Terri Jean Hopson passed away May 21, 2023. A Funeral Service will be Monday, June 5, 2023 at First Free Will Baptist Church, 2433 N Barnes Avenue, Indianapolis, 46208, starting at 12:00 noon with a viewing starting at 11:00 am until time of the service.
Terri Jean Hopson, affectionately remembered as “The Red Princess”, was born on March 10, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Despite facing numerous health challenges from birth, including a prognosis that she wouldn’t live past eighteen years, Terri defied the odds and lived a full and vibrant life for an additional 51 years! She surpassed all expectations in her remarkable 69 years with us, and her journey has been a testament not only to her resilience and determination…but to the power, love and grace of God, who extended her life many times over! Early in life, Terri accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. This belief provided her all the strength and comfort that she would need throughout her journey. For most of her life (over 40 years), Terri lived at a couple of group homes administered through of New Hope of Indiana, where she formed many deep and loving relationships with her caregivers. She was blessed to enjoy an enviable quality of life under the wonderful, attentive care of staff and medical providers there. The additional medical support and spiritual encouragement that Terri would need during hospice care in her final years was provided by Compassus. Our family is forever grateful to these organizations for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Terri attended the Noble Center for special needs and later became an integral part of the Noble Center Day Program, where she formed many friendships. She approached her work with unwavering dedication, but mostly for the opportunities it offered her to socialize with others. Whenever there was a scheduling conflict between work and medical appointments, her caregivers already knew that they were in for a rough time for causing her to miss a day of “work” because she was worried about the possibility of losing her job!
Music played a significant role in Terri’s life, and she had a deep appreciation for a variety of genres, including rock and roll, rap and gospel music. Among her favorites, the Jackson 5 held a special place in her heart, with Jermaine Jackson capturing her lifelong affection. Terri also had a zest for life’s simple pleasures, like vibrant colors, hot dogs, root beer and chocolate. She was ahead of her time in that Terri possessed a unique talent for freehand line drawings which is a very popular art form today. Her artistry shone through in one of her pieces that was auctioned for a substantial sum at a charity fundraiser. Terri embraced her fashion-forward nature and social spirit, always ready for the next shopping excursion or party. She delighted in calling herself “Terri Hopson the Red Princess,” as her closet was once filled predominantly with red attire. Celebrating holidays held a special place in Terri’s heart, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, where she shared her infectious joy with loved ones. On May 21, 2023, at the age of 69, Terri bid farewell to this earthly realm. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, leaving behind cherished memories for her five siblings: Ralph Eggleston, Rhonda Hopson Jones, Jeffrey Hopson, David Hopson, and Lisa Hopson. Additionally, she is remembered fondly by her six nieces and nephews: David Hopson, Jr., Adrienne Smith, Brandon Jones, Jana Hopson, Simone Hopson, and Ashley Hopson. Terri’s extraordinary life serves as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her resilience, zest for life, and unwavering spirit will be treasured and remembered by those whose lives she touched.