Diana Hoopes, 1943-2023
IMB Photo

Diana Bryan Hoopes, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in the Philippines, died Sept. 11, 2023, in Tyler, Texas. She was 79.

Diana was born Nov. 2, 1943, in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to the late Mackey Birdsall Bryan and Wilma Hogue Bryan. She received the Bachelor of Arts from Stetson University, Deland, Florida, and received her dental hygienist certificate from University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee.

She married Charles Albert Hoopes on June 20, 1970. She worked as a dental hygienist for 26 years and was a pastor’s wife for 18 years.

While seeking missionary appointment, she wrote, “I believe that, all my life, God has been calling me to full-time Christian service. The reason I believe He has called me to international missions is because He put me in places to see the need of people overseas, even before I understood the answer to their need.”

Diana grew up partially abroad. When she was 17, she recounted living in the Philippines, and although she wasn’t a believer at the time, telling God she wanted to “help His people,” speaking of Filipinos.

“When I became a Christian a year later, I saw that the answer to their real needs was found in knowing Christ as their Savior,” she said.

Diana continued, “I am happiest when sharing what Christ has done for me and getting to see others believe in Him, too.”

In 2001, the International Mission Board appointed Charles and Diana missionaries to the Philippines. They served for 15 years.

Diana is survived by her husband of 53 years, Al Hoopes of Martins Mill, Texas; daughter, Amy (Joe) Coultress of Boerne, Texas; son, Sam (Julie) Hoopes of League City, Texas; and six grandchildren.

A funeral service was Sept. 23 at The Bridge Fellowship Church in Martins Mill, Texas.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering, IMB, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230, or online at Generosity Resource Center – IMB Generosity.

Read an obituary here.