Evelyn K. Hopper, 96, of Russell Springs, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at her home. She was born on October 21, 1928 in Louisville, the daughter of the late William and Louisa Zimmerman Katzman.
Along with her husband, they owned and operated Hopper Drug Store for 34 years. Evelyn was a long-standing member of Liberty Baptist Church, having served as both church secretary and secretary of her Sunday School class. She lived a life of service, both to her family and to the community, as a volunteer at the public library and her church. Most would describe Evelyn as a pillar of the community; smart, strong, crafty, and independent; having lived on her own until the last few months. Along with spending time with her family and cooking for them, she also enjoyed sewing, needlework, crafting, painting and league bowling for as long as she was able.
In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Jetha Hopper, who passed away September 4, 1987 after 38 years of marriage; a daughter, Connie Jones; six sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include two children, Ronald (and Karen) Hopper of Russell Springs and Rebecca (and Rudy) Higginbotham of Columbia; five grandchildren, Laura Woodrum, Patrick (and Erica) Higginbotham, Matthew (and Jessie) Hopper, Jansen Hopper, and Brent (and Melanie) Jones; 13 great-grandchildren, Camryn Woodrum, Owen Woodrum, Elliot Higginbotham, Aubrey Higginbotham, Evelyn Higginbotham, Lydia Jones, Davis Jones, Emersyn Jones, Addison Hopper, Hudson Hopper, Hayes Hopper, Alex Hopper, Jon Hopper, Sveta Hopper and Davyd Hopper; onr brother, Bill Katzman of Louisville; and a son-in-law, Edward Jones of Russell Springs.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Evelyn’s caretakers in her final few months, Melanie Harmon, Adalene Cochran, Jennifer Holland, and Rhonda Honaker.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs with Bro. Rick Catron officiating and burial in Russell Springs Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brent Jones, Matthew Hopper, Jansen Hopper, Owen Woodrum, Patrick Higginbotham and Elliot Higginbotham.
Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1859, Russell Springs, Ky., 42642 and can be made at the funeral home.
Bernard Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
