Lorene Hopper Thompson

Lorene Hopper Thompson, 82, of the Betty’s Creek Community in Rabun Gap, Georgia, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. The world lost a beautiful and incredible woman who loved her family and others fiercely. 

Lorene was born in Rabun Gap, Georgia, on April 4th, 1942. She was the daughter of the late Selven and Arizona Hopper of Rabun Gap, Georgia. Over the years, she babysat, worked for Millie Cantrell at her Panther Creek restaurant, Franklin Hosiery, Andy and Hazel Cope’s restaurant, Tastee Freeze, and Ronald Coleman Manufacturing. Notably, Lorene worked for 25 years at Family Dollar as the Store Manager, where she made lasting impacts in the community and many friendships along the way, which she held close to her heart.

Lorene was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an avid reader, often sharing books between her two sisters. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family while sharing family recipes with her daughter and granddaughters. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows/channels, some including Murder She Wrote, Expedition Bigfoot, QVC (though she just liked to browse), ID Channel mysteries, and HGTV. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR races and cheering on Bill and Chase Elliott, which she did with her husband for many years. She loved to be outside and garden. She adored red birds and hummingbirds and seeing them visit her bird feeders. She loved solving Sudoku puzzles and completing word searches and Fill-it-In puzzles. You would often find Lorene on the phone, connecting with her sisters, family members, and friends. Lorene has left a hole in our hearts and will be missed greatly. 

Lorene is survived by her daughter, Myra Sullivan (Jim) of Rabun Gap, and her son, Tim Thompson of Rabun Gap. She was a loving Grandma to her three grandchildren: Cody Sullivan (Krista) of Mount Airy, Georgia; Sarah McCrackin (Isaac) of Clayton, Georgia; Savanna Sullivan of Dahlonega, Georgia. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Owen Roger McCrackin, who she cherished very much. Lorene is survived by her sisters, Sue Watts and Irene Crane of Rabun Gap. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved very much and considered her own. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Roger Thompson; her brother J.S. Hopper; her sisters Gladys and Christine Hopper.

Lorene’s body will be cremated, and her ashes will be spread on a later date at a location that is very special to her and her family. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 1st at the Betty’s Creek Baptist Church at 2 o’clock. Immediately following the service, there will be food and fellowship, as per her wishes.

Hunter Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lorene Hopper Thompson.