Joy Hopkins Upton

In Loving Memory of Joy Hopkins UptonAugust 4, 1952 – August 1, 2025

As the baby girl of ten children, her mother named her “Joy”—and oh, what a joy she has been to everyone who knew her. Whether you called her Mama, Mamaw, Sister, Friend, or your Favorite Hairdresser, Joy brought light and laughter wherever she went.

Joy Hopkins Upton entered her eternal home on August 1, 2025, just three days shy of her 73rd birthday. But in classic Joy fashion, she went ahead and planned the celebration anyway—leaving this world just in time for her final homecoming party, surrounded by those she loved. And if you knew her, you know she wouldn’t have missed her own birthday bash for anything.

Born to Opal and Gilse Banks from Boogerdean, Mississippi, on August 4, 1952, Joy spent a lifetime pouring her heart into her faith, her family, her work and community. She was married to Carradine “Junior” Hopkins for 51 beautiful years before his passing in October of 2022. Their love story built a legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion that lives on in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In April 2024, she married Donnie Upton of Indianola, Mississippi, and lived out her final days with him as a happy, giddy newlywed enjoying life to its fullest.

She leaves behind her children, Daphene Cribb (Roger) of Baldwyn, MS, and Chad Hopkins (Mandy) of Cleveland, MS. She is joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved son, Todd Hopkins (Michelle). Joy also cherished her stepchildren as her own: Missy Walker (Tony McGinnis) of Maben, MS; Mark Hopkins of Greenville, MS; and Melody Williams of Brookhaven, MS. In the last two years, she also formed a special bond with Donnie’s daughters, Cyndi Johnson (Adam) and Renee Upton, whom she loved dearly and welcomed as part of her growing family.

“Mamaw,” as she was lovingly called, was the heart of a big and beautiful family that includes 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Katie Hendricks, Samantha Hendricks (Keely), Meredith Joy Hendricks(John Quinn), Amelia Hendricks(Jay), Emma Grace Hopkins, Anna Claire Hopkins, Olivia Hopkins, Collin Hopkins, Ethan Hopkins, Shelby McCleese (Cody), Misty Adams, L.D. Williams, Neeko Williams, Lewis Johnson and ten great-grandchildren.

Her legacy is written in their laughter, their love, and their deep sense of family—something she fostered with every hug, every meal, every prayer.

Her brothers, Ricky Banks (Ann) of Greenwood, MS, and Danny Banks (Blenda) of Sedan, KS, will miss her dearly, and she will be reunited in Heaven with her siblings: Herman Banks, Alex Banks, Barbara Counts, Gail Roncali, Wanda Parson, Glenda Malone, and Annette Warner.

For 54 years, Joy served her community as a hairdresser. But anyone who sat in her chair knows: it wasn’t just a haircut—it was a ministry. A place for conversation, comfort, healing, and honest truth—always wrapped in love. She never met a stranger and cared for every soul God placed in her path.

Her love for Jesus was bold and unwavering, evident in her service to her church community at the Church of Faith for more than 25 years. Her faith was the foundation of her life—reflected in how she served others, how she loved fiercely, and how she faced even the hardest days with grace and strength. She prayed without ceasing and celebrated life with joy that was contagious.

The family would like to especially thank all her friends and family for the outpouring of love shown through phone calls, visits, meals, and prayers over the last few weeks. A special thank you to Jamie Allen, RN with Adoration Hospice, and Levenia Hopper, for helping us navigate these deep and unfamiliar waters.

A Celebration of Life and Birthday Homecoming for Joy Hopkins Upton will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025—her 73rd birthday—at Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the service beginning at 1:00 PM. The family knows this timing was no accident—Joy loved a good party, and she made sure we’d all be together for hers.

Pallbearers are Ethan Hopkins, Roger Cribb, Tony McGinnis, John Quinn Miller, Keely Rhodes, Jay Clemons, Tony Banks, and Jamey Litton.Honorary Pallbearers are Collin Hopkins and Lewis Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joy’s legacy by doing something she would do: extend a kindness, welcome a stranger, speak life over someone, bake a cake (sour cream coconut was her specialty), or simply gather your family and remind them how deeply they are loved.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23