Laura Hopkins Dunbar

She was born on October 28, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Jackson where she made a lasting impact on all who knew her. Laura was a proud graduate of North Side High School, where she was crowned both Homecoming Queen and Miss Jackson, Tennessee. It was there she formed lifelong bonds with her two best friends, Cindy Holder and Lisa Sykes. Her early years included working as a lifeguard before earning her associate degree from Jackson State Community College, which led to a long and steady career in office administration.

In later years, Laura found her greatest joy in caring for animals, particularly the cats at the Jackson Animal Care Center. Her deep love and compassion for animals remained a constant throughout her life.

She is survived by her former husband, Bruce Dunbar; her son, Chad Dunbar; and her brothers, Michael Hopkins (Jill) and Billy Hopkins (Dee). She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lynn Ballinger Hopkins, and her brother, Dave Hopkins.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 21st at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Laura’s memory to the Jackson Animal Care Center.

Laura’s warm heart, quick wit, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all the lives—human and animal—she touched.