"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  – Psalm 34:18

Dr. Hephzibah “Hepsi” Maddila, 44, who was a resident of Charlotte NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family.

Hepsi courageously endured a prolonged illness involving six months of hospitalization with remarkable strength and grace till the end. Throughout this difficult journey of suffering, her beloved husband, Vishal Vijayanand Kanagala, remained constantly by her side, supporting her immensely and caring for her with extraordinary devotion. His steadfast presence and tireless dedication were a profound testament to their unwavering bond. By her side as well, was her precious son, Magnus Vijayanand, whose presence brought her comfort, strength and immeasurable joy. Even in her most challenging days, his love for his mother was a light that lifted her spirit.

Hepsi was born on November 23, 1981, in Darsi, India, to Dr. Sonar Babu Maddila and Dr. Prabhavathi. She was raised in a devoted Christian family of strong faith and was baptized in 2000 — a commitment that remained central to her life. Her faith guided her with grace, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

In India, she attended Atkinson High School in Vijayawada. Answering a calling to serve others through medicine, she earned her medical degree at Guntur Medical College in Guntur. She further specialized in Anesthesiology in Kakinada, dedicating her professional life to compassionate patient care and clinical excellence.

On April 2, 2008, she married Vishal Vijayanand Kanagala in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her parents-in-law, Dr. Vijayanand Prasad Kanagala and Dr. Shashi Prabha, along with her sister-in-law, Sushmitha, warmly welcomed her into their family showering her with their love . Shortly after their wedding, she moved to the United States to begin a new chapter of love, partnership, and hope.

On May 2, 2014, Hepsi embraced one of her greatest joys — becoming a mother to her beloved son, Magnus Vijayanand Kanagala. She was a devoted and nurturing mother whose world revolved around her family. Her home was filled with laughter, warmth and the aroma of lovingly prepared meals. She had a passion for cooking and was delighted in trying new recipes, bringing people together around the table. A fun-loving and social spirit, Hepsi cherished time spent with friends and family, always offering a listening ear, a welcoming smile, and a compassionate heart.

Deeply involved in Church activities, she lived her faith through service, fellowship, and kindness. She was known for her caring nature, generous spirit, and the genuine love she showed to everyone she met. Her presence brought comfort and joy, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Vishal Vijayanand Kanagala and her son, Magnus Vijayanand Kanagala, both of Charlotte, North Carolina; her father, Sonar Babu Maddila, and mother, Prabhavathi Chelli; her brother, Deepak Chander Maddila of India; and her brother, Santhosh Chander Maddila of New Jersey.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2025, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 13501 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, with Rev. Craig Bollinger and Rev. Russell Cushman officiating.  Interment will be in Evergreen – A Quiet Place, 1462 Armstrong Ford Road, Belmont, NC.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC, is serving the family of Mrs. Maddila.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.