Rachel Smith Baum

With hearts full of love, we remember a woman who embodied strength and grace.

Rachel Irma Baum-Smith, born to Woodard and Maggie Smith on July 24th, 1942, in Natchez, Mississippi, passed away on October 12th, 2024, winning her battle with Parkinsons. She was one of nine children: Charles, Vira, Maggie, Ethel, Katy, June, Rachel, Mildred, and Rufus. Growing up in a bustling household, she learned early on the importance of family and resilience.

My mother was a truly remarkable woman—strong, beautiful, independent, and a devout Christian. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was deeply dedicated to her prayer team, crafting countless prayer cloths to protect all of God's children. Each holiday, she brought us together in a circle, where we prayed for one another and gave thanks for the blessings in our lives. Her heartfelt “Happy Birthday” song was unique in its own way—perhaps not the most melodic, but it was filled with love and joy that we will all miss dearly.

Rachel had a talent for baking that could only be described as extraordinary. Her desserts were nothing short of legendary—each bite infused with love and care. She also had a green thumb and could grow anything relishing in the opportunity to work with her plants and flowers.  We often joked that she might have been tiny in stature, but she was the mightiest person I’ve ever known. Nicknamed “Hurricane Rachel,” she commanded a presence that was both fierce and loving. You did not want to underestimate her, and you certainly did not want to mess with anyone she held dear.

Throughout her life, my mother faced unimaginable loss, including the deaths of her two sons, Chuck and Darrell. Even in the depths of that grief, she persevered, demonstrating an incredible strength that inspired all of us. She taught us that while life can be incredibly painful, it’s also filled with moments of joy and love that we must cherish.

Her work ethic was unmatched. Rachel dedicated herself to a long and successful career with J.C. Penney’s Beauty Salon, where she rose to the position of manager and earned the honor of being the best manager in the company. She never stopped learning, continuing her education at Lee College, where she earned a degree in drug and alcohol counseling. Through her actions, she showed her children the value of hard work and determination, instilling in us the belief that there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.

Rachel is preceded in death by her parents, Woodard Smith and Maggie Smith; all but one of her siblings, Charles Smith, Vira Smith, Maggie Smith, Ethel Smith, Katy Smith, June Smith, and Rufus Smith; her two beloved sons, Charles Brady Hopkins II and Darrell Wayne Hopkins; and her grandson, Brady Lee Hopkins. She is survived by her daughter, Monica Hopkins and boyfriend Michael Rocha, son, Dennis J. Hopkins and wife Dale, sister, Mildred Archer, grandchildren, Boyd Hopkins, Sumar Blanchard, Brian Hopkins, Joseph Hopkins, Brittany Hopkins, Priscilla Hopkins, Danielle Hopkins, great-grandchildren, Ocian Roberts, Mackenzie Rose, Esek Hopkins, Hunter Hopkins, Ivy Hopkins, Jalissa Toussaint, Sylas George, Jeremy Saucedo, Jaliyah Morales. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.

As we gather to remember Rachel today, let us celebrate her life, her love, and her unwavering faith. May we carry forward the lessons she taught us about resilience, kindness, and the importance of family. She may have left this world, but her legacy will continue to inspire us every day.