Renee L. Hopkins

Renee Lashawn Hopkins was born April 18, 1958, in Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved and youngest of four girls born to the late Sergeant Thomas W. Hopkins and Willie Ruby (Mozie) Hopkins.  She peacefully departed this life on Friday, March 24, 2026.

Renee grew up in a loving military family. She enjoyed seeing her sisters perform military drills at home with their father, and watching Mother do pushups! The Hopkins family was often stationed overseas, and Renee's parents and sisters were always amazed that whether they were in France or Germany, Renee was always the first to learn and speak the new language. 

Renee was a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, and later in life she joined New Light Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. She dedicated many years of service to Richland County School District One, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant. She left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike. She believed deeply in community, and she passed those values on to her children and grandchildren.

In  addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her nephew, Troy Walker; and brother-in-law, Lewis Taylor

Renee was a dedicated mother of three, a proud grandmother, and a cherished great-grandmother. Her children are Colen De’Anthony “Tony” Simms Sr., Christopher “Mr. Chris” Justin Williams, and La'Keisha “LoveKeisha” Patrice Geiger. Tony’s children are Annica J. Simms, Colen D. Simms Jr., and Ciara R.T. Simms. Mr. Chris’s children are Gregory M. Williams, Shyanne E. Williams, Damien A. Williams, Jaxson C. Williams, and Cameron P. Williams. LoveKeisha’s son is Ziyon N. Geiger. Renee also has three great-grandchildren by Colen Jr.: Willow Z. Jenkins-Simms, Kaisleigh A. Simms, and Jeremiah C. Simms. She is loved by and survived by her sisters, Cosette (Milton) Ryan, Wenette Walker, and Pamela Taylor. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind two nieces, two nephews, and a host of cousins, relatives, and dear loved ones who were like family to her.

Renee was known affectionately as “Sugamama” by her grandchildren. She embraced that role fully, becoming a source of comfort, laughter, and fond memories.

Her granddaughter remembers how Sugamama comforted her during difficult times, always reminding her that even when something significant was missing, she was still surrounded by love. Renee once planned an entire birthday celebration for her granddaughter, making sure every detail was perfect. At the end of the long day, after everyone else had gone home, Renee’s granddaughter asked, “Are you going to sing Happy Birthday?” Renee laughed and told her daughter, “Oh Lord, we almost forgot to sing Happy Birthday to the baby!” they all started laughing, making another great Sugamama memory.

Renee’s personality could not be ignored: she was unapologetically herself. She called herself the “Conscious Queen,” and she lived up to that name by encouraging awareness and reminding others to think deeply about the world around them. 

Renee was an avid reader and lifelong learner; her sister always talks about her intellect and talents. Renee believed that knowledge and wisdom were gifts that could never be taken away. She had a deep interest in Black history and took pride in learning it, celebrating it, and sharing it with others so that future generations would always know their roots. She was known for expressing her love for her community and her culture by saying, “I love my people!” She was also a proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan, cheering on her team with passion.

Renee took people in, loved them as her own, and left them better than she found them. She taught them how to stand firm and how to navigate the world with strength and awareness.

Through every challenge, Renee continued to hold onto the people she loved. Her son recalls a night during Hurricane Hugo when the power went out. Instead of letting fear or boredom set in, Renee gathered the children, lit the fireplace, and filled the home with laughter, board games, and togetherness. Inside her home, there was no storm—only love. She will be missed.

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