Joy H. Hopkins, 90, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Cadia Rehabilitation Renaissance in Millsboro, following a brief illness.

Born Feb. 8, 1936, to William W. and Etta J. Hamilton, Joy was the daughter of a minister and spent much of her childhood moving with her family throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding areas before eventually settling in Lewes. It was there that she met Ernest “Ernie” Hopkins, who would later become her beloved husband. The two were married May 31, 1956.

Joy dedicated more than 56 years of service to Beebe Hospital, now known as Beebe Healthcare, where she was respected and admired by colleagues and patients alike.

She was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Unity Chapter No. 16, since Dec. 22, 1970. Throughout her years of service, she held many offices before achieving the distinguished honor of Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star for the State of Delaware. Joy also served as Grand Guardian of Delaware for Job’s Daughters and was a Past Bethel Guardian of Georgetown Bethel No. 5.

Joy was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes.

Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also deeply cherished traveling throughout Delaware and across the United States with her brothers and sisters of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest F. Hopkins, in 2008, and her brother, Walter L. Hamilton, in 2018.

Joy is survived by her son, Kenneth E. Hopkins and his wife Suzette, their daughter, Natalie Taylor and her husband, Dillon, and their daughter, Elizabeth. She is also survived by her daughter, Sandra H. Walker and her husband Mike, their sons, Steven Walker and his wife, Sara, and their children, Marshall and Cole, and Bradley Walker and his wife, Chelsea, and their children, Capri and Cohen. She also leaves behind many additional loving family members and dear friends.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.

A second viewing with Eastern Star Services will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, May 28, at Parsell Funeral Homes, Lewes, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grand Chapter of Delaware, Order of the Eastern Star. Include "ESTARL Donation – Joy Hopkins” in the memo line and mail donations to: Rosie Shearon, 16850 Millstone Drive, Milton, DE 19968.

Visit Joy's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.