Mrs. Bessie K. Hopkins

Bessie Kate Harvey Hopkins was bom June 11.1922 to the late Marion and Fannie McMillian- Harvey. The fourth child of a prosperous logger and farmer in Daleville, Mississippi. The teaching and nurturing provided by "Papa" and Chocolate Mama" set an indelible foundation in promoting education and success in the lives of their children and the generations to come Her parents were people of faith, and they reared their children to be also. As a family, they worshipped at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Daleville where they were very active in ministry. She and her siblings loved to sing, and they sang across the community. It was on one of these occasions that she met Joe Hopkins from the Savoy community. They corresponded by letter for years. Joe joined the military and when he returned, they married January 2, 1948. To this union seven children were born: Joe, Robert, Cloreace, Theresa, Eleanor, Monica and Odell. Bessie joined the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church after marrying Joe. She was a faithful and active member there for sixty-six years. In her later years, she joined the West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in the Nellieberg community, where she served faithfully until her health no longer allowed her to. Bessie, affectionally called "Mama Bessie" was also a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. She spent quality time nurturing and teaching them about life. She also has many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was able to enjoy special and unique relationships with each of them. When she was able, cooking was her love language. With her wonderful meals, she offered wonderful conversation filled with humor and wisdom. Bessie was employed in housekeeping at the St. Joseph Hospital. She worked as a pastry cook for the Meridian Public School District at Oakland Heights Elementary and Magnolia Middle School. She also participated in the Foster Grandparent program at Magnolia Middle School in the Library. "Let Jesus Lead You" is her favorite hymn. When asked what her favorite scripture was, she said all the Word of God is special to her. She credits her longevity to being saved and walking with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bessie was predeceased by her beloved husband Joe Hopkins, her siblings, Annie Lee, Roste Mae, Georgia Mae, Nemarian, Charlie, Deartris, and Joe Willie; five children, Joe Louis Hopkins, Robert Earl Hopkins, Cloreace Hopkins Vaughn, Elenor Glen Hopkins Whitlock, and Thereasa Hopkins Cornelius, three grandchildren. Robert Blanks, Rolandus Hopkins and Carla Vaughn Perkins. She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter Monica Hopkins Rue (Timothy), and one son, Pastor Odell Hopkins (Sylvia) of Meridian, Mississippi; eighteen grandchildren, Marion Whitlock Gordon (Jeffery) Alicia Whitlock Moore (Quamin) Cedrick Comelius Jr. (Shelia), Deontrave Cornelius, Kimberly Hopkins, Shana Hopkins, Steven Hopkins, Cynthia Roberts, Terrell Grishy, Major Tammy Rue-Rowe (Tony), Christopher Rue, Maya Rue, Sabrina Bailey Mobley, Carlos Hopkins (Patricia), Cassandra Hopkins, Daniel Vaughn, and Lacey Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Bessie K. Hopkins

June 11, 1922 - September 21, 2023