Dr. Norva J Ross-Hopkins

Pastor Dr. Norva J. Ross-Hopkins, MACPC, PCC, LICDC-S, RN, entered this world on January 13th, 1948, in Oberlin, Ohio, born to the loving parents of Jessie May Davis and Kenneth Lowe.  The world bid farewell to this remarkable soul on Saturday, January 20th, 2024.  Dr. Norva Ross-Hopkins shared her life with Chester Ross and, later, William Hopkins Sr. In the realm of remembrance, she mourned the loss of her husband, the late William I. Hopkins Sr., of Lorain, Ohio; her parents, Jessie & Kenneth Lowe of Oberlin, Ohio; her brother Walter Lowe, and her sister Zenobia Dixon of Elyria, Ohio.  We also remember her nephew Charles Lowe and niece Tasha Lowe.

In the tapestry of survivors, her daughters Tanza Chalee Bibbs, Jwana Marie Ross, Tachelle Ivette Banks, Lachelle Ivory Woods, and Brittney Raquel Hopkins stand firm.  Grandchildren Shiah Marie Ross, Leon Palmer Robinson II, Cheston Stephon Robinson Sr., Elijah Mason Woods, Imani Simone Woods, Augustus Ivory Banks, Alexis Sophia Banks, Alecia Leslie Banks, and Michael Joseph Garcia Jr. weave a legacy of love.  Honoring her legacy are great-grandchildren Jaeden William Fleurimond, Shaniyiah Marie Cason, Giselle Monet Woods, Gianna Ivory Woods, Isaiah Alexandar Woods, and Cheston Stephon Robinson Jr., who bring joy to the family. 

In her extended family, nephews Andre Lowe, Sean Dampier, Terell Dixon, Jason Dampier, and niece Monica Lowe share the collective grief.  Children by marriage, including Twyla Colclough, Gina Kilgore, and William Hopkins Jr., embrace comforting memories.

Dr. Norva J. Ross-Hopkins embodied courage and an unwavering surrender to God's will.  Her journey began with the compassionate pursuit of an associate degree with Honors in Nursing from Lorain County Community College, leading to her noble role as a registered nurse.  She further adorned her career with licenses as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-S) and a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC).  Her compassionate service extended to Lakeland Institute and Recovery Resources, where she touched lives as an RN and LICDC-S.  Dr. Ross-Hopkins also graced Full Gospel Ministries in Lorain, becoming the Senior Pastor.

Continuing her educational journey, she earned a master's in clinical pastoral counseling with high honors from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, OH.  Dr. Ross-Hopkins culminated her academic journey with a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology from Northeast Ohio School of Ministry.  Her life, marked by empathy and resilience, leaves an indelible imprint on those fortunate to know her.

In addition to her roles as a healthcare professional and spiritual leader, Dr. Norva J. Ross-Hopkins was the visionary founder of the non-profit Pathways Enrichment Center.  Established in 1995, Pathways Enrichment Center was born out of Dr. Ross-Hopkins' vision to inspire, teach, and train individuals to enhance their potential in all aspects of personal development.  PEC's journey began with the initiation of highly effective mentoring and youth outreach tutorial programs in November 2000.  The name "Pathways" reflects the diverse routes individuals must traverse to achieve total enrichment and wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

Over the years, Pathways Enrichment Center has evolved and expanded its programming to address various community needs.  Driven by the commitment to uplift and empower, the center introduced initiatives such as the Food Pantry Share Program, Hot Meals Program, Back-to-School Program, Christmas Toy Program, Mental Health & Wellness Program, and The Pathways Plate Program.  Through these endeavors, Dr. Norva Ross-Hopkins and Pathways Enrichment Center have impacted the lives of many, fostering a sense of community, compassion, and support.

In her memory, let us celebrate not only the professional achievements and spiritual leadership of Dr. Norva J. Ross-Hopkins but also the profound legacy of service and community enrichment she created through Pathways Enrichment Center.  As we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, may her vision and dedication continue to inspire us to make positive pathways for the betterment of our communities and the well-being of every individual.  Dr. Norva J. Ross-Hopkins is remembered for the paths she walked and the countless pathways she paved for others.

A public viewing will be Sunday, January 28th, 2024, from 5:00-8:00pm at Faith Ministries Christian Center, 1306 Euclid Ave, Lorain OH 44052, where her Homegoing Celebration service will be held Monday, January 29th, beginning at 11:00am. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.