Capturing the moment of truth in a celebration of life memorial service is almost near impossible because it has so many facets to it that not one person can see it all or experience all the feelings that are generated.
David Hopkins set the tone for a family event when family members would share memories of their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We, the congregation, were invited to sit in on this family gathering. It was deeply moving, and had all the elements of a great symphony with all the phases of its development.
Arlette Revells, a gifted and talented pianist, played the piano for the service.
Gerald and Kenneth shared events in relationship to their mother that were "eye-openers." There are not many mothers who would read from beginning to the end, Pilgrims Progress, one of the greatest works in Christian literature written by John Bunyan in the 17th Century. She wanted to expose them to great literature, especially the Bible.
Kenneth read a portion of Proverbs 31, and applied it to his mother. He told us about the radio his mother had. Every Sunday afternoon they would listen to "The Old-Fashioned Revival Hour" with Charles E. Fuller. It was there they heard the beautiful Gospel music of pianist Rudy Atwood and the choir and quartet. He, like many of us who were alive in those days, enjoyed that evangelical radio broadcast. The piano music was extraordinary. The piano style of Rudy Atwood was often caught and copied by aspiring young church pianists. None finer.
Their mother loved the great hymns and gospel songs and enjoyed singing to the top of her voice. She laughed often, and it was contagious. For me, at least, David laughs just like their mother. David led us in signing songs like "Amazing Grace" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."
Dorothy Hopkins not only made an impact and a lasting impression on her sons, all of whom turned out well, but on her grand children and great grand children.
Mark, the son of David and Claudia Hopkins, remembered his grandfather, Paul Hopkins, taking him to see the Georgia Bulldogs play football at Sanford Stadium in Athens on the campus of the University of Georgia. He said, Georgia had only three offensive plays. Here's how he described it:
Herschel to the right,
Herschel to the left,
Herschel down the middle.
If you didn't recognize Herschel, he is Herschel Walker the All-American college and professional football player. Herschel was larger than life.
People came from far and near. There was a good group from Franklin Springs, and Emmanuel College, including Dr. Mike Stewart, president of Emmanuel. Bishop Bill and Karen Jones were present. Bill is our Georgia Conference Superintendent. Harrison "Buddy" Lampley, pastor of the Franklin Springs P. H. Church was present. Bane and Barbara James were present, along with Beulah Sturkie, and Sue Brady--and many more, like Beth Ward, Coach Jim Ganey, Stanley Oliver and his younger brother, Don Oliver from Oconee County, Dr. Frank Mann, Malcolm Herndon and his son, Keith Herndon, and Mr. and Mrs. David. I am sure I left some out.
There were folks from South Carolina, and one of those in attendance was our former pastor and conference superintendent, John Ingham. A goodly number of folks were present form our church in Athens, many of them who were members of the church when it was called Tarkenton Memorial Church. In fact, the people of Christian Life Worship Center provided lunch for the family at our fellowship hall.
Because of inclement weather (cold and raining pretty hard) David said we would have the committal service in the chapel. He reminded us all of what John Swails often said at funerals that Christianity is the only religion in the world that believes in the resurrection of the body. Then, Gerald led in the committal prayer and quoted that great passage of Scripture that Jesus gave us that is recorded in John's Gospel: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26, KJV).
I have asked Melvine, my wife, and Greg and Stephanie to write their impressions about what they experienced. You will note their brevity in writing.
Melvine: "The Celebration service for Dorothy Hopkins was enjoyable and fitting for a lady who served God, her husband, and the church as an outstanding pastor's wife.
"Her sons and grand children were expressive and loving in their tributes. She would have been proud."
Greg: "It's nice to see old friends . . . even at funerals. I was quite 
engaged at the service today for Mrs. Dorothy Hopkins. I remember her well although I wish I had known her better. It was inspiring and informative to hear her sons and a few grandchildren speak about what the wonderful Christian influence she had on their lives. Her grandson, Mark Hopkins, recalled his fond memories with humor, and was even entertaining. A couple of his cousins, whom I have never met, had good things to say as well.
"It was great to see Hopkins family members, including the ones with whom I had gone to Emmanuel College. Of course, it was meaningful seeing people from Christian Life Worship Center, formerly Tarkenton Memorial Church, in attendance. Mrs. Hopkins was truly loved and a very special person.
"I imagine that when we all finally get to paradise we will think, it's nice to see old friends . . . especially in heaven."
Stephanie: "What a blessing it was to see so many dear friends at the home-going celebration of Dorothy Hopkins.
"I will always remember her for her sense of humor and contagious laugh. This is a trait she passed down to her son David and grandson Mark. I so loved to hear that laughter. It is the joy of the Lord bubbling up in their lives. Mrs. Hopkins was blessed to have such a long, rich life in service to her Lord Jesus Christ.
"It was so good to she her grandchildren, Chrissy and Mark whom I've loved as friends since our college days at Emmanuel. Greg went to Emmanuel with Jon and Chrissie, I went to Emmanuel with Mark and Amy. It was wonderful to renew their friendship and see their beautiful children.
"Most importantly, I enjoyed the many encouraging words and embraces from so many people who have been praying daily for my healing. I cried as they spoke words of life and love over me. Claudia Hopkins and Sue Brady uplifted my spirit and gave me renewed hope in our loving and powerful God."
Posted on
Fri, December 23, 2011
by Hugh Morgan