Mary Hopkins O’Donnell, 84, of Wendell, NC, born November 29, 1940, entered into the presence of her Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at SECU Hospice House. She is now joyfully reunited with many beloved family and friends, including her three brothers, who she lost in a tragic gasoline tanker explosion in 1951. 

Mary was born in Nash County, the eldest daughter of eight children, to Rev. Charles Oliver Hopkins and Oma Whitley Hopkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Al Miller, Jr. and Robert O'Donnell; brothers, Don, Duane, and Dexter Hopkins; brother-in-law William Ayden Carroll, Sr. 

A talented musician, she played piano by ear at the churches where her father pastored, and later at East Wake Church of God, where her brother continues to pastor today. As a young girl, she sang in a trio with her siblings Don and Elaine, and later with Tim and Elaine at East Wake Church of God.

Professionally, Mary worked in hotel management as Executive Housekeeper in Raleigh, NC, and retired from the North Raleigh Hilton.

In her younger years, she loved family vacations, shopping, and playing cards — especially “Rook.” She also had a passion for gardening and took great pride in planting flowers in her yard. Her hard work and beautiful gardens were recognized when she was awarded “Yard of the Month” in Wendell, North Carolina, which she took great pride in.

Until she became sick in early February, she drove herself daily to meet friends and family at McDonald’s each morning and enjoyed afternoon visits to Smithfield’s BBQ.

She deeply loved her family, southern gospel harmony music, and birdwatching. Known for her vibrant spirit, Mary lit up every room she entered. She always took great pride in her appearance and made sure to tell others how wonderful they looked too.

Her two daughters, Kim and Tammy, her cherished grandchildren, and her four surviving siblings were the light of her life. She would do anything for her family. Mary also encouraged everyone she met to visit East Wake Church of God — “the best church in the world” — and trusted the care she received from Dr. Robert Clayton and his son at Acts Medical Center.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at East Wake Church of God on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:15 - 1:30 PM. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Kim Hatcher (Tim) of Wendell and Tammy Hopkins of Middlesex; sister, Elaine Carroll of Zebulon; brothers, Steve Hopkins (Jenny) of Rocky Mount, Tim Hopkins (Lula) of Middlesex, and Greg Hopkins (Madeline) of Middlesex; grandchildren, Brian Carter, Mary Sue Lyon (Philip), Ginger Mull (Sterling), Jamie Langley (Tim), Rebecca Hatcher, Olivia Craft (Logan), Valerie Murray (Trent), and Charles Hopkins (Vickie); 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made in her honor to the East Wake Church of God, PO Box 1628, Wendell, NC 27591.
Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home, Louisburg. www.stricklandfuneralhome.com