Cynthia Hopkins was born in Durham, North Carolina to the late Lunsford and Thelma Hopkins on April 21,1955. She departed this life on January 26, 2022.
She is survived by her son, Richard Brown III of Durham, NC; Daughter In-Law, Elecia Brown; grandchildren, Emeka and Yara Brown all of Durham; three surviving sisters, Brenda H. McCoy (Warminster, PA), Joyce Williams and Kathy Wilburn of Durham; three brothers, Lunsford Hopkins Jr., Kenneth Hopkins (Durham, NC) and Reginald Hopkins (Hillsboro, NC); and a host of relatives and friends.
Cynthia was a lifelong resident of Durham, NC graduating from Hillside High School. She began her career with North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and transitioned into Durham Public Schools, she ultimately retired from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she served as Accessibility Resources Testing Coordinator. When called upon, after retirement, she dutifully returned to assist her colleagues at UNC on numerous occasions.
Her hobbies included attending and watching sporting events, roller skating (back in her day), arts and crafts as well as a love of music.
Cynthia was a devoted mother. She adored her only son, as they shared a very strong bond. Words cannot capture the love she felt for her grandchildren. You could find her on any given day along the sidelines of multiple athletic events supporting them. She always greeted her family and friends with smiles, jokes and laughter no matter the circumstance. She was a joyful spirit that everyone enjoyed being around. Funeral service will be held at West Durham Baptist Church 1901 Athens Ave Durham, NC 27707 on Wednesday , February 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm, visitation service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Masks are to be worn and social distancing required at all meetings with family and friends.
All acts of kindness are appreciated during this difficult time.
Just found out my friend passed away. I will always cherish her beautiful smile. She always expressed her love for family. May God continue to bless the family and remember - no matter what..."trust the Lord". B L Mitchell- NC Mutual Family
To the Hopkins/Brown Families. I had the rare opportunity to work very closely with Cynthia during the late eighties and early nineties at the time of her tenure with NCM Life Insurance Company. If it might give family and friends a tiny bit of consolation, her memory will be preserved in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough, as I was to be touched by this Angel here on earth. I was saddened to learn the news on yesterday and will share in your Family's feelings of great loss. I was again fortunate a few years ago to cross paths with her once again while she was employed at UNC and I was receiving treatment at the nearby facilities. I was not surprised to find that she had not changed much throughout the years. She still possessed that glow about her and the willingness to reach out and be helpful. Of course she will be missed because she impacted many whom she may not have even been aware of herself. The Lord will take you through these moments and bring you out intact on the other side. You should believe that, wholeheartedly. Love and blessings to the Family and Friends, Floyd E. Ray, Jr. Foxfire Village, NC
Sending love and prayers for comfort and peace to the Hopkins/Brown families. Our sons are childhood best friends and I have so many fond memories of Cynthia. RIH Cynthia- Earline (Norwood) Nicholson
I am a neighbor of Cynthia, she will be missed,watching her working in her yard, always sharing a laughter and encouraging conversations, prayers to family during these dark hours Carolyn Weaver
My heart goes out to Ricky and the entire Hopkins/Brown family during this time of sorrow. Cynthia and I talked quite often and visited whenever I came home to Durham. I'm going to miss my dear friend, especially her warm hugs and squeaky laughter. I wish the family peace and comfort in knowing that she loved you all so much. Heaven welcomes a beautiful soul. - Sincerely, Rhonda Mack Malik and Family
Dear Sister of the Heart, since our last conversation on last Monday,I have been miss your voice and your presence in the world. We talked almost daily and enjoyed each other very much. Our last conversation was about the peace, joy, and contentment we had in Jesus. We also talked about being ready when Jesus comes for us. You said you were "READY" and then you got called HOME. I LOVE YOU, and I am so glad I got numerous occasions to tell you. Heaven needs you now and I know you are Smiling and enjoying yourself to the highest. Miss you and Love you!
Sybil D Roper Heart Sister Friend Co-worker
To the family of Cynthia Hopkins,
We are so sad to learn of the passing of our wonderful neighbor and friend. For over 10 years Ms. Cynthia and our family enjoyed each wave hello from our porch, each conversation on the sidewalk, and seeing the little red car roll in the driveway in the evenings. We already miss you Ms. Cynthia - and we are here for the family if you need anything.
Friendly neighbors at '708', Monair and Scott McGregor
Sending Love and light to the Family of Cynthia Hopkins. Tony and Kathy Williams
My condolences and prayers to the family of Cynthia Hopkins. I will keep you in prayer. Betty Jones - Marshalls of Durham
Rest in peace, I will truly miss you. We have known each other for years and also worked together. Sending comfort to the family. Shirley W. Ewing
Ricky, we played together living on Morehead Ave and our mothers was friends. I want to send healing and comfort prayers to you and your family πΉβ€οΈππΏ Mena
To our great-aunt Cynthia you had a smile that would light up the sky. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
love Tynia and Shabby
I'm still in disbelief gone to soon. To my aunt Teeny the baby of the first five, I will always cherish the fond memories I have of you. You will be truly missed. Until we meet again I love you. Your niece Phyllis and family.
Praying for you family's comfort and strength during this time. Blessings to you all.
Rhonda Evans Sturdivant
Praying for your family's comfort and strength. May you find strength in God's loving arms knowing she is in God's loving arms.
Praying for the family of out classmate (HHS Class of '73). My deepest condolences in the loss of your loved one. May GOD"s grace see you through. Tonya Simmons
RIP Hillside classmate 1973". Connie Samford Corders
I will forever cherish our memories auntie! I'm still at a loss for words but I will miss you and your beautiful spirit so much.. Until we meet again π I love you forever. Your niece, Ashlee Hopkins. π
I thank God for the restoration of a job history at NC Mutual to a blessed 8 year season of heartfelt fellowship. sisterhood and love with Cynthia. May God grant you the peace through his Son, Jesus Christ during this trying time in your lives.
Gayla B Parks
To the Brown and Hopkins Family
I thank God for the restoration of a job history at NC Mutual to a beautiful 8 year heartfelt fellowship of Sisterhood and love with Cynthia. May God grant you the peace that comes through his Son, Jesus Christ during this trying time in your lives.
Gayla B Parks
Sending our condolences at this time.
Trevion , Lanetria & Angie Hopkins
We will miss the live and light that you brought to our family every time we saw you. We love you always and foreverππ- Love Nyla and Ricky
We will miss the love and light that you brought to me and my family every time we saw you. Love Nyla and Ricky π
We will miss the love and light that you brought to me and my family every time we saw you. Love Nyla and Ricky π
Our deepest condolences to the Hopkins family. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Carisa & Patrick Ransome
Sending love and light to all the family members as we mourn and celebrate Cynthia's life. You have left a huge stamp on my heart and I will always cherish your memory and love. I promise to look out for Rick, Elecia, Emeka and Yara! We got you! Love Roz
We miss our Auntie's loving smile, kind words, and awesome hugs. Love always; Gabryel, Myels, and Kameron
I met Sister Cynthia through a mutual friend Gayla Parks;we became close right away we had a Sister vibe π with Love and Respect for each other...she had a yard sale I bought a coat and I will remember her π for me. Hey Cynthia the
coat still fits!!!Forever Ruby Chavis-Peace...A word to the family...TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD...AMEN...STAY BLESSED...
I will miss hearing Cynthia's laugh and working side by side with her. She was a good friend and she will be missed - a lot. Viviane Ackall (UNC- ARS)
To the Hopkins Family: 97Expressing Heart Felt sympathy at this time of sorrow. Barbara Algood.
To the Hopkins Family: I was deeply sorry to learn of the passing of Cynthia. We talked for hours before she passed.May you find peace in knowing she is resting in the arms of Jesus.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.