Kimberly Hawkins-Opara

Dr. Kimberly Hawkins-Opara, age 58, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after a long six year courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Throughout her cancer journey, she taught those around her what it looks like to live bravely and enjoy the moment with hope and faith. She thrived for years after her diagnosis. Defying all odds, she pushed through when the cancer had spread to several parts of her body. Kimberly participated in a clinical trial, and did it all with the hope in her heart for a cure not only for her, but for many others. At Baylor- St. Luke Medical Center (Gynecologic-Oncology) in Houston, Kimberly was known as a living miracle. During her time there, she met some of the most incredible people throughout her cancer journey. As she was heading towards the end of her journey, her Gynec-oncologist, said that she did everything he asked, never complained one time, and always had a positive attitude through any adversity.

Born in Lumber Bridge, North Carolina on February 26, 1968, she was the daughter of the late Henry L. Hawkins and Lola L. Patterson-Hawkins. Both parents were educators. After high school, Kimberly attended the prestigious University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Following her graduation, she got admission into Meharry Medical College; where she met the love of her life, Frank Opara, and went on to earn a medical degree (MD). Once earning her MD, Kimberly went on to do her residency at Howard University in Washington, D.C. After her residency program, Dr. Hawkins joined a group practice in Houston for one year. Then later founded her own private practice and served the community for twenty-five (25) years. In this role, Kimberly worked tirelessly to not only further in her field but to educate the next generation of women’s healthcare professionals. Dr. Hawkins was a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). She served as chair of the OB/GYN Department at East Houston Regional Medical Center. She was an Associate Professor at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hawkins was also an attending physician at St. Joseph Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake and Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital; where she delivered countless babies and provided advanced and comprehensive quality care to both mothers and babies.

Towards the end of her journey, she was currently working with the medical team as a Hospitalist at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast. Dr. Hawkins is remembered by her students, employees and colleagues as a fiercely passionate and brilliant educator.

Kimberly and her husband worked side by side for many years, building a strong connection to the community and pouring their mutual love of healthcare into their business. They devoted countless hours supporting their children with their education and providing advice on personal hobbies and life situations. Kimberly possessed a strong moral compass and a straight forward nature, never afraid to tell people exactly how she felt even with her children.

Along with her many professional accomplishments, Dr. Hawkins held an intense love of community, pursued many interests, some of which included watching basketball as she was a huge University of North Carolina fan. She also enjoyed going on cruises with her family. Kimberly found pleasure in the simple things in life like taking her daughters to the movies or just staying home with her family.

Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband of 31 years, Dr. Frank Opara, co-founder of American Health Research Institute, her two daughters Chandler Opara, who is pursuing a medical degree at Meharry Medical College, and Britney Opara, who is pursuing doctoral degree at Texas Southern University, along with a host of other loving relatives and friends.

We will remember and honor the light Kimberly has brought into this world and cherish the memories in our heart.