Flora C. Hopkins

1939 - 2021

Flora C.

Hopkins

Dr. Flora Autrey Carmichael "Flossie" Hopkins died peacefully on January 25th, 2021 after an extended illness. Born April 12, 1939 in Mullins, SC, she was a daughter of the late Autrey Carmichael and the late Mary Thelma Rogers Carmichael. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Doris Rogers Carmichael Smith and Hettie Lou Carmichael Lee. She was a 1957 graduate of Dillon High School and received her BA and MEd degrees in elementary education and a PhD in educational administration with a cognate in political science from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Hopkins was a career educator, civic leader, and mentor. She had a substantial impact on those who knew her and on the community. After moving to Hartsville in 1963, she began a career in education that spanned decades and included roles as Associate Professor Coker College (University), Chairman of the Education Department of Coker College, Coker College Board of Trustees, Coker College Board of Visitors, adjunct faculty member of the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University, and Board of Visitors of the University of South Carolina. Dr. Hopkins' career also included positions in the Darlington County School District as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and a member of the Darlington County School Board.

Dr. Hopkins was the first woman mayor of Hartsville, South Carolina. She served two terms and helped lead the city to its distinction as an All-American City. She continued her civic impact by serving as a member of the Pee Dee District Judicial Review Committee, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Municipal Association, Byerly Foundation Board, Board of Presbyterian Home, Darlington County Council on Aging, Darlington County Mental Health Board, and Director of the South Carolina School Boards Association.

Dr. Hopkins was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville, South Carolina where she served as an Elder, pastor's aid, and member of the Administration Committee. She was a member of the Hartsville Thursday Study Club, Pine and Lake Garden Club, Hartsville Community Concert Association, and past president of the Hartsville Arts Council. She authored a series of children's books, was an avid reader and an accomplished pianist.

In addition to her distinguished career, Dr. Hopkins was proudest of her role as a mother and grandmother. She beamed with pride for her children and grandchildren. They benefited from her infinite wisdom, love, and humor and her lessons and memories will continue to live through them.

She is survived by daughters, Courtney Louise Hopkins Mann (Scott) of Raleigh, Amy Carmichael Hopkins Gorman (Kevin) of Atlanta, grandchildren Meredith Hopkins Mann, Davis Carmichael Mann, Catherine Carmichael Gorman, Duncan McQuilkin Gorman, sister Mary Mac Carmichael Stephens of Dillon, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be planned for later this summer with further announcement to follow at that time. Donations in her memory may be made to the University of South Carolina Flora Carmichael Hopkins Endowed Scholarship Fund. Check payable to USC Educational Foundation, SC Honors College, Attention Development Office, 120 Harper College, Columbia, SC 29208 or online at Donate.sc.edu/florahopkins. Additional correspondence to the family may be mailed to Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075.