Lynda Joyce Hopkins

Lynda Joyce Balestra Hopkins, of Cartersville, Georgia, age 83 passed away on April 1, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Ella Cook Balestra of Olympia, Washington. An infant son, William Gordon Hopkins of Olympia, Washington and her husband of 55 years James Gilroy Hopkins, Adairsville, Georgia.

Lynda is survived by a brother, Larry Balestra (Patty) in Olympia, Washington. A son, Richard A. Hopkins of Adairsville, Georgia and a daughter Tammara S. Hopkins Brock (Larry) of Euharlee, Georgia. She has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Katrina L. Brock (Josh Underwood), Saylor J. Underwood; Kayla M. Brock, Landon L. and Jake H. Cole; Joshua K. Brock and Jamie S. Brock (Patrick Perez). She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Warren W. Fritz, Cartersville, Georgia. As well as many nieces and nephews.

Lynda was born and raised in Olympia, Washington. In 1959, at the age of 17, she met and married James (22) while he was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington. While raising a family, she was employed with the State Capitol of Washington. Lynda and James moved the family to Georgia in 1970. Lynda became employed as a bookkeeper with Days Inn of Cartersville and later retired from Sam Braly Allstate/Braden Overbeck Allstate Insurance Company, (20+ years).

Lynda attended Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun. She was an active member of Stitching for Missions and Young at Heart for Seniors. Her hobbies were reading, crossword puzzles, landscaping, crocheting, visiting with friends and most of all enjoying watching her grandchildren grow.

In the last year of her life, she resided at The Fountains Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cartersville, Georgia. She made beautiful friendships with the residents, sharing stories and enjoying each others company. She loved the staff, and they often played her favorite hymns for her, including her most favorite "I'll Fly Away".

The family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and then at her request a graveside funeral service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at 11:00 a.m. the same day. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association and/or The Parkinson's Foundation.

Pallbearers will be Richard Hopkins, Larry Brock, Joshua Brock, Josh Underwood, Patrick Perez, and Ricky Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be Warren Fritz, Landon Cole and Jake Cole.