Judith Dana Ashby Hopkins
Judith Hopkins
Oct 27, 1959 — Jul 29, 2026
Judith Dana Ashby Hopkins of Falls Church, Virginia, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on
July 29, 2026, at the age of 66.
Judy was born in Ladysmith, Virginia, to Reverend Clarence and Virginia Jackson Ashby. She was the
youngest in a close-knit family of ten children. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and a treasured
"Auntie" to all of her nieces and nephews. Judy was always the one in-the-know, constantly on the phone
checking up on everyone's well-being, encouraging them through their latest triumphs and struggles. She
was a steadfast support and a rare gem in this life.
Music was one of the great loves of her life. Growing up in a pastor's family, the children often stepped in
to assist their parents in ministry. When their church was without a piano player, her mother, Virginia, told
Judy to sit down and play. Though she was young and had never learned a single note, Judy obeyed. In
that remarkable moment, the Lord bestowed upon her an extraordinary musical gift that would shape the
rest of her life. She became a gifted pianist and vocalist whose soulful style and heartfelt worship blessed
countless churches and audiences as she traveled and ministered for many years.
Judy attended Export Bible College, forming lifelong friendships and deepening the faith that would guide
her throughout her life. Following graduation, she made Falls Church, Virginia, her home. She enjoyed a
wonderful career, retiring after twenty years with the law firm of Greenberg Traurig.
To know Judy was to know joy. There was always excitement when Judy walked into a gathering. You
immediately knew that you would spend hours laughing wholeheartedly, debating passionately, and
swapping stories late into the night. There was an art to the way she would ebb and flow through
conversations, gliding seamlessly through history, relationships, politics, scripture, culture, and deep
matters of the heart. Judy had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel known and valued.
Judy shared a beautiful love story with her husband, Tommy Samuel Hopkins. Together they embraced
life with gratitude, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their genuine affection for one another was evident
to all who knew them, as was the kindness and generosity they extended to family and friends.
Judy is survived by her sisters, Jackie Taylor and Rachel Tribble, along with her 38 beloved nieces and
nephews, who will strive to carry on her legacy of love and faith.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy Samuel Hopkins; her parents, Reverend
Clarence and Virginia Jackson Ashby; her brothers, Philip Ashby (Ret. Lt. Col.), Joel Ashby, David Ashby,
Steve Ashby, and Reverend James Ashby; and her sisters, Linda Runyon and Sharon Young.
One of Judy's favorite passages of Scripture perfectly reflects the life she lived:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor
others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love
never fails."
— 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
The link to her celebration of life is below.
