Deborah Anita (Hopkins) Allen

Deborah Anita Hopkins Allen was born on February 15, 1951 and on February 20, 2026 Deborah 
departed this earthly life peacefully surrounded by family, loved ones and friends. She was born to 
Thomas A. Hopkins Sr. and Mary Sheffield Hopkins. Deborah was the third child of four siblings. 
Deborah enjoyed living life to the fullest. After elementary and middle school, she attended and 
graduated from Rosedale High school, where she was the first Black/African American cheerleader in 
Rosedale’s history. She was a member of the student council where she worked on the school 
yearbook and participated in the Future Teachers group along with many other activities. Deborah 
was very sociable with an outgoing personality. She did not meet strangers; she met potential friends.
After high school, Deborah attended and graduated from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now 
Pittsburg State University) with a degree in Art Education. She went on to receive two Master's 
Degrees throughout her career. She became an art teacher, working in both Kansas City, Missouri 
and Kansas City, Kansas Public School systems. Later she worked at Genesis School in KCMO for 
many years earning the respect of students and staff. She was the Director of The Young Mom’s 
Program at Genesis School, and also worked for The Parents as Teachers program in the role of an 
educator.

Deborah joined St. Paul AME Zion Church at an early age participating in Sunday School, the youth 
choir and the young adult choir. She was a faithful and active member serving on several programs 
and boards. She was a former Youth Director of the W.H.O.M.S. (Women's Home & Overseas 
Mission Society)., and she was a Lay Council member. Deborah involved herself in every aspect of 
all the axillaries at St. Paul AME Zion. She was her own advocate for self-care.

Deborah married Gregory Allen Sr. with whom she had two sons who will always be the love of her 
life. Years later the marriage was dissolved. Deborah enjoyed many things in life: modeling, 
socializing, traveling, playing cards, sewing and riding her horse that she owned. An example of her 
sewing projects included helping school students who had not been able to purchase new 
cheerleading uniforms by altering donated uniforms to fit the students. She sewed costumes for 
students and youth to wear in plays. She sewed face masks during the Covid pandemic and many 
other projects. She was very imaginative and creative. She had a loving, giving and sharing spirit. 
Deborah shared her gifts with whole neighborhoods near and far. If she knew you had a need, she 
would help.

Preceding her in death were her parents Thomas and Mary Hopkins, a sister, Paula Hopkins, a
brother Grant S. Hopkins (“Groovy Grant”), and a grandson Gregory Allen, Ill. She leaves to cherish 
her memory two devoted sons, Segre Allen and Gregory Allen II of Kansas City, KS, her brother
Thomas A. Hopkins, Jr. (Patricia) of McLean, VA. loving grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and 
many friends and loved ones who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.” Timothy 4:7

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