Joyce Marie Hopson

Mrs. Hopson was born September 7, 1940, in Cox Mills, Alabama, which is located in Barbour County. She was the fourth of six children born to the late Arby Freeman and Rosie Lee (McMillian) Freeman.

Mrs. Hopson completed her education at Parker High School in Birmingham, graduating in 1958. Upon graduation, she moved with her family to Buffalo, New York, where in 1963, she married Nathaniel Hopson. Her marriage would last 50 years. In 1964, they moved to Rochester, New York. She had three sons, Reginald Leon, Steven Derrick, and Nathaniel Jr.

Mrs. Hopson’s career started in 1972 as a Group Home Associate/Counselor with Berkshire Farm for Boys, a renowned organization for troubled youth. She remained with Berkshire Farm for Boys until taking early retirement in 1989 and returning to the south. They resided in Orange Park, Florida and started enjoying retirement.

It was in Florida where she developed a love of cruising! She achieving VIP Platinum level on Carnival Cruise Lines and enjoyed visiting numerous Caribbean destinations.

Mrs. Hopson moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2013, and joined New Beginnings Community Church, where she became active in the Senior’s activities and Life Groups ministries. She enjoyed participating in multiple outings and missions.

Mrs. Hopson continued her love of cruising the Caribbean until her health would not allow it.

In addition to her parents, Arby (1978) and Rosie (1984), Mrs. Hopson was preceded into rest by her husband, Nathaniel (2013); sisters, Frances Jeanette, Katherine (1973); and brothers, Leroy (1993), David (2015) and Johnnie (2015).

Loving and nurturing her entire life, she leaves behind to honor her memory her three sons, Reginald and his wife, Elsie, Steven and Nathaniel Jr.; her grandchildren, Andre, Shalease and Teresa Hopson; her great-grandchildren, Zion and Jade Morris; and her sister, Gladys Hudson. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends to cherish her memory.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Easterseals UCP, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 211, Raleigh, North Carolina 27612.