Debra A Hopkins

On January 4, 1953 Herman and Earline Johnson gave birth to Debra A. Johnson, a baby girl that would change our lives forever. Born in Waco, Texas, she continued the legacy of her siblings by graduating from AJ Moore House High School, in Waco, Texas Class of 1969. The youngest of the Johnson clan, she was ambitious, committed, and smart. A boss in her own way, she was an athlete and according to her siblings - a pretty good dancer considering she won a car in a high school dance contest.

Debra met and married James A. Clay to this union two children were born Myron and Dasha. After their birth, her family would re-locate to Dallas, Texas where she attended El Cento College and studied Nursing. James and Debra would separate but remain loving parents and forever friends.

In 1982 she stumbled across Bobby Joe Hopkins driving a 1971 Grand Prix and they would marry in 1991. This adventure would blend two families and bless her heart with two bonus children, Stacy, and her loving son Chika. Suddenly, their names changed to all as Mamma D and Daddy B. The Hopkin’s home became the heart of family celebrations, from hosting birthdays, graduations, football parties, to just hanging out with family and friends. Daddy B known for his smoked meat and Mamma D was the peach cobbler, hot water cornbread, and fried cabbage Queen. Their journey together was filled with God, family, love, laughter, and so many memories.

Nursing was not only Debra’s career it was her gift. She enjoyed caring for her patients and they adored her. She retired in February 2021 after 36 years of Nursing.

Debra lived every aspect of her life as a servant. She accepted her Lord and Savior at an early age in Waco, Texas as a member of Second Baptist Church. After moving to Dallas, Bobby and Debra joined Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas under the leadership of the late Pastor C. O. Smith where she served as a faithful member for 20 years. Over the years, she would visit St. Luke Community United Methodist Church with her daughter and in December 2014 she transferred her membership permanently and became a member of “The Luke”. Always a faithful servant, she sang in the choir and served in both the Nursing and Women’s Ministry.

Debra was a dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Star Adah and held many positions throughout her 20 plus years of service. Titles such as: Worthy Matron of Adah for 13 years, Irene Court #130 Amaranth Queen of the South, and Deputy for the State of Texas for Ancient Arabic Order of Daughters of Sphinx.

On Monday, April 5th Debra transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father. She is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Earline Johnson, three sisters: Minnie Pearl Harris, Ina Mae Jackson, and Deborah Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her legacy devoted husband, Bobby Joe Hopkins; Two sisters Erma Rae Harris and Melba Roberts (Kenny); Two brothers; Herman Johnson Jr. and Vernon Johnson. Sisters in love Diann Hopkins, Virginia Holder, Bobbie Thompson, and Deborah Clay. Children Myron Clay (Lahoma), Dasha Clay (Zac), Chika Hopkins (Dee), and Stacy Hopkins (Tyron). Grandchildren JaMyron, Cory, Andre (Britney), Crystal (Bobby), Jalon, Yasmin, Yalani, LaQuisha and LaQuanon. Her little sister-niece Michelle Johnson, great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.