Bessie (Bess) Brightwell Cabaniss Hopkins

Bess was born in Athens on May 26, 1921, to Dr. and Mrs. W. Harvey Cabaniss, Sr. She attended Lucy Cobb Institute, Athens High School and the University of Georgia. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority as well as many school clubs and organizations.

With the beginning of World War II she moved to Miami, Fl. She was employed by the United States Postal Service where she worked in security within the secret lab department. She returned to Athens to marry her high school sweetheart, Bill Hopkins. After the war and Bill’s return to Athens, they moved to Charlotte, N.C., where Bill was associated with the Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Bess was always active in church, school, and civic organizations with company moves and transfers to Tallahassee, Fl., Panama City, Fl., and Hickory, N.C.

Her most special project was in Hickory, where she took a group of ladies from the First Presbyterian Church every month to Morganton, N.C. to entertain a group of patients at the N.C. State Mental hospital. Bess did so love those special ladies and they loved her back. Upon returning to Athens, Bess became active in the Athens Garden Club, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Guild, the Salvation Army, First Presbyterian Church, Meals on Wheels, and the Heritage Convalescent Home Auxiliary.

Bess was preceded in death by William E. Hopkins, Jr. her husband for 71 years. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Harvey Cabaniss, Jr., (Ann) of Athens, Ga., daughter Betsy Preslar (Ron) Hickory, N.C., son William E. Hopkins III (Ann) Destin, Fl., granddaughter Beth Sauer of Greensboro, N.C., two great-grandsons, Joseph and Jacob, grandson Shay Hopkins of Atlanta (Jeanette), great-granddaughter Emmy, two step granddaughters, Milla, (David), Susan (Alex), great-grandchildren Bo, Dutch, Ann Elizabeth, and Doc, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Beverly Adkins and her staff, and Matt Howell of Gentiva Hospice, for their devotion to her with kindness, dignity and understanding.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, at Oconee Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception for family and friends at the Sexton’s House.

Memorials may be made to Athens Community Council on Aging or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.