Friends and fellow Waycross City Commissioners are remembering the legacy of service bestowed upon the city by former District 4 Commissioner Diane Hopkins.
Hopkins died Wednesday, January 29 after an extended illness. She had been in and out of the hospital for the past several months and most recently been attending commission meetings in a wheelchair.
Commissioner Hopkins had served District 4 since first taking office January 1, 2004. The Blackshear native has a large number of colleagues, friends, family, and constituents who said they are going to miss her greatly.
Her funeral service was Saturday, February 1. The City of Waycross issued the following official statement from Mayor Michael-Angelo James.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart we announce the passing of District 4 Commissioner, Mrs. Diane Lairsey Hopkins. Mrs. Hopkins’ tireless dedication to our community has left an indelible mark on all of us,” the Mayor said. “Her unwavering commitment to public service, her passion for advocacy, and her sincere care for the residents of District 4 and beyond will be deeply missed.
“As the 66th Honorable Mayor of Waycross, I, Dr. Michael-Angelo James, extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mrs. Hopkins during this difficult time. Her legacy of compassion, leadership, and selflessness is one that will continue to inspire us all.
“We are grateful for her years of service and the impact she made in our community. Let us honor her memory by striving to uphold the values and dedication she exemplified every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who mourn her loss.” Fellow commissioners also offered prayers and condolences.
“Sending my sincerest and deepest heartfelt condolences to the community and family of my dear friend, Diane Hopkins,” said Commissioner Katrena Felder. “I thank Diane for her service, dedication, fearlessness, friendship and supportive commitment to the embodiment of being a servant leader to the City of Waycross. She will be greatly missed.”
Added District 5 Commissioner Alvin Nelson: “Commissioner Hopkins will be remembered as a devoted and passionate advocate for her community and the city. Her strong spirit and unwavering dedication to the causes she believed in left a lasting impact. She will be deeply missed.”
Former District 5 Commissioner Henry Strickland, who often said he found a mentor in Hopkins when he joined the panel in 2020, pointed to her tenacity for improving the city.
“She was a tough lady who served 20 years,” Strickland, said. “To do that you have to be tough. She was spirited, and she always said Waycross was ‘lightening in a bottle waiting to be broken.’
“She was passionate, fearless, dedicated and wanted to see the City of Waycross grow and be better.”
Many friends took to social media with warm wishes and prayers for her family.
“Diane will be sorely missed in our community,” posted Sandy Sweat Haut. “May she rest in peace. Praying for her family and friends as we mourn our loss.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marvin, the family, and the entire City of Waycross,” wrote Waycross Ware County Development Authority President/CEO Jason Rubenbauer.
“My prayers are with the family, Diane and I were friends for many years. I will miss her dearly. Rest peacefully my friend,” long-time friend Vickie Jones Thompson posted.
