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Obituaries

Shonda Hopson-Pettaway Dies at 49

"She will be remembered for her caring spirit, warm smile, or her commanding presence," her family states.

Shonda Marie Hopson-Pettaway, a Southampton resident, died April 17 after a recurrence of cancer.    

She was born in Southampton on April 19, 1963, and died in Southampton Hospital two days short of her 50th birthday. Her parents were Rita Hayes and the late Robert A. Hopson Sr.  Hopson-Pettaway was raised by her grandparents, Lucille and Rufus Hopson, who she referred to as “Ma” and “Daddy,” according to her family.   

Known as “Shon,” she was baptized at First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton, where she sang in the youth choir. She graduated from Bridgehampton School in 1981 and on June 30, 1984, she married Roggie Eugene Pettaway, who served in the U.S. Army. The family, including son Treva, lived for a time in Germany while Pettaway was stationed there.    

After returning from Germany, Hopson-Pettaway worked at Sag Harbor Industries. Then in 1998, she began to work for Aid to the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. She started as a direct support professional and was later promoted to assistant resident manager. She worked there until her health no longer permitted it and retired in December 2012, according to her family. “During her time at A.D.D. Shonda was a loving and caring person to all the residents that she served,” her family stated.    

“Shonda enjoyed planning and attending family events and was particularly supportive of her husband’s musical endeavors,” her family said. “She will be remembered for her caring spirit, warm smile, or her commanding presence.   

Hopson-Pettaway is predeceased by her father, Robert Hopson Sr., paternal grandparents Rufus and Lucille Hopson, material grandmother Jenny Jones, step-grandfather Randolph Jones and brothers Tommy Hopson Sr. and Melvin Hopson.

She is survived by husband Roggie Pettaway, sons Treva, Tramar and Travon. daughter Porsha, grandson Taylen, mother Rita Hayes-Banard, mother-in-law Alice Pettaway, father-in-law Winson Pettaway Jr., stepmother Jerlean Hopson, stepfather Sisco Barnard, brothers Darryl Jones, Terry Jones, Robert Hopson Jr., Rufus Hopson Jr., Norman Hopson, Michael Hopson, Ricky Hopson, sisters Tara Braunskill, Nina Swinton, Gloria Oliver, Brenda Pinckney, Diana McDole, Linda Hopson, Joanna Rhymer, Annette Hopson, goddaughter Takecia Mims, five brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation took place April 22 at First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton, and the funeral was held there the following day officiated by the Rev. Frank Bryant. Interment took place at Edgewood Cemetery in Bridgehampton.

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