Barbara Ann (Hopkins) Evans

Barbara Ann Evans, 81, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

Barbara was born on October 1, 1944, in Lancaster, California, to Paul H. Hopkins and Geneva Bell (Plaster) Hopkins. She spent her formative years in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, where she grew up and graduated from Bethel High School with the Class of 1962.

On June 14, 1963, Barbara married the love of her life, Bill, at New Hope Baptist Church. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising two daughters and a son while creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Barbara was a talented and hardworking woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. She began her career as a beautician, working in downtown Shawnee before opening her own shop, where she dedicated over a decade to serving her community. In addition, she owned and managed several local businesses, including Bucks Western Wear in Tecumseh and The Beadery Plus in Shawnee.

She had a wide range of passions and talents. Barbara enjoyed photography and canning, and she was an active participant in play days at the Tecumseh Roundup Club, where she loved riding horses. A gifted seamstress, she found great joy in making clothes for her children. Barbara was also well known for her involvement in showing AKC English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs for many years.

Faith played an important role in Barbara’s life. She was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church and later attended Sharon Baptist Church.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Geneva Hopkins; and her two stepbrothers, Paul Howard Hopkins and Jimmy Hopkins.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her family. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 63 years, Bill; her daughters and sons-in-law, Kami and Clark Baker, and Shelli and Kevin Hall; her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Tricia Evans; five grandchildren, Tanna Horton and spouse Chase, Kaci Copus and spouse Shakotah, Parker Hall, Connor Hall and spouse Jennifer, and Rylee Evans; and eight great-grandchildren, Koltyn, Luca, Kaison, Josie, Brighton, Lorrie Darlin, Coulson and Cael. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends, including her lifelong friends Lana Anderson, Fontella Williams, and Dolores Coker.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Sharon Baptist Church, with Reverend Clint Dawkins officiating.

The family would like to acknowledge the honorary pallbearers and thank them for their love and friendship: Jimmy and Dana Hopkins, Jack Anderson, Richard and Sandy Stapp, Phillip Coker, John Reed, and Carl Williams (deceased).

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, strong faith, and the deep love she had for her family, friends, and community. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.