Mary E. Hopkins

Mary E. Hopkins

June 11, 1928 – January 5, 2023

Mary E. Hopkins, of the Hopkins Crossroads community, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2023 at 94 years old. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Mary” or “Grand Mary.” 

Mary was born in Wake County on June 11, 1928 to the late Joseph Ellington and Ola Watkins Ellington.

Mary got married at 16 years old to the late Cecil Hopkins. They were married for 58 years. She graduated from Carolina College of Beauty Culture becoming a beautician. She owned and operated Hopkins Beauty Shop in her home at Hopkins Crossroads for over 50 years. She worked hard farming from childhood to her golden years. She also worked with her husband Cecil at his country store in Hopkins Crossroads until his death in 1998.

Mary always stayed busy and active. She loved working outside, especially cutting grass on her John Deere lawnmower. Mary was a faithful, lifelong member of Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church where she taught both children and adult Sunday school for over 60 years, served on several committees, and enjoyed being a part of the senior group. She loved inviting others to church. She was well known for her homemade chicken pastry and homemade little ham biscuits she always shared at church functions. Mary was self-taught and loved playing the guitar and harmonica, especially with her family at church. Mary loved the Lord, her family, her church family, and friends. She had a heart of gold. She enjoyed giving, sharing, helping others, and cooking for family and friends.

Mary is survived by niece and God-daughter Donna Parrish Anderson (Ricky) of Zebulon, grandchildren Faith Anderson James (Joey) of Wendell, Isaac Anderson of Zebulon, great grandchild Harlow Grace James, niece Lindy Holden (Jerry) of Zebulon, nephew Tommy Jackson (Cindy) of Zebulon, and multiple great-nieces and great-nephews. Mary is preceded in death by sisters Genavee Jackson and Phillis “Tink” Parrish, nephews, J.A. Jackson and Guy Jackson and great-nephew Bud Jackson., 

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 8th from 2:00-3:00pm at Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church (4525 Hopkins Chapel Road, Zebulon) followed by the funeral service at 3:00pm. Burial will follow in the Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends other times at the home of Donna and Ricky Anderson (3909 Hopkins Chapel Road, Zebulon).

Memorial contributions can be made to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church, 4525 Hopkins Chapel Road, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, NC. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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