Sylvia Edwards Hopkins

Sylvia Edwards Hopkins, 96, a faithful servant of the Lord, went home to be with her Savior on Sunday, May 25, 2025, while surrounded by family at Forest Ridge Assisted Living.

She was born in Ashe County, North Carolina, on February 26, 1929, to the late Will Edwards and Winnie Grogan Edwards. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandmother Julia Grogan, husband Earl Hopkins, brother William Edwards, and sons Ronnie and Doug Hopkins.

A devoted Christian, Sylvia dedicated her life to studying God’s Word, spending countless hours reading her Bible and walking closely with the Lord. She served faithfully as a member of Bald Mountain Baptist Church for almost 80 years, touching the lives of countless individuals through her time as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and choir member in addition to her acts of service as a Senior Encourager.

Along with being a devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sylvia (lovingly known as Grandma Sylvia) personified her nurturing spirit by opening her home as a daycare for kids in her community. From teaching kids to skip (since 1979), playing hopscotch, making play dough, climbing trees, going on picnics, playing in the creek, drinking Tang, and eating boiled cookies, these kids grew up knowing Sylvia’s love and warmth.

Sylvia had many talents! She was known for creating ornate birthday cakes, making beautiful Christmas wreaths, cooking Sunday dinners, sewing, candle wicking, playing the guitar, painting, gardening, canning, and even making butter mints for her granddaughter’s wedding.

Sylvia is survived by: Son, Job Hopkins and wife, Pat; daughter-in-law, Mary Hopkins; sister, Sue Hart; grandchildren, Derek Hopkins, Shane Hopkins (Misti), Emily Hopkins (Zach Gettinger), Justin Hopkins (Sheena), Valerie Hopkins, and Susan Hopkins (Jason Blalock); and great-grandchildren, Alexis, Grace, Daisie, Piper, Ivont, Andrew, Max, Xavier, Dausyn, Miles, Conrad, and Bowman.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Bald Mountain Baptist Church with Reverends John Elledge and Shane Hopkins officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Bald Mountain Baptist Church, 1435 Bald Mountain Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Sylvia was a selfless and loving soul whose life was marked by kindness and grace. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Forest Ridge Assisted Living and Medi Home Health and Hospice.