Dr. Jacquelyn Justice Hopkins of Petersburg, Virginia peacefully departed this life on March 11, 2026. She was born in Durham, North Carolina. Jacquelyn, fondly known as Jackie, was the firstborn of three children the Lord blessed Mack B. Justice and Lola Jones Justice to bring into the world. Jackie lived a life distinguished by her commitment to education, service, faith, and family.

Jackie completed her secondary education at Little River High School.  She continued her academic studies at North Carolina Central College (now North Carolina Central University), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees. A lifelong learner who deeply valued education, Jackie earned her Ph.D., a testament to her perseverance and dedication to academic excellence.

Jackie's first teaching position was in Plymouth, North Carolina.  After a few years of teaching in Plymouth, she gained employment in Sussex County, Virginia. She taught English at Sussex County Training School, the high school for Black students. It was there that she met her future husband, William Jackson Hopkins of Rocky Mount, Virginia.

Life's next journey brought the end of her marriage and a new start in the Petersburg Public School System. Her first librarian position was at Blandford Elementary School. Her dedication to literacy and student learning led her to also serve as librarian at Virginia Avenue Elementary School and lastly, Petersburg High School. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to foster a love of reading and knowledge among the students she served.

In addition to her work in public schools, Jacquelyn also shared her passion for education by teaching night school classes and serving as an instructor at Saint Leo College at Fort Lee, Virginia.  Her work in both the classroom and the library reflected her lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.

Jackie remained connected to her alma mater. As an active member of the NCCU Alumni Association, Richmond/Petersburg Chapter, she embraced the Scholarship dinner as her duty. Year after year she had 50 - 100 tickets sold when members were encouraged to have at least 10 guests. The Alumni Association honored her for her outstanding accomplishment. She also sponsored high school bus trips to NCCU to help students see the benefits offered at this esteemed HBCU.

Jackie's love for learning and service was also evident in her commitment to Christ.  At a young age, she accepted Christ as her Savior and joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Bahama, North Carolina, where she attended regular services, Sunday School and other activities.  As an adult, she, her husband and children attended Wilbourne Baptist Church in Sussex County, Virginia. She played piano for the Junior Choir at Wilbourne.  Jackie's final church membership was at Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia.  She served as a Trustee, founding member of the hospitality committee, chairperson of the Music Committee, Canvas worker, Women's Sunday School Class attendee, substitute pianist for Sunday School, member of the Heritage Board, a teacher during Zion's Summer School Enrichment Program, and worked to support the youth however she could. She was also a supporter of The Children's Home of Virginia Baptists, and Area A of the Women's Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia honored Jackie for mission work.

Her acts of service led her to become a dedicated worker at the Mary Carter Beacon House, an adult day care service for the elderly and handicapped.  She was a member of her neighborhood watch group and hosted the group's cookout at her home on several occasions. She was a member of the Demi-Ques, a group of friends who played Pinochle and hosted one another once a month.

Jackie leaves to cherish her memory: a loving and devoted daughter, Jacquelyne V. Hopkins and a caring, devoted son, William J. Hopkins; nephews, Derrick Justice (Aretha), Kurt Justice (Sonja), Harold Price (Susan), Michael Edwards (Cheryl), Bobby Hopkins, Arland Hopkins, and Norris Hopkins; nieces, Vivian H. Jackson (Wilbur), Brenda E. Schmeidler (Lloyd), Claudia P. Covington (Ronald), Eura Edwards, Birdie Edwards and Rochelle Hopkins; faithful cousin, Zack Hopkins (Niki); godson, DaVonne Bagley; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Much love and appreciation to our caregivers. Your professionalism and acts of kindness made life better for "Miss Jackie" and us.  Special thanks to our live-in caregiver, Mary Mobley, who made this journey run more smoothly and Mandy Hendershott, RN who provided special care.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. James Delano Douglas, Interim Pastor.  The interment will be held 3:00 P.M., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, 8021 Stagville Road, Bahama, NC.

A wake will be held from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, March 20, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Dr. Jacquelyn J.  Hopkins to the NCCU Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 52466, Durham, NC 27717 or you may call (919)530-5258. These donations will ensure the education of present and future HBCU attendees. If mailing a check or giving online, please assure to note the donation is in memory of Jacquelyn J. Hopkins.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5810364?fl=so&fe=fs