In Memoriam: Lawrence David Hopkins, MD
The Master touched Lawrence David Hopkins early the morning of November 9, 2020, and quietly ended his early pursuits. Born December 29, 1949, in Chester, South Carolina, to Maeola Trapp Hopkins, a homemaker and Lawrence Hopkins, an Air Force jet engine mechanic, Larry was the eldest of 5 with 1 sister and 3 brothers. His Air Force family lived throughout the United States. He attended secondary schools in Chester, SC; Washington, DC; Burlington, NJ; Minot, ND; and graduated from Rutherford High School in Panama City, FL.
He ventured to Lees McCray College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, where he excelled academically and was inducted into the Order of the Tower. Wake Forest University beckoned him, and he enrolled in the spring 1970 and joined the demon Deakins football team. They 1 wakes first ACC championship in the fall. As a running back, Larry led the team and rushing during his two years. His average of 111.6 yards a game during his senior year was a testament to his athletic ability and the great teammates who open pathways for him. He was selected all-ACC twice. His most memorable game was the team’s 93 yard march down the field to beat a highly rate Carolina team, 14-13 in 1970. Larry was dedicated — and was often seen jogging from the Chemistry laboratory to football practice!
His next academic pursuit was a master’s degree in Chemistry at Virginia State University. He met the Dean of Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Richard Janeway while attending a Wake Forest football game, who persuaded him to apply to Bowman Gray. After he completed his studies there, he attended obstetrics and gynecology residency program at the Medical College of Virginia. Upon successfully completing it he enlisted into the United States Air Force where his assignment led him to Shreveport, Louisiana. He rose to the rank of Major.
In 1983, Larry’s love for Wake Forest brought him back to Winston-Salem, and he joined the practice of Dr. Thomas Clarke. In 1994 he became a code director of the Women’s Health Center in Winston-Salem which focused on improving prenatal care and reducing infant mortality. The Today’s Woman Wellness Center raised the level of healthcare for African-American women substantially. In 1996, he affiliated with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he trained residents. Later, Dr. Hopkins was promoted to the position of assistant professor. After 43 years of dedicated service, he retired from delivering babies in June; however, he continued serving part-time in the department as a gynecologist.
Wake Forest University was a life-time second home. It was there that he met the love of his life, #1 fan and supporter, Beth. He he served Wake Forest formally in many capacities over the decades, including on the Alumni Council and the Bard of Visitors. In 1986, he began serving on the Board of Trustees –he completed his seventh four-year term in June. In 1987, he was presented to the distinguished alumni award, and in 1989 Larry was inducted into the Wake Forest University sports Hall of Fame.
On February 21, during the Father’s Day complication, Larry humbly received Wake Forest highest honor, the Medallion of Merit. His life has epitomized the Wake Forest motto, Pro Humanitate which means “for humanity,” “for stabilization,” or “for kindness.” As a mentor to undergraduate athletes, he advised them that academics was a priority; for medical students and OB/GYN residents, Larry encouraged them all to do the best they could for every patient. He demonstrated patience and compassion for serving those needed medical care. He was a member of numerous boards and professional organizations including the historic Twin City Medical Society and was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Gamma Kappa Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Larry was a sports enthusiast and a baseball aficionado. He enjoyed enlightening his family with stories of his great Little League baseball days, and he loved poetry. Quoting from the works of Lord Byron to Mya Angelou, was effortless. As demanding as his profession was, rarely did he miss watching his daughter playing piano competitions or his son playing for the Wake Forest tennis team. He lives enjoy field life dedicated to his family, his practice, and to his church. His soft but decisive voice will be missed.
Larry was proceeded in death by his mother, Mayola Trappe Hopkins, father, Lawrence Hopkins, sister, Gloria Navarro, and brother, Ronald Hopkins. He will live on in the cherishe memories of his devoted wife of 47 years, Beth Norbrey Hopkins; daughter, Michelle H. Kyles of Richmond, VA; son, David Hopkins of New York City; to beloved brothers, Darien Hopkins (Lia) of Rock Hill, SC; Kevin (Myla) of Tega Cay, SC; two granddaughters, Alana and Courtney Kyles of Richmond; brother-in-law, Richard Navarro of West Covina, CA; sister-in-law, Nancy Mauricee Holmes (Robert) of Glenn Allen, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving friends, and church family.
In lieu of flowers, please direct gives to the undergraduate campus, Wake Forest University in support of the Magnolia scholars program and Larry Hopkins his memory; Wake Forest University, PO Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27109; or Memorials may be made to the Wake Forest School of Medicine for the Charlie L. Kennedy, MD-Lawrence D Hopkins, MD fund for Graduate Medical Education, C/O Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021.
