Kathryn “Katty” Hopkins Renick

August 16, 1930 – January 26, 2025

Born August 16, 1930 in Columbia, TN and raised in nearby Mt. Pleasant, Kathryn “Katty” Hopkins Renick died on Sunday, January 26, 2025 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Case Dickson Hopkins and Josephine Hamm Hopkins; brother, Case D. Hopkins, Jr. (Hop); and husband of 69 years, Van Taliaferro Renick, the former rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, whom she met on a blind date at the University of Georgia in 1952. She is survived by her daughter, Raleigh Renick Weckbaugh of Chesapeake Beach, MD.; grandchildren, Todd Weckbaugh (Andrea) and Casey Weckbaugh Kwitkin (Gary); five great-grandchildren; son, Van T. Renick, Jr.; nephew, Case D. Hopkins III (Kate) and her beloved granddog, Daisy.

Katty, a tall, pretty redhead, will be remembered for her steadfastness and discipline, fierce loyalty, sweet heart and affectionate nature. She was warm and welcoming to all, humble, restrained with advice (until she heard bad grammar spoken by her children), considerate of everyone, a prolific sender of cards and letters and had a magical laugh. She would rather die than hurt anyone’s feelings. Playing bridge and working daily cross word puzzles were hobbies as well as listening to operas, particularly Luciano Pavarotti, whom she adored. A long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she sang in the choir and served on the altar guild for decades. Mom was a great cook and her apple crisp, fried chicken and gravy were, hands down, the best in the universe. Garlic pickles given to many at Christmas were coveted gifts and chocolate ice cream and Oreo cookie sales got big boosts from her daily consumption. For sure, air conditioning topped her list of the greatest modern inventions. She was the glue of her family, an amazing mother and wife, a wonderful homemaker and a cherished friend to many. Her life served as a wonderful witness to her Christian faith and her passing leaves an unfillable hole in the fabric of her family.

A special thanks to Joyce Jones, caretaker, friend and new member of the Renick family. Her love and diligence in caring for Mom over the last several months will never be forgotten. Thank you, Mollie Anderson, for the weekly letters and cards you sent her and to Carilion Hospice and the staff members of Harmony who helped make Mom comfortable in the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations sent to Samaritan’s Purse to support the Hurricane Helene Relief efforts in NC would be appreciated.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount, VA and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.