Helen Ruth Hopkins

Helen Ruth Hopkins was born in Anniston, AL. The family moved to Charleston, South Carolina when Helen Ruth was a small child. She was the first of five daughters born to Gordon Johnston and Ola Evelyn Kilgore Johnston. She began playing the piano at the age of 6 and continued her studies at a local music school in Charleston. When she was in high school she met a handsome airman from Brockton, Massachusetts. They started as skating partners at a local roller rink and quickly fell in love. They married December 18, 1956. Helen Ruth followed the love of her life to Brockton, Massachusetts where her Southern accent had her line in the grocery store the longest of all.

After the time in Brockton, Mom followed Dad to a place they could call home and raise a family. They moved several times while raising Wanda Ruth and Leo Jr. (Bubba) and finally settled in Brunswick, Georgia. Mother was always playing and teaching music to anyone who wanted lessons. She played for Weddings, Funerals, Camp Meetings and Revivals.

While in the Nursing Home she continued to push her chair down to the piano in the common area and would play for anyone who wanted to listen and sing along. Wanda Ruth and Leo Jr. were blessed by the loving home in which we were raised.

Visitation will be held Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at Pine Ridge Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow in Chapel Park Cemetery.