In Memory of Patricia Hopkins Baldwin
29 December 1057 – 16 November 2008
Patricia Ann, daughter of Paul W. and Ada Carpenter Hopkins was born in Floyd County, KY and reared in Magoffin County until age 10. Patricia graduated from Barbeton High School, Barberton, Ohio with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psycology and Elementary Education with a minor in History from the University of Akron.
Patricia married Randy Baldwin. She leaves behind, in addition to her husband, a daughter, Francesca, and a son, Brad; and one granddaughter, Abby.
Patricia wrote short stories and poetry, some of which won awards. Patricia belonged to several area historical societies and has been very active in researching diseases. Patricia began, early on, to research her Melungeon ancestors who had migrated from Scott County, VA to Magoffin County, KY. The migration of these ancestors traveled into Southern Ohio-calling themselves the “Carmel Indian.”
Patricia concentrated her Melungeon research on the medical maladies that are prevalent to this illusive group of people. She and S.J. Arthur were very thorough in their research with the Melungeon Ancestral Medical Task Force working with Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia, (now University of Virginia at Wise). Patricia was the proud owner of a Levant Waist Sash that had been in her family for 400 plus years- the origin of which is said to be-aTurkish Soldier in the mid to late 1400’s.
Patricia served the Appalachian quarterly as Melungeon Editor since 1997 and later contributing editor from Kentucky.