Celebrating the Life of

Bennetta Ann Hopkins

June 27, 1953 – July 14, 2020

Barbourville, Ky. - Bennetta Ann Hopkins , affectionately known as Ann, was joyfully born sixty-seven years ago, on a hot summer's day, in Barbourville, Kentucky to the late Albert Gregory and the late Josephine York Gregory. After completing her primary education at the Rosenwald Elementary School, Ann attended Knox Central High School, where she was a member of the track and drill teams. After graduation from Knox Central, Ann's next educational pursuit was obtaining her bachelor's degree. Ann accomplished her educational goal by attending Kentucky State University and Eastern Kentucky University.

Ann was employed by the Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council for over 30 years. She began her tenure at The Hill Country Hickory House. She also held the following positions: teacher's aide, teacher, education manager, and health, safety, facility and transportation manager until her illness. Ann affectionately touched so many lives and was loved by all.

Ann was a member of the Excelsior Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star. She was a devoted member of her beloved Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church. Ann was baptized at ten years old in the Cumberland River, behind the old Knox County Health Department, by the late Reverend Brown. Ann loved and was faithful to her church as she worked in many capacities. She was still serving as Missionary President & Steward until her Homegoing. She loved God, family, church, friends and just all people.

Ann was a great cook. She loved to read and garden, but most of all, she loved helping others. During her illness, when she was able, she always looked out for her roommates and she often visited the other residents to make sure that their needs were met. That was Ann, always putting others first. She was a true, loving friend and a real missionary for God.  Her adored daughter Ingrid, described her as a "Big, Quiet, Personality".

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, Albert and Josephine York Gregory; by one sister, Brenda Gregory; by one sister-in-law, Wanda Gregory, and by one brother-in-law, Todd White.

Ann is survived by her adored daughter, Ingrid Washington (Andre) of Independence; by one sister, Shirley White of Louisville; by four brothers: James Gregory of Charlotte, N.C, Myron Gregory of Owensboro, Stanley Gregory of Barbourville, and Albert "Burt" Gregory Jr. of Barbourville.  Four beloved grandchildren are left to mourn her passing: Kairus, Chace, Samara  and Senai.  Also left behind, with heavy hearts are a special cousin, Nyasia Simmons and a lifetime best friend, Michelle Johnson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends are mourning Ann with heavy hearts as well.

Funeral Services for Bennetta Ann Hopkins will be held Friday, July 17, 2020 at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel. The family of Bennetta Ann Hopkins will receive friends from 11:00 A.M., Friday, until the funeral hour. Ms. Hopkins will be laid to rest in the Rosenwald Cemetery, Barbourville, immediately following the funeral. Officiants are Reverend Ethel Louise Spencer, Reverend Charles Tinsley, Reverend Chaplin Percy Spencer and Reverend Craig Clark. Casket Bearers will be Exavier Gregory, Brendan Gregory, Ryan White, Kairus Washington, Michael Johnson, Jason Hughes, Quincy Gregory, Xavier Gregory and T. J. Johnson. Honorary Casket Bearers are The KCEOC family, The staff and Physicians of Nicholasville Nursing and Rehabilitation, and The Staff and Physicians of Saint Joseph Hospital, Lexington.

Memories are things that death cannot steal;

Departing leaves a pain that only Christ can heal;

Some may forget now that you are gone,

But we will remember no matter how long;

The love you gave shall remain forever strong.

The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper York and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Bennetta Ann Hopkins.

Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Ms. Bennetta Ann Hopkins.