Bennie Ruth Hopgood was born to the late Earnest and Cleo Hewitt on October 15, 1948 in Tylertown,Mississippi. Bennie has two siblings… Emma Dawson & Lois Nunnally. Bennie loved her siblings…as she was “THE BOSS & THE PROTECTOR ” OF THEM ALL.

Bennie’s Parents moved to Franklinton, Louisiana early in Bennie’s life…where she attended Washington Parish Schools and graduated from Washington Parish High School in 1966. Bennie enjoyed the fine southern living and the warm weather… Bennie definitely enjoyed New Orleans fine CUISINES….and could cook very well. Bennie then attended Southern University of Louisiana…where she enjoyed the College Life and being somewhat independent…. enjoying music, dancing…studying and reading.

In 1969…Bennie decided to move to Cleveland, Ohio to stay with her sister…Emma Dawson and her husband…Gary Dawson. Bennie wanted to see what it was like in Cleveland…So she came and not only fell in love with the snow…but found the love her life…Mr. Robert L. Hopgood, SR.  Robert L. Hopgood,Sr. asked Bennie for her hand in Marriage on December 20,1969.To this union, one son was born…Robert Hopgood,Jr. on December 03,1975. This was Bennie’s Bundle of Joy.

Bennie found a job at Davis Cann Factory in Solon, Ohio…as a Metallic Analyst where she worked for many years and eventually retired fro. Bennie enjoyed working there. Bennie was not only a dedicated employee but a dedicated wife and mom as well. She met no strangers.

Bennie enjoyed parenting, raising her son, reading, writing, playing & listening to music, dancing, family events, and entertaining. Bennie loved to entertain. Bennie also loved the Lord as well…and at a later age…Bennie joined MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH in OAKWOOD, OHIO.  Bennie sang in the choir…and was a faithful and committed member, expressed a strong belief in God, and relied on the Power of Prayer….until her health began to fail. Bennie enjoyed Church as she also made sure their son was active in the Lord as well.

Bennie would help anyone…She loved to bring people together….and she definitely was a Mentor to Many. She would accept you as you were and would not Judge you.

Bennie leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving Husband of 53years, Robert L. Hopgood, Sr; one son, Robert Hopgood,Jr. (Misty); two sisters, Emma Dawson (Gary) & Mary Delores Nunnally( John);  one Special Niece/Caregiver ( Lisa Dawson, RN, BSN )  and a Host of Aunts/Uncles/Nieces/Nephews/relatives & Friends.

After a brief illness, James was called by the Lord to transition to his eternal home on February 6^th, 2022.  James left here a devoted wife of 44 years (Jocelyn), son (James Maurice II (Kamilah)), his grand-children (Cameron, Elijah and Savannah), his sisters (Gloria Jean, Gwendolyn, Angela (Ludie)), in-loves (Eva Roberts, Diane Bynes , Donald (Cassandra)Wanda Tatum, and Alfred Roberts), a sister in love (Brenda Stewart), and a host of nieces, nephews,  family and friends who he deeply loved under the blessed assurance of God’s love to continue his legacy.