Our Staff

Julie Tench

Manager

Julie Tench serves as Manager of Hopkins Funeral Home, where she is honored to support families with compassion and care. A lifelong resident of Washington, she was born and raised in the community she now serves.

Julie shares life with her husband, Brian, and together they have three children and eight cherished grandchildren who bring great joy to their lives. She attends Ebenezer Baptist Church and enjoys being part of her church family.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her family. She considers serving families through Hopkins Funeral Home not just a profession, but her calling.

Jason W. Roberts

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Jason W. Roberts was born in Tifton, Georgia, and raised in rural Alapaha, Georgia. He is the son of Wendell Roberts and the late Linda Gail Warren Roberts. From a very young age, Jason knew he wanted to work in the funeral service industry, a calling that was solidified after the death of his best friend while he was in the second grade.
Jason is a 1995 graduate of Berrien High School in Nashville, Georgia. Following high school, he attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated in 1996. He began working in the funeral industry at the age of 16 at Lovein Funeral Home in Nashville, Georgia, gaining early hands-on experience and developing a deep commitment to serving families with care and compassion.

Jason is currently employed with Hopkins Funeral Home and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the families of Wilkes County. He is a member of Washington First Methodist Church. In his free time, Jason enjoys going to the movies, walking, and spending time spoiling his cat, Thomas.

Skyler Richards

Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer

Originally from Ohio, Skyler graduated from high school in 2013 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for eight years. During his time in the Marines, he was stationed throughout the United States and abroad, including time in Japan and Australia. His service instilled in him discipline, respect for diverse cultures, and a strong sense of responsibility.

After completing his military service, Skyler moved to Georgia to pursue a career in funeral service. He earned his associate’s degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and is currently serving his apprenticeship. He completed a comprehensive veterans training course and earned the designation as a Certified Veterans Funeral Professional. He is committed to providing families with professionalism, respect, and steady support during difficult times.

Robert Edwards

Funeral Service Associate

Robert Edwards grew up in Wilkes County. He began his career in funeral service in 2017, working as a funeral attendant with Hopkins Funeral Home. Since then, he has remained dedicated to supporting families with care, respect, and professionalism.
Robert is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and values faith, community, and service in both his personal and professional life.

Bill Gillispie

In Memory (1939-2024)