Millie Mildred Hopkins (nee Dowsing), a retired teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools District, died September 28, 2012, at her daughter’s home in Kirkwood after a long illness. She was 93 and a resident of Creve Coeur.
Mrs. Hopkins was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi Industrial College. In the early 1940s, she and her husband, Robert, moved to St. Louis. She pursued graduate studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and Stowe Teachers’ College in St. Louis. In 1964 she received a master’s degree in home economics from St. Louis University.
She taught in South Kinloch for 5 years prior to coming to the St. Louis Public Schools District where she taught for 28 years.
Mrs. Hopkins was an active member of Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church where she served as president of the J.C. Smith Club, chairperson of the Christian Social Concern and Ecumenical Committee and several special events. She was the first female appointed to the Steward Board.
In addition to being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mrs. Hopkins was a member of several professional, community and civic organizations. For over 65 years, she as an avid bridge player. Her passions were sewing, millinery, baking, entertaining and tending to her flowers and manicured lawn. Her husband readily joined in all of her activities and endeavors. He died in 2007.
Among survivors are a daughter, Delores A.H. Needham (Floyd); 2 sisters-in-law; and a number of nieces and nephews.
