Pearl E. Hopkins passed away on October 4, 2020, at the Roosevelt Memorial Nursing Home. She was born on November 14, 1938 in Poplar to Mary and Thomas Buckles.
Pearl married Robert Hopkins, Sr. on February 20, 1959 and together they had seven children; Robert, Jr. (Janell), Vicky Hopkins, Debbie Hopkins, Barney (Rita) Hopkins, Penny Hopkins of Poplar, MT and Shannon Hopkins of Wolf Point, MT. They also raised a grandson, Dion (Kristie) Hopkins and granddaughter, Lorraine Hopkins of Waco, TX.
Survivors also include 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sisters, Louise (Leonard) Ell and Gloria Chopper.
Pearl graduated from Poplar High School in May 1957. She was a homemaker until her youngest child attended school, then was employed as Community Health Representative (CHR). Pearl attended Antioch University/NAES College and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1984.
Pearl was a Tribal Councilwoman serving on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board for 28 years and 4 months. 1977-79; 1979-81; 1981-83; 1985-87; 1987-89; 1989-91; 1991-93; 1993-95; 199597; 1997-99; 1999-01; 2001-03; 7/2011-10/11; 2013-2015; 2015-2017, she retired in 2017.
Pearl Had many hobbies; she liked to sew, read, bake, gardening, canning, making dry meat, crafts and as a homemaker she loved raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, and even wild geese. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many functions while they were in school.
Pearl stressed the importance of getting an education to her grandchildren and the many young people she encountered. She always took the time to listen to the people of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and would try to assist them anyway she could.
Preceding Pearl in death; her husband, Robert Hopkins, Sr., her parents, Mary and Thomas Buckles, son Kevin Hopkins, daughter Julie Hopkins, granddaughter Paulette Bemer, brothers; Camelle, Fred, Raymond, Arthur Buckles; sisters, Lorraine Red Dog, Rebecca Garcia and Ethel Longee.
Pearl had numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, cousins, friends, and acquaintances, too numerous to mention. Please know that she kept all of you in her heart and prayers.
Lucinda Standing Bear says
My condolences to the family and prayers of strength. I’m really saddened by her loss.i knew her all my life and I always thought she was so nice. 🙏 Lu
Carlos J Buck Elk | St John, USVI says
I’m so saddened to hear of Pearl passing. She was an outstanding Tribal elder and Tribal Leader. My condolences to her families.
Caleb Shields says
I was so saddened to hear of my long time friend leaving us. We graduated together from PHS and served many years together on the Tribal Executive Board. My thoughts and prayers goes out to her family and friends. I was fortunate enough to visit her in Culbertson last summer while I was home. Pearl had so many friends around the country. So long my friend for now…
Jackie Sandoval says
Fly with the eagles Pearl, Pease and love to your family. You were such a special person always made time to visit. RIP my dear friend.
Rose Morsette says
Condolences to the family, sure going to miss you my dear sweet relative,many good memories I will hold close to my heart, you were such a awesome lady of god, always praying for us all,
Aunty loves you girls Debi , Penny , Vicky, Shannon, Lorraine and her handsome sons Bobby& Barney, all the grandchildren
Brian Azure, Sr. says
So sorry to hear about Pearl passing. She was a great woman, and will be missed. Praying for her family.
Cissy Eagleman says
Prayers of comfort for her families.
Mum you were always in my heart and forever will be. You were always ready with a hug when I saw you, always smiling. I will miss you but I know you were met by all who passed before you. Now you are in the arms of our Lord.
Journey well Mum.
Big hugs and lots of prayers for the families. She was always so proud of all of you.
Sherry and Seuss eder says
I am very about your loss .she was a carrying women she help when there was nobody else help me .my God watch her family.
Myra Dupree says
Pearl was our Ruth Bader. She stood up for what was right but it was always based on her Christian beliefs and her walk and her talk. How that is missed in today’s world as we witness the in-fighting going on in our tribal council she once represented and loved. The Christian faith seen in our Elders are quickly fading as seen in my mother, Mamie Dupree and in the likes of John Attchico. Pearl, you did what you could with the power within you. ” Circumstances don’t make us what we are, circumstances reveal what we are.” Thank you Pearl for revealing Christ within you.
Florence Garcia says
Prayers for Pearl’s family. She was a kind and amazing woman and will be missed.
Bill and Kathy Hess says
Sympathy to Pearl’s children, grandchildren, friends and relatives. Pearl loved the Lord and showed care and concern for so many. She was a blessing to our family and it was an honor to call her friend. Her laughter and prayers will be missed. We will pray for you all at this time.
Carol Osgood says
Our hearts are saddened by the news that Pearl has left this world. I know where she has gone and I can imagine her smile and laugh up there and the freedom she has now instead of being stuck in her “tent” down here. She was very special to us. She claimed me as a sister and it made me feel very special!
Jody Lizotte says
Sorry for your loss. Pearl was a very kind and well loved person.
Nadine Adams says
So saddened to hear of the loss of Pearl. She was a true woman of God which showed thru her faith and prayers. She now walks the streets of gold. Our sincere condolences to all of her family. It is hard to lose a mother. Prayers.
Florence Fourstar says
My sincere condolences and prayers for Pearl’s family. My mother enjoyed her visits with Pearl and Shannon. Heaven gained a beautiful, smart lady. Rest well! You will be missed.
Cheryl Cantrell says
I’m so saddened to hear of Pearl’s passing. She was such a kind, Beautiful Lady. All her accomplishments will be forever remembered. Lots of Love and Prayers for the Family..
Llaura Bleazard says
What an awesome woman Pearl was; she always had time to share with everyone! She was a role model of all of us! She made the world a better place and will be greatly missed! May God hold you close as you share your many precious memories and may those memories bring smiles to your faces! Prayers and hugs!
Charlie Headdress says
When I learned of the passing of my good friend Pearl, I thought of the many people who would not get to know a person of her kindness and happy out look on life. She is and was what this generation needs to light the way through these dark times we are going through. I had the greatest honor of serving with Pearl on the Tribal Executive Board , and we both served on the Benefis Native American Board in Great Falls, Mt. I will miss her words of wisdom and great sense of humor. She was a peace maker and the young members of the current board could learn a lot from Pearl about humility, honesty and respect for others. You have only gone through the veil my friend, we will see you again in a place where there is no pain only happiness with all who have gone before. May God bless and comfort the family.
Curtis and Gloria Reese says
Curtis and Gloria Reese say: We have known Pearl Hopkins and her family for over 37 years. Pearl had much talent and used her abilities to serve people. Pearl loved the Lord and served him. Also, she would come to church in all types of weather-good or bad. We knew her as a mature Christian who, one day, expected to see the Lord face to face. She 100% believed John 14:6 which says: ” Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” We extend our sympathy to Pearl’s surviving 6 children, all other relatives, and her many friends.
Michelle Trottier says
Condolences to the Pearl’s children. She was an awesome Elder and would actually take the time to listen to your concerns and assist you in any way she could. Pearl always had a response and of course it would always be followed by her laughter. God speed as we know you are rejoicing in heaven with all your family and friends.
Helen Harden says
God Bless the mourners.
Iva Grainger says
May you Rest In Peace Pearl
I had the pleasure of knowing Pearl for many years and admired her for her love of the Lord
Her faith never faltered and I loved that she always
Showed her faith and wasn’t afraid to change her beliefs for anything
Love you and miss you
You are walking the streets of gold my friend
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolences to the family. Pearl was a very kind caring person. She will be deeply missed by all her knew her. Prayers for comfort and strength during this sad time. Prayers for healing and blessings. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Patricia Bushman says
Prayers to the family.
Dana Grant says
Sending my regards to the family at this time.
Margaret Giesen Miller says
Sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with the family.
Stacey Summers says
The Summers & Menz family would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Pearl Hopkins. I knew Pearl when she served on the TEB with grandma Lida. Grandma Lida was the big sister to Pearl & June. I was fortunate to work with her on the TEB. One day we took a ride in my camaro & the seat was so low Pearl couldn’t see over the dash. She said oh my, I can’t see. Where’s the visor? I put it down & it was all for show. She said “what’s this going to do?” We laughed. She always had a good sense of humor. I will miss her & was glad to visit her in Culbertson. She was very thoughtful & always asked about the kids. She loved her banana cream pie, until we meet again will have that pie, & Thank you for your knowledge, patience, & being a faithful servant. Love you Pearl.❤️🙏🏼✝️
Joel Rae Ferguson says
Pearl,
You were a WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE and FAITH. I learned so much from you and others By being your Recording Clerk. I can hear your gentle voice and concern for your TRIBES.. the words you SPOKE remain in my heart.. you spoke SOFTLY and KINDLY.. you made SURE HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND RESPECT REMAINED IN OUR COUNCIL CHAMBERS… WOPILA PEARL . YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED..
Debra M. says
Condolences to Pearl’s family, May the Lord comfort you all on this sad day. God bless.
Gay Pennington says
My thoughts and prayers to Pearl’s family. I always enjoy visiting Pearl. She always would stop to visit when we ran into each other, I will miss our visit’s and I love her smiles. I grew up with Bobby and Vicky. Had a lot of laughs. Pearl will be miss by her children, grandkids and the people who all love her. Pearl rest in peace and fly high with your wonderful angels wings. May god comfort the family’s. Love Gay(Stephanie Paulson) Pennington Billings Mt.
Marilyn Lawrence says
Im going to miss you my friend you were a beautiful person inside and out. My condolences to the family. Peace be with lots of love.
Kris Beck Treasure says
My sincere condolences to all Pearl’s family and friends. Pearl was an incredible woman. I enjoyed visiting with her when we were working in the river bottom. She always welcomed me into her home. I would take her corn and other garden produce when my garden was thriving. Ox Tail, Tongue, and Beef Heart did not go to waste in her kitchen. Everything had a use.
I admired her great faith and love for animals. After she moved from the bottom, her little cow dog would streak out to greet us when we arrived. I always carry a treat for him, on behalf of Pearl. Playing with her puppies brought her great joy.
I asked her once if all the hunting in the bottom bothered her. It is an area of great beauty, but there are times down there when all you can hear are gunshots. Being alone in the house, I thought that might alarm her. She replied that she had just confronted someone about shooting a small fawn. There was no fear in her voice, only determination. She was not afraid of anyone.
Pearl was a gifted teacher with a wealth of wisdom. She was a respected leader and a pillar of strength. May she light the way for us all.
Carla Cantrell says
I. Love you Pearl and will miss our visits and I will truly miss your kindness and believing in me. You are forever in my heart and the hearts of my children. Your a legacy that will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace. May the lord comfort your family at this time. Sincerly Melissa Cantrell & Family
Danielle Christensen says
A beautiful angel always so busy trying to find solutions for this troubled world. And when she had none she would turn to prayer, sometimes I would be stuck in her room for 30 minutes or longer, how can you walk away from a woman praying. Her smile, laughter and words of wisdom were always things to look forward to. We will miss her dearly. Rest your sweet soul Pearl.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Travel well to the other side my friend. I will miss you and am thankful for your friendship, guidance and the fun times we shared. Tell our families we miss them but know we will join you all one day. You have just passed through the Veil to a better World. Enjoy and for the folks you have left behind the memories will be the balm to the pain of letting you go. Prayers of comfort and strength for the family.