Rhonda "Gran" Nell Cotton Hopkins

Rhonda "Gran" Nell Cotton Hopkins, a beloved wife, mother and devoted grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, in Bellville, Texas. Born on July 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, Rhonda’s life journey was marked by her unwavering dedication to family and her steadfast commitment to her career and community.

Raised in Houston, Rhonda grew up with strong roots in Texas before making Bellville her home for the last 35 years of her cherished life. After completing high school, she pursued a profession as an accountant for BAE, where her meticulous nature and keen intellect were admired by colleagues and clients alike. Rhonda’s professional achievements were a testament to her diligence and determination.

Yet, it was her role within the family that defined Rhonda’s heart and soul. Her world truly revolved around her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy and her favorite way to spend time. She was known affectionately as “Gran,” a title she bore with pride and love. Her ever-present warmth and tender spirit created a legacy of affection and kindness that will linger in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rhonda’s proudest personal accomplishment was her marriage to James Hopkins on February 14, 1991, in Katy, Texas—a union that blossomed into a life filled with love, partnership, and family devotion. Together, they built a life rich in memories and mutual respect.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, James Hopkins of Bellville; her daughters, Sabrina Keen of Brenham, Kimberly (Phillip) Jackson of Katy, and Rachael (Chad) Kiepe of Ute, Iowa; and her treasured grandchildren, Nolan Keen, Abigail Keen, Isabelle Jackson, Owen Jackson, Landon Kiepe, Leah Kiepe, and Lydia Kiepe. Each carries forward her legacy of love, strength, and compassion.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Nell Clark and Jesse Howard Cotton, and her grandmother, Margaret Clark. Their memory lives on in the stories and values Rhonda imparted to her family.

A visitation to honor Rhonda’s life will be held on June 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville, Texas. The funeral service will follow on June 9, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., also at Schmidt Funeral Home. The family would like to welcome everyone to join them after the service at First Baptist Church on 504 E. Strauss Street in Bellville for dinner and a chance to visit with the family.

As we bid farewell to Rhonda "Gran" Nell Cotton Hopkins, we remember a woman whose legacy was defined not by grand gestures but by her gentle strength, unwavering love, and the indelible mark she left on her family and community. Her life was a tapestry of dedication, warmth, and grace, woven together with the threads of cherished moments and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.