Bobbie A. Wright

Sunrise: August 29, 1945 - Sunset: April 23, 2026

It’s with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Bobbie Ann (Hopgood) Wright, age 80 years old, of Rochester (Gates), NY on April 23, 2026. She was the heart of her family: a devoted mother, beloved matriarch, trusted mentor, and loyal friend. Her wisdom, strength, humor, and steady love, shaped generations and left a lasting mark on anyone blessed to know her.

Bobbie Ann (Hopgood) Wright was born on August 29, 1945, to the proud parents of Isaac L. Hopgood and Rosie M. (Cole) Hopgood in the small town of Tiptonville Tennessee. She grew up in a beautiful, blended family as one of a total of 13 children, accepted Christ at the age of 10, and obtained her high school diploma from the local school district of Blytheville AR.

She moved to Rochester NY shortly after graduation where she met and married Mr. Edward Wright. They were blessed with three children (a son and two daughters). Bobbie loved to learn and embraced advanced education in pursuit of a professional career while working a full-time job and taking care of her family. She received an Associate degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Education and a certificate in Human Services from Monroe Community College. She continued to strive for excellence by completing her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education from Nazareth College in Rochester NY.

Bobbie considered herself truly blessed to work in a career that she loved. Throughout her teaching tenure, she impacted numerous lives by serving as a mentor, teacher, and unofficial “mom”. She retired after working for the Rochester City School District for 34 years. During her tenure she received the teacher of the year award two years in a row as well as being honored by the Northeastern Shepherd's Club as one of 11 top female educators in New York State.

Bobbie also went on to become a successful independent business owner. She realized the dream of starting her income tax business and was a well-known consultant, financial planner, and tax preparer for over 40 years. Bobbie was a member of the National Association of Female Executives NAFE), a member of the National Association of Tax Preparers, and was nationally recognized for her financial accomplishments in the Who's Who in American Businesswomen publication. She received numerous awards in general business, public speaking, bookkeeping, as well as annual teaching excellence.

Her numerous contributions to the community include serving as a volunteer worker and board member of the Southeast Ecumenical Ministry (SEMS) and serving in various positions of church leadership at the Jefferson Avenue 7th day Adventist church. The positions included but were not limited to Finance Officer, and Sabbath School Superintendent.

Bobbie was a natural leader. She retired from the Rochester City School District in 2002 and went on to serve as the President of The Retired Teachers Organization (RTO) and continued to make significant contributions to the community throughout her life.

Bobbie leaves to cherish her memory: Edward E. Wright (forever best friend/former husband), Los Angeles CA; son Edward E. Wright III of Rochester NY; daughters: Michelle Wright-Berends (Richard) of Columbia MD; Pranjaal Wright of Rochester NY; four grandchildren, Robert Jones (Tiffany), Cheyenne Wright, Adoria Wright, and Chayne Wright; 8 great grandchildren; brother James Stevens, Milwaukee, WI; sisters Gladys Hopgood-Magee, Milwaukee, WI; Ana B. Johnson, Milwaukee WI; Dorothy Crenshaw, Baton Rouge, LA; Mary Stevens Johnson, Atlanta, GA; Sherry Stevens Burton, Baton Rouge, LA; Ellen (Angie) Stevens, Baton Rouge, LA; nieces and nephews; honorary goddaughter Monaca Pratt, Rochester, NY; and honorary godsons Ron Y. Abrams, Sioux Falls, SD; Angelo Walton Jr., Rochester, NY.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents Issac Hopgood and Rosie Stevens; brother Willie Hopgood; brother Issac Hopgood Jr.; sister Osiabelle Harris; sister Lillie Mae Canada; sister Connie Stevens; and great-granddaughter My’Angelle Wright.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Sunset House (Comfort Care Home) in her honor. 

Her love is her legacy, and her family will carry her wisdom, laughter, and strength for generations to come.

Friends and family may pay their respects at New Ebenezar SDA Church on Monday, May 4th for visiting from 10-11 AM with a service to follow from 11-1 PM. Burial will follow immediately at Westside Maple Grove Cemetery. A repass will be held back at the church after leaving the cemetery.

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. (John 11:25)