Wanda Elaine Hoopes, 87, of Columbus, MS, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Montgomery Gardens Assisted Living in Starkville, MS.

Visitation will be Friday, December 8, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Graveside will follow at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Hoopes was born on February 19, 1936, in Carlisle, AR to the late James Alfred Nichols and Clara Handy Nichols. She was a teacher for 35 years and taught at many schools. Mrs. Hoopes was a devout Catholic and attended Annunciation Church.  She enjoyed painting, needlework, reading, coloring, and going to thrift and antique stores. Mrs. Hoopes loved her dogs- Emma, Cootie, and Prissy. Mrs. Hoopes was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hoopes was preceded in death by her husband- James Hoopes; sons- Jon Michael Hoyt, and William Edward Hoyt; grandmother- Arkie Hicks, and brothers- Jimmy Nichols, and Roger Nichols.

Mrs. Hoopes is survived by her daughters- Theresa (Dale) Pendley, Barbara (Jeff) Hoopes, and Ellen (Shannon) Bowles; grandchildren- Richard (Erin) Ammerman, Valerie Hoopes, Angela Collins, Drew Hoyt, and Russell Pendley, great grandchildren- Austin James Collins, and Michael Collins; and her sister- Judy Morris.

Pallbearers will be Shannon Bowles, Dale Pendley, Drew Hoyt, Richard Ammerman, Austin James Collins, and Michael Collins. Honorary Pallbearer will be Russell Pendley.

Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society, Po Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 or St Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.