Deborah Ellen (Payne) Hopkins, age 55, passed away June 29, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 26, 1964 in Cleveland, OH to the late Wilmer Ellis Payne and Phyllis Jean (Bell) Payne Blankenship. Deborah grew up in Brunswick, OH and then moved to Medina Township. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1982, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Ohio University, as well as a Master of Education degree from Marygrove College.

Deborah was a dedicated and admired teacher for over 30 years, most of which was in the service of Brunswick City School District at Crestview Elementary School, first teaching 6 ^th grade and then 4 ^th grade for most of her career. She was active in sports, coached cheerleading, was an advisor for extracurricular student clubs and community service activities, and devoted time to organizing many special school events. Deborah's favorite personal activities were vacationing at the beach, as well as planning and hosting regular gatherings of family and friends. She also loved staying in touch with her students and often was told either that she touched their lives, or was their favorite teacher, or both!

Deborah is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Dale A. Hopkins; cherished children, Madison C., Makenna J., and Mason D. Hopkins; dear brothers, Frank "Marty" (Jane) Payne, John "Mike" Payne, David (Robin) Payne, Dale Payne, and Scott (Jackie) Payne; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and an incredibly wide circle of dear friends gained throughout her entire lifetime. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, James Blankenship; brother, Wilmer "Butch" Payne Jr.; and her precious stillborn infant daughter, Maelyn D. Hopkins.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-1:00 pm Sunday, July 12, 2020 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church- Outdoor Pavilion (around the back), 2151 W Wallings Rd, Broadview Heights, OH 44147. A Celebration of Life to honor Deborah's memory will be held immediately following at 1:00 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion on Sunday. The family urges that everyone respects social distancing guidelines, wears a mask, and dresses appropriately for a casual, outdoor event .

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly suggests contributions be made in Deborah's memory to:

Brunswick City Schools Foundation (directed for the benefit of Crestview Elementary School) or to Crossroads Hospice who provided tender and loving care for her at home.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com