Alvertus Hopkins

Obituary: The Legacy of Deacon Alvertus Hopkins Sr. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens:" Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to be Born... Alvertus Hopkins Sr., affectionately known as "Duck" to his close friends, "Grand Daddy" to his grandchildren and "Deacon Hopkins" to his church family, was born on July 4, 1944 in Baltimore Maryland to the late, Purdy and Irene Johnson Hopkins. Deacon Hopkins was an advisory deacon, who taught and lived a life of extraordinary character and integrity no matter who you were, you were blessed by his presence! A Time to Live... In 1945, Alvertus and his parents moved to Pinewood South Carolina, where he was educated at Manchester High School. After completing his education, Alvertus immediately cleaved to his entrepreneurial father in the family business as a Plowman. At the age of 18, after much consideration Alvertus and his brothers decided to move to New York City or as Alvertus would call it "The Land of Milk and Honey". Not without leaving a promise that he made sure to keep and that was, to return for the young lady, whom he knew would someday be his wife. Alvertus resided in Brooklyn, NY where he worked numerous jobs before returning to Pinewood SC in 1965 where he kept his promise and married Susie Mae Canty. From this union came Karen Hopkins and Alvertus Hopkins Jr., accompanied by his wife back in Brooklyn NY, Alvertus aspired a career as a Truck Driver at Emery Worldwide Inc. where he later retired with merit. In 1993, his granddaughter Minister Tiona Hopkins, a child after God's own heart, persuaded him to love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in order to receive Everlasting Life. In doing so, Alvertus was led by God to Crossover Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Garland Harrison Sr. It was during this time he developed a passion for the Word of God. He was known for his religiously saying "Alright-Alright" which further lets us know, that our dearly beloved is that indeed...Alright! Before "changing dance floors" there was one thing Alvertus knew how to do and that was how to "cut a rug." However, thanks be unto God it was the baritone in his voice and the anointing on his life that won souls to Christ. He was proudly apart of the Male Chorus at Crossover Baptist Church. Two of his favorite songs spoke to his one day being in the presence of his Heavenly Home, one being, "Sending up My Timber" and "Somewhere to Lay My Head." The song says: "When I've done, the best I can, I want Jesus to move me through this land, and I'll be alright, when I find somewhere, somewhere to Lay My Head." Singing wasn't his only gifting; he was elevated and ordained to the office of Deacon by the late Reverend Garland Harrison Sr. In addition to his ministry assignments he is remembered for his services within his community and church family. He had a craft for carpentry and he didn't need a reason to build just about anything, from a coffee table to a hamper top. His motto was "There's nothing you can't do, when you put it in your mind to pursue." Laughter was an accentuate part of his life. You could always find him amused by his own jokes, that sometimes we didn't always understand, but the beauty in his laughter was so contagious, that we would laugh along just to make the joke seem grand! A Time to Love... Alvertus had a heart of gold. He loved his family and friends and would go out of his way to help them in any way possible. He was a true example of someone you can depend on, consistent and punctual. If you ever needed a ride, he would drive you to your furthest destination, without murmur or complaint. He was a man of wisdom. Known for his candid calls, conversations, and talks, Alvertus was cherished as a loving nurturer, who stressed the necessity of righteousness and spiritual discipline. A Time to Say Farewell... After many years of instilling morals, values, honorability, work ethic and most importantly the fear of the Lord in his family, early September of this year 2017, Alvertus and Susie Mae Hopkins returned to Pinewood South Caroline where they again embraced their southern roots and desired lifestyle. In doing so, they passionately adhered to the necessities and wellbeing of their son's health, Alvertus Jr. During this time they kept their church covenant and united with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Joe Gamble. On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 heaven gained a precious soul. At the age of 73 Deacon Alvertus Hopkins Sr. was called home to rest. A Time to Cherish His Memories... Alvertus was preceded in death his parents Purdy and Irene Johnson Hopkins, four brothers: Joe Lewis (Mary Lou) Hopkins, John Edwards (Margaret) Hopkins, James Isaac Hopkins and William and Rhonda Hopkins Sr. He leaves to cherish, honor, and live out his legacy his lovely wife Susie Mae Hopkins, one daughter Karen Hopkins, one son Alvertus Hopkins Jr. two granddaughters Tiona Hopkins and Essence Hopkins, one great-grandson Andrew, five brothers: Earnest (Dorothy) Hopkins Sr., Willie (Betty) Hopkins, Purdy (Marva) Hopkins Jr., Rudolph (Esther) Hopkins and Harry (Priscilla) Hopkins, five sisters Lillian Jones, Marylee (Joe) Harkless, Ruthann Hopkins, Irene (Charles) Robinson, and Loretta (AJ) Marshall. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, spiritual sons and daughters and two special friends Lucille Watson and Irene Elliot. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I kept the faith. Henceforth there laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8 Services: Funeral Service for Mr. Alvertus Hopkins, Sr., will be held 2:00 pm Friday November 17, 2017 at the St John Baptist Church, Pinewood SC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvertus Hopkins, please visit our floral store.