Sandra Hopkins Thomas

Sandra Lee Hopkins Thomas (June 2, 1946 – January 24, 2025):

Sandra Lee Hopkins Thomas, 78, of Asheboro, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, and was welcomed into her eternal home. While her family feels the deep loss of her presence, they find comfort knowing she is reunited with her Lord and Savior and catching up with loved ones gone before her.

Born in Randolph County, Sandra was the daughter of Burrell “Hop” Hopkins and Erma Lee Hopkins. She grew up in Asheboro and graduated from Kings College in Charlotte, where she developed a love for the card game, bridge, and a knack for professional skills that would serve her well throughout her career.

Sandra met Paul Thomas while working at her parents’ restaurant, Hop’s BBQ, where they started a love story that spanned 46 years of marriage. Together, they raised four lively children and, in 1981, took on the challenge of starting their own business, J.P. Thomas & Co., Inc. For 31 years, Sandra balanced being a wife, mother, and business owner with unmatched dedication and strength.

Her love for her family was most evident in the countless ways she cared for them: from the thousands of homemade biscuits she made to the sweet tea always waiting in the fridge to the vegetables she canned from her and Paul’s garden. Sandra did not miss a single recital, game, or event her children participated in—she was their biggest cheerleader and source of steady love.

Known affectionately as “Maw-Maw,” Sandra adored her nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She was always there to offer her wisdom, whether it was about proper Sunday shoes for church or gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) opinions about hairstyles and clothes. She loved sharing updates about their accomplishments with pride and made sure everyone around her knew how much she loved them, whether they wanted to know or not. 

When Sandra was not taking care of her family, she found joy in simple pleasures: Hallmark movies were at the top of her list. She would like to thank THC for the countless hours of entertainment they provided. 

Sandra is survived by her children: Bryan Thomas (Anna) of Asheboro, NC; Lorie Vondrak (Andrew) of Atlanta, GA; Sally Thomas of Asheboro, NC; and David "Dave" Thomas (Roxanne) of Asheboro, NC. Her nine grandchildren—Jonathon Thomas, Kari Faulkner, Hannah Ferguson, Katelyn Thomas, Blair Thomas of Asheboro, NC, Adeline Vondrak, Katerina Vondrak, Elijah Vondrak, and Benjamin Vondrak of Atlanta, GA—and two great-granddaughters, Emma Grace Thomas, and Lainey Faulkner of Asheboro, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Cheryl McNulty of Greensboro, NC and enough nieces, nephews, and friends to fill a Hallmark movie cast.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Renae Littleton, Robin Sheffield, and the staff at Clapp’s of Asheboro, Randolph Hospital, and Hospice of Randolph for their care and compassion.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC with a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Junction Camp, Donate Online - Victory Junction or Victory Junction | 4500 Adam’s Way | Randleman, NC 27317.