Sue Welborn Hopper

Mary Sue Welborn Hopper went to be with the Lord May 21, 2026, at the age of 83, with her family by her side. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Waco Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. at Speegleville Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Joe Bailey.

Sue was born in Waco, Texas to Otis & Arra Mae Welborn on July 31, 1942. Her family resided in Axtell, Texas where she attended primary school. At the age of 14, Sue moved with her family to Waco where she graduated with honors from Waco High. While visiting a local store Sue met her future husband, Bobby Hopper. They married in 1958 at First Woodway Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Bobby joined the Air Force in 1961 which took the couple to Biloxi, Mississippi and Manchester, New Hampshire. After Bobby's time in the Air Force, the couple returned to Waco to raise their family. Sue worked at Child Protective Services for over 25 years, retiring in 2001.

Throughout Sue’s life her relationship with Jesus Christ and time spent with family and friends were most important. Sue served as a Camp Fire Girls leader as well as opened her home to the neighborhood for many slumber parties and Backyard Bible Club. Sue could often be found at her grandkids’ school and church events as she loved seeing them excel in their endeavors. She also enjoyed attending her calligraphy guild, decorating cakes, painting, having tea parties, and making memories on family vacations.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Joy Mae Welborn and Linda Lankford. 

She is survived by her husband, Bobby Hopper; her two daughters, Mary Kay Hopper-Miller and husband Foster, and Pam Hoffman and husband Chris; Maria Schoeplein and her family who was loved like a daughter; her grandchildren, Abigail Umhoefer and husband Tyler, and Alex Hoffman; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Umhoefer, and Elizabeth Umhoefer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Speegleville Baptist Church for hosting a luncheon in the fellowship hall after the celebration of life service. The family would like to invite you to join us as we remember the testimony and blessing of Sue.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Sue in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.