Jessie Mae (Brown) Hopkins

1930-2025

Jessie Mae Brown Hopkins (94) was born on April 15, 1930, to parents Jim Brown and Minnie Thomas Brown in Caddo Parish, Shreveport, Louisiana. She peacefully transitioned on March 1, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by two children, Tommie W. Hopkins (Tensie) and Celeste H. Bonner (Louis), and fifteen grandchildren, two of which, Jessica Hopkins Walker (Johnson) and Randy D. Bonner (Evonne), were her caretakers in her later life. She is also survived by four generations of great grandchildren.

Ms. Hopkins accepted Christ at an early age. As a kid, she was affectionally known as Nicki Baby due to her love of nickels. As an adult, she was affectionally known as either Madea or Granny for her love and affection towards everyone’s children, including her own. She was always a mother to all, and her passion for cooking captivated everyone. She always had a plate ready. She was fond of hosting large family gatherings to showcase her delicious southern cuisine while maintaining the family structure.

Ms. Hopkins worked as a respected LPN at Louisiana Nursing Home for over 10 years and as cook for the Caddo Parish School Board for over 15 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her ex-husband of 34 years, Lavon Hopkins, Sr.; her beloved companion of 20 years, Arnold Malone, Jr.; four siblings – Thomas Brown, Sr., Bernice Brown Jenkins, Hazel Brown Robinson, and Emma L. Brown Whitely; five children – Lavon Hopkins, Jr., Jacqueline F. Bryant, Vickie L. Hopkins McBride, Johnathan W. Hopkins, and Michael A. Hopkins, and one grandchild, Christopher J. Bonner.

Her family and friends cherished the time they had with her and will forever keep her in their hearts demonstrating the strength her love taught them. If anyone has any memorable or enjoyable moments with her, please share your own thoughts and comments.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Garden Park Nursing Facility for all their care, love and kindness provided to Ms. Hopkins over the years of her residency at their facility.