Belinda Hopkins Obituary

Belinda Sue Blaylock Hopkins, age 71, a resident of Belhaven, NC, entered into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at her home with family by her side.

Linda was born in Bristol, Virginia, on December 22, 1953, daughter of Herbert Eugene Blaylock, Sr. and Nellie Elizabeth Privett. She attended J.H. Rose High School in Greenville. On October 26, 1996, she married the love of her life, Louis Elbert “Baby Duck” Hopkins, who preceded her in death on July 20, 2022. She and Louis owned and operated Buddies Seafood in the Pamlico Beach Community of Belhaven, and they were a pillar of the community, always lending a hand to anyone who needed help.

The light of the world became a little dimmer when Linda passed away. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family meant everything to her. Her personality was larger than life — she loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor, always making people laugh at her. She was artistically gifted with too many talents to name, but some include painting, sketching, sculpting, and wood-burning artwork for her friends and family. She was a perfectionist who loved taking on projects that challenged her. She also loved working in her yard and keeping it perfectly manicured.

Survivors include her children: Chris Matthews and his wife Deana of Vanceboro, and Amanda Smithwick and her husband Shaun of Jamesville; stepdaughters: Beth Lee of Belhaven, Betsy Hopkins and her husband Patrick Jordan of Belhaven, and Tina Taylor of Chocowinity; her mother: Nellie Byrd of Bailey; a brother: Herbert Blaylock, Jr. and his wife Kim of Florida; sisters: Judy Kilpatrick of Belhaven, Patsy Howard and her husband Billy of Pikeville, Gail Garrett and her husband Ronald of Bristol, VA, Fran McKinney and her husband Wayne of Kinston and Jackie Crisp and her husband Greg; a loving half-sister: Giselle Martin of Marseille, France; grandchildren: Shaye “Puppy Cheeks” Kalmowitz and her husband Todd, Cayla “Doll Baby” Matthews, Drew “Drew Bear” Williams, and Landon “Buddy” Matthews and his girlfriend Dakota Mason; great-grandchildren: Marshall Kalmowitz, Mitchell Kalmowitz, Madison Kalmowitz, and Lily Matthews; sisters-in-law: Mary Cuthrell of Pinetown and Thelma Foster; numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who brought her great joy. She also leaves behind her cherished furbaby “girls,” Baby Girl and Little Bit, who were always by her side.

She was preceded in death, along with her father Herbert, by her sisters: Sharon Jones and Sandra Estelle; her stepfather: Rex Byrd; brothers-in-law: Decator, Ray, and Curnie Hopkins; and a sister-in-law: Cora Windley.

A private graveside funeral service for the family will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Larry Hudson. Pallbearers will be Drew Williams, Landon Matthews, Todd Kalmowitz, Billy Hudson, Steven Gaskins, and Joseph Gaskins.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Hopkins family.