Terri Jo Hopson, 68, was born on May 21, 1957, to Nina (Hunn) Hopson and Pete Hopson in Hobart, Oklahoma. She graduated from Hobart High School, and she discovered her lifelong love of music as a proud member of the Hobart High School Band. That passion continued at the University of Oklahoma, where she played in the Oklahoma University Marching Band and through this she was able to form many long-lasting friendships.
After college, Terri began a long and rewarding career in theater arts, working at various venues in Oklahoma City. She worked at the Lincoln Plaza Playhouse before moving west to pursue new opportunities within performing arts career. Her journey took her to Reno, Nevada, and eventually to San Luis Obispo, California, where she worked at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center until her retirement. Following retirement, Terri returned briefly to Tulsa, Oklahoma, but her deep love for the Central Coast of California drew her back in 2020. She lived and worked in Nipomo, California, where she continued to embrace life, friendship, and creativity until her passing. She was known for her warmth, quick wit, adventurous spirit, and her love for her three fur babies Buttons, Asia, and Pippin. She loved Broadway shows in New York City, toes in the sand on beaches in Mexico, and she had a lifelong love for all animals especially dogs. Her smile and laughter could light up a room and bring joy to those who surrounded her. Terri's life was a celebration of art, friendship, and courage - a testament to following one's heart and living authentically. She will be remembered for her talent, her kindness, and the joy she brought to others.
Left to honor the memory of Terri is her very special friend, John Brown, along with many dear friends and family who loved her deeply. Her Oklahoma friends, Cloretta Sutton, Maria Edwards, Molly Nagel, and Paula Hanner Wilson. Her Central Coast friends, Maria Chavez, Merilou Chavez (her goddaughter), and Merikay Guhring and the Guhring family. Her New York City friends, Sunny Patel and Giovanni Bana. Family members, Rick and Diane Hopson of Hobart, Amy and James Rudkins of Hobart, Beau and Tracy Hopson of Edmond, Jade and Jarrod Molloy of Agra, Todd and Jessi Burrows of Hobart, and numerous great nieces and great nephews.
She was greeted at heaven's gates by her parents, Nina and Pete Hopson; sister-in-law, Joyce Hopson; and beloved fur baby, Buttons.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like friends and family to make donations to the Woods Humane Society or the Asher House in memory of Terri Jo Hopson.
Celebration of Life: 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2025
Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Hobart
Hobart, Oklahoma
Services are under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home Hobart, Oklahoma
Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Hobart
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