Gail Martin Hopkins passed away peacefully at her home in Kingsport, TN on July 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. Gail was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on July 7, 1946.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur Martin & Margaret Heptinstall Martin of Bedford, VA

She is survived by her husband of forty-five years, Geoffrey Hopkins of Kingsport, TN; daughter, Margaret and (Joseph) Foley of Bristol, VA; two grandchildren, Dayton and Maddie Foley; brother, Curry Martin and (Kelly) of Lynch Station, VA; sisters, Julia Manley and (Rick) of Bedford, VA; Carol Patton and (Stephen) of Kansas City, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her loving four-legged companion, Andy. 

Gail touched the lives of all her students as a teacher for 36 years. She taught school in Winchester, VA; was a daycare director in Tucson, AZ; and taught at Huddleston, Bedford Elementary, and Stewartsville in Bedford County, VA. She earned her teaching degrees at Lynchburg University and received her Master's at the University of Virginia. Gail earned her Criminal Justice Degree and Private Investigator License at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, VA.

Gail loved reading, working puzzles, traveling to the beach with her family, and fiercely loved her grandchildren; she was very involved in their lives and activities. Gail never met a stranger, and they embraced her compassion and love for them. Often times she would bring little gifts for all the patients at the dialysis clinic, where she spent many hours receiving treatment over the past four years, and never missed a themed dress up day. Gail had a passion for life and lived every moment with joy and love for everyone up to the moment of her passing.

Gail had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Mentow Baptist Church. Gail’s family will receive friends and family at Mentow Baptist Church at 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026 with her Celebration of Life immediately following  at 2 PM.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank Sandra, Gail’s home caregiver, and the Kidney Fresenius Center for their loving care.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.