Matthew Hopkins Sr. age 90, well known as “Shoefus” went home to be with his parents and siblings early Saturday morning May 9, 2015. After a courageous and strong will to over come his illness, he allowed God to do his will.
Born October 9, 1924 in Jackson County, Georgia to the late Mr. John and Bula (Little) Hopkins Sr. He was raised by his sister Annie and brother-in-law Tillman Moon, in Athens, Georgia, after the death of his mother and father at the age of 6 months. He joined New Salem Baptist Church at an early age, serving on the usher board, and later joined Antioch Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until his health declined him. On Sunday, his last wish was “I want to see Antioch one last time” A former taxi driver, the retiring from New Holland Mill after 37 years, he was a loving and faithful husband, father, granddaddy and great granddaddy; who worked, taught by example, never complained and lived his life for his wife, children and grandkids.
Mr. Hopkins Sr. was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Rev. Fred Hopkins Sr., Mr. George Hopkins, Mr. Dee Hopkins, Mr. John Hopkins, Mr. Tommie Hopkins, Mr. L.M. Hopkins, Mrs. Olivia Hopkins Holder, Mrs. Goldie Hopkins Damon and Mrs. Annie Hopkins (Tillman) Moon.
Mr. Matthew Hopkins Sr. leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 61 years, Betty C. Martin Hopkins, daughter, Lela “Sue” Brawner, Sons, Matthew Hopkins Jr., Freddie L. Hopkins, Christopher Hopkins, grandchildren, Kenikya Hopkins, Paramesha Brawner, Kashiwa Brawner, Christena Hopkins, great grandchildren, Onaje Hopkins, Ezra Johnson, Kaiden Brawner, Diamond Smith, Byankha Cavazos, Jaun Cavazos, Kendice Cavazos, adopted grandchildren, Jeryan Buffington, Jaylen Buffington, Azari Buffington, Quines Buffington, Adarius Hendrix, Martrez Milner, Chris Carithers, Brandon Sims, sisters-in-law, Ruby Wilburn, Malbree Davenport, Beverly Jo Millsap, brother-in-law, Lamar Millsap and a host of special friends, nieces and nephews.
From the family of Mr. Matthew Hopkins Sr. Thank you for all the visits, phone calls, acts of love and most of all your friendship and prayers.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Gloria, Theressa, Pia, Tia, Dr. Kenneth Fogarty III M.D. Team South Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Nurse Brenda, Sun Crest Home Health, and The Heart and Kidney Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday May 14 at Antioch Baptist Church. The Rev. Adrian Niles, Rev. L.C. Teasley, Rev. Rodney A. Lackey Sr., and Ernest Hopkins will officiate. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday May 13 at Antioch Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Condolences may be made online at wardsfh.com Ward's Funeral Home 758 Main Street Gainesville in charge of arrangements.
