Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 18, 2025

William “Bill” Scott Hopewell, affectionately known as “Doc,” passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill grew up in Mariemont, Ohio, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. After graduating from Mariemont High School in 1950, he attended Yale University, where he played varsity football and continued to shine academically. He was also a member of the Elihu Club.  During his college years, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Aston. Bill graduated from Yale in 1954 and went on to earn his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

After completing his medical training, Bill and Jane settled in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where they lived for 30 years establishing lifelong friendships. During that time, Bill built a successful and highly respected medical practice, as well as serving on a number of medical boards at Valley Hospital. In 1994, following his retirement, Bill and Jane returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they spent 28 wonderful years hosting family gatherings and cultivating more wonderful relationships.  In 2023, they relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to family, where Bill spent the final two and a half years of his life.

This past August, Bill and Jane celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary—a testament to their love and partnership. Together, they raised three children: Craig, Dwight, and Lyz.

Bill’s passions reflected his adventurous spirit. He loved traveling to new places and creating lasting memories.  His hobbies extended to running—completing five marathons—and to his artistic pursuits, painting over 300 dog portraits. He delighted in reading, tackling the New York Times crossword puzzle, enjoying opera, and spending time on Cape Cod, where he and Jane owned a vacation home. He also devoted himself to rescuing cats and dogs and, above all, spending time with his family —especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Church was also central to Bill’s life. He and Jane were active members of Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, a progressive and inclusive congregation. After moving to Charlotte, they joined Myers Park Baptist Church, which shares similar values.

Bill will be remembered for his caring and selfless nature, loyalty, his compassion for others, and his unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Aston Hopewell; his children Craig Hopewell (Barbara) of Charlotte, Dwight Hopewell (Lori) of Richmond, Virginia, and Lyz Vetter (Brian) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren: Christine Fenn (Austin), Michael Hopewell (Neat), Taylor Fauls (Henry), Anna Larsen (Grady), Christopher Vetter, Matthew Vetter, and Maggie Vetter; and six great-grandchildren: Nolan, Hudson, and Cannon Fenn; Malis and Julian Hopewell; and Gray Thomas Fauls.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on January 17, 2026, at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to:

Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church
103 William Howard Taft Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

Myers Park Baptist Church
1900 Queens Road
Charlotte, NC 28207

League for Animal Welfare
4193 Taylor Road
Batavia, Ohio 45103

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.