Frances Joyce Hopkins

Frances “Joyce” Hopkins, 89, of Eldersburg, Maryland (formerly Mt. Airy, Maryland), passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Fairhaven in Sykesville, following a brief illness. Born in Tazewell, Tennessee on August 17, 1936, Joyce was the daughter of the late Reuben Helton and Jane (McDaniel) Helton. She was the devoted and loving wife of William E. Hopkins, who preceded her in death in 2019. Joyce was a remarkable student and the valedictorian of the Lisbon High School Class of 1954. She attended Towson College until her marriage in 1955. For more than 40 years, Joyce faithfully served as the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, William E. Hopkins Excavating, supporting their work with diligence, steadiness, and care. Music and ministry were woven throughout Joyce’s life. She began playing the piano in church as a teenager and continued playing for her church for more than 60 years. She also shared her gift widely by teaching piano lessons to many in the community. Above all, Joyce’s life reflected her deep devotion to Jesus—He came first in her life, and her faith shaped how she lived, served, and cared for others. Joyce is survived by her children and their spouses: David (son) and Libby Hopkins of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Donna (daughter) and Andre Clark of Buckingham, Virginia; Timothy (son) and Krisha Hopkins of Niceville, Florida; and Cheri (daughter) and Mark Massey of Eldersburg, Maryland. She is also survived by her brother Jerry Helton and his wife Sandy; her sisters Wanda Campbell and her husband “Buzz,” Phyllis Matthews, and Sue Owen; and her sister-in-law, Betty Helton. She (“Mom Mom”) leaves a cherished legacy in her grandchildren: Jonathan Hopkins (Crystal), Rachel Hanisch (Anders), Melissa Watkins (Kenrick “KK”), Aubrey Ramey (Josh), Tristan Hopkins, Andrew Massey (Kaylan), Christopher Hopkins, Austin Massey, and Daniel Hopkins; and in her great-grandchildren: Zoe Hopkins, Shamira Watkins, Kahlil Watkins, Lucas Ramey, Theodore Ramey, and Leo Ramey. In addition to her husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings J.P. Helton and Fred Helton; her sisters Lois Wisecarver and Judy Pool; her brothers-in-law Marvin Wisecarver, Wayne Pool, and Tom Owen; her sisters-in-law Jo Helton and Lois Helton; her grandchild Brooke Massey; and her great-grandchild Alex Hopkins. The family will receive friends for a viewing from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church, 1391 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7 PM. Private interment will be held at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Lisbon, MD. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Friendship Baptist Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com

Frances Joyce Hopkins

August 17, 1936 - January 12, 2026