Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Dr. Charles Hopson

Dr. (Elder) Charles H. Hopson, 80, of Prescott, went from labor to reward on Saturday, February 5, 2005.

Dr. Charles H. Hopson was born the seventh child of Willie T. and Sarah Jackson-Hopson in Laneburg on June 17, 1924. He was educated in the public school system of Nevada County, graduating from Upchurch High School. At the age of 46, he became the first in his family to complete college by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1970. He later earned theology doctorates from Universal Bible Institute and the Institute of Experienced Pastoral Counselors.

At an early age Elder Hopson was baptized and became a member of the Mount Ephesus Baptist Church where his parents were members. He rededicated his life and later joined Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Elder Dewitt Hill while attending college in Pine Bluff. After completing college, Elder Hopson became a member of St. James Church of God in Christ in Willisville under the pastorate of Elder Wallace Johnson. God called Elder Hopson to His ministry while a member at St. James COGIC. Elder Hopson would go on to serve as assistant pastor of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Elder J.T. Gilmore. He would serve as pastor of Fairview Church of God in Christ in Waldo; assistant pastor of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Superintendent O.N. Dennis; assisted at First Memorial Church of God in Christ in Gurdon, under the pastorate of Elder Paul Williams; and was serving as associate pastor of Faith Temple Church of God and Christ under the pastorate of Superintendent Leroy Sworn at the time of homegoing.

Elder Hopson was united in holy matrimony with Lucy Spearman in Prescott on April 18, 1955. They were blessed with three sons and one daughter.

Elder Hopson entered service for his country in 1947 completing 22 years as a proud and distinguished World War II soldier. He served aboard the USS Quincy while enlisted in the Navy and re-enlisted as a proud marine until his retirement.

After his military retirement, his civilian employment included careers as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Hot Springs, a social service caseworker in Hempstead County, Arkansas Notary Public, and retirement from Arkansas Social Services in Nevada County after 10 years of outstanding service in 1980.

Elder Hopson leaves his prayers and blessings: to his wife of 50 years, Lucy Hopson of Prescott; one daughter, Naomi Hopson of Navarre, Fla.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Charles L (Patricia) of Portland, Or., Timothy (Marilyn) of Sherwood and Billy Ray (Pamela) of Little Rock; one sister, Annie Mae Dempsey of Wichita, Kan.; two brothers, Willie T. (Ruth) and Elder Wilson (Odessa) of Prescott; five grandchildren, Klassic R. Hopson, Nyasha J. Hopson, Morgan L. Hopson, Timothy Jermaine Hopson and Maya S. Hopson and a host of other special relatives and friends.

Elder Hopson was preceded by his parents Willie and Sarah; one sister, Susie Riggins; and five brothers, Earnest, Collis, Dallas, Robert, and James Hopson.

Services will be Saturday, February 12, at 11 a.m. Site is yet to be decided.