivated vibrant flower gardens, created lasting memories with her grandchildren, and filled her home with warmth, laughter, and love.

She was a maker of gifts, of comfort, of memories. Her hands shaped ceramics, delicate cross-stitches, and paintings that now hang with meaning in the homes of those she loved. Donna was a second mother to many, and her home was a haven of warmth and welcome.

She personified school spirit and was a constant presence at East Bank High School, where she proudly sponsored the cheerleading squad and helped rally the community behind the Pioneers on Friday nights. She was a strong woman, a fierce advocate for equality and human dignity. She fought for those without a voice, especially children. She was a giver, a loyal friend, and a woman who stood tall for what was right.

Above all, Donna loved her family. She cherished music, beach vacations with her grandchildren, holidays filled with laughter, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those she loved most.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Neil Hopkins; her children Kimberly Horton, Kara Gillenwater (Chris), and Kris Hopkins (Jill); and her beloved grandchildren Max, Jenna, Jackson, Harper, Haddie, and Helia.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held in June in Charleston, WV. The family will share more details soon.

Instead of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in her honor to the American Heart Association.

Donna’s life was an immortal song: one of kindness, fierce love, and unwavering devotion to others. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her spirit and a community made better by her presence.

Condolences may be sent to her family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.