Hanifa Latifa Carpenter-Session

Hanifa was the devoted wife of Cornelius Session , the cherished mother of Jada Salter Hopkins and Sofya Session and the beloved “Nona” to her granddaughter, Zen Hopkins, whom she lovingly called “Zeni Gurl.” Her family was her greatest joy and the center of her world. Born on November 23, 1973, in New York City to Patricia Giles and Richard Carpenter, Hanifa was the youngest of two children and the beloved sister of Ayisha Carpenter Hill.

She studied journalism at Norfolk State University and earned an associate’s degree in Graphic Design from Burlington County Community College. Hanifa worked in various roles throughout her life, including as an administrative assistant at Bank of America, always known for her dedication and kindness.

Hanifa loved bringing people together through food, music, and celebration. She learned to cook from her grandmother, Josephine, and became known for her famous chicken empanadas and her warm hospitality. She had a gift for planning family events and making every milestone special. A lover of music and dancing, Hanifa’s joy and energy lit up every room she entered.

In 2020, Hanifa was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she faced with grace and courage. Often called herself not just a survivor, but a “thriver” Even in the midst of her battle, she continued to live life fully — planning her daughter’s baby shower, organizing families reunions, welcoming her granddaughter, fulfilling her dream of traveling on a family cruise, and a abundance of so much more.

Hanifa’s memory will be forever cherished by her husband, Cornelius Session; her daughters, Jada and Sofya; her granddaughter, Zen; her devoted mother, Patricia; her sister, Ayisha; her niece, Becky; her nephews Blake, Adam, Michael ; her son-in-law, Ayris; and all the family and friends whose lives she touched. Hanifa will always be remembered for her boundless love, her resilience, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel, at 3:00 pm, with the family receiving friends an hour before the service. Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com