Colleen Wanda Hopkins

Colleen Wanda Mason Hopkins was born April 30, 1959 in Washington, DC and transitioned into eternal rest on March 24, 2024. Colleen was the daughter of Rita C. Mason and the late Charles L. Mason Sr.; mother of Sammy Lee Hopkins Jr.; Grandmother of Kiersten and Kortni Hopkins; sister of Elder Sandra E. Mason-Miller, Reverend Kevin A. Mason; the late Charles L. Mason Jr., Robert D. Mason Sr., and Ceryse F. Mason; sister-in-law of Pastor Johnnie B. Miller Sr.; Patricia Mason and the late, Cynthia Simms-Mason Vincent Wilkins; aunt of Vincent A. Wilkins, Charles L. Mason III (Salynthia), Minister Johnnie B. Miller Jr., Naomi L. Miller-Prince (Jeryn), and Rachel R. Miller, Robert D. Mason Jr.; great aunt of Rachel, Jared, Joseph, Jaden, Jamari, Joshua, Daniel, India, Samuel; god-sister of Kenneth Moore; god-mother of cousin, Tiffany McLeod; first cousins Edward Mason Jr., Lula White, Geraldine Maddox, and Peggy Adams; cousin of Linda Holmes, June Wicks, James and Elsie Wright; “adopted” daughter Latrina Perkins; close friends Lisa Myers and Nadine Williams, and a devoted host of family, cousins, and friends. Colleen was a graduate of the Baltimore City Public School System and excelled in mathematics, dance, and music. While attending high school and serving in the role of Lead Majorette at Forest Park High School, Colleen met her high school sweetheart Sammy (Pete) Lee Hopkins Sr., who played the trombone in the band. Subsequent to graduating from high school in 1977, Colleen and Pete were married in the spring of 1980. From their union, Sammy Lee Hopkins Jr. was born September 29, 1981, who remained the apple of Colleen’s eyes. She was very proud of Sammy and the amazing accomplishments that he achieved. Colleen enjoyed fashion and incorporated her eye for fashion into her daily wardrobe. She believed that you could never have too many clothes or shoes. Colleen was a member of Star of Bethlehem AME Church and Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church and was baptized at an early age. She was an active member to the Usher Board and Pastor’s Aid Circle for many years at the Star Bethlehem AME Church. She worked for the Visiting Nurses’ Association for 10 years as an Executive Administrative Assistant as well as a Switchboard Operator. While navigating her career path, Colleen worked for Dorman Electric Supply Company, Inc. for 10 years as an Executive Administrative Assistance while attending community college to take classes in nursing. Subsequently, Colleen worked as a District Manager for LA Weight Loss for many years prior to retiring. She enjoyed cooking and had a reputation of being an excellent cook and made potato salad and fried chicken about which everyone raved. Colleen enjoyed hosting card night and traveling. She loved to make others laugh. She played a vital role in helping to raise Vincent (Tony), son of her sister, Ceryse, who passed away when Tony was hardly 3 years old. Moreover, Colleen was devoted along with Tony to being the primary caretakers for her mother until illness impacted her ability to function in this capacity. Even during her illness, she often stated, “God has got me” and when one heard her say this, it was evident that it was coming from a deeply authentic place. She was devoted to and protective of her mother and loved her family. She was an avid collector of dolls and loyal Ravens fan. Colleen possessed a very outgoing, free-spirited, spiritual, deeply reflective, and an unpretentious personality. She had an eye for subtlety and detail. Before the term LOL had become an anacronym, Colleen was known to be the one who could not contain her laughter and had the ability to find humor in some of the most serious circumstances. She possessed the innate ability to place others at ease. Oftentimes, she could easily strike up conversations with persons who she encountered and given one the impression that she had known the person for years. One never had to guess how Colleen felt about most things because she would readily express her thoughts and feelings. She was passionate and did not hesitate to express how she felt. Colleen was creative, believed in living life to the fullest, and had an indomitable spirit. She was a loving mother who loved, was very proud of, and cared deeply about her son, Sammy Jr. She loved and was very proud of her nephews and nieces. She was proud of and cherished her brothers and sisters. An example of Colleen’s devotion to Sammy Jr, was when he was playing high school football and got tackled, Colleen ran down to the football field and told the football players and the coach, “get off of my son!” The Coach replied. Mrs. Hopkins, “This is football and you cannot come on to the field to prevent your son from being tackled.” We all laughed at this and teased Sammy, “There goes your career in football!” Colleen replied, “That’s right, I had to get them off of my son!” as she laughed. Colleen leaves to cherish both her memory and legacy her son, Sammy Lee Hopkins Jr.; mother, Rita C. Mason, sister, brother, nephews, nieces, and a devoted host of beloved family, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Colleen Wanda Hopkins

April 30, 1959 - March 25, 2024