Earnest Hopper Obituary in Shelby at Enloe Mortuary

Obituary For Earnest Hopper

Mr. Earnest Lee Hopper, "Bro. Hopper," native of Cleveland County, NC, transitioned on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Atrium Health Cleveland Pines Nursing Care. He was born on May 30, 1947 to the late Oscar Lee Bowles and Elizabeth Hunt Hopper. He attended Green Bethel High School.

Bro. Hopper accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in 1972. He spent many years of his life traveling weekly to local nursing homes and "making his daily rounds" to various stores testifying of his relationship with Christ and singing God’s praises. Bro. Hopper was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted everyone he met to know that Jesus was real in his life. He never met a stranger. He proudly shared how he no longer smoked, drank, cursed, nor listened to rock and roll music. He was a true man of God who was serious about living a saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled life for over 50 years. He attended various churches throughout the county and enjoyed sharing in the praise services. He was given many awards and recognized often for his commitment and outstanding devotion to various organizations.

He was employed at Bost Bakery, Dover Mill, The Budd Group at Hoechst Celanese, and Food Lion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing on land and by boat with his family, and playing basketball with his children.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Green Hunt, maternal grandmother Dolly Hunt, brother William Hopper, father and mother-in-law, Roberta and Maggie Cole Anderson, sister-in-law Diane Anderson, brothers-in-law William Anderson and Curtis Anderson, daughter-in-law Deborah Hopper, and grand-daughter Ja’Miracle Hopper.

Left to cherish many fond and lasting memories of him are his loving wife of 54 years, Jo Anna Hopper; children, Joe Davis Hopper of Shelby, NC, Belinda Smith (Frank) of Shelby, NC, Jamane Hopper (LaTonia) of Shelby, NC, Janice Hopper of Raleigh, NC, Clarissa Geter (Chris) of Shelby, NC, Jerome Hopper (Haley) of Gastonia, NC, god-son Randy Phillips (Lisa) of Gaffney, SC; siblings, Gertrude Byers of Charlotte, NC, Andrew Hopper (Brenda) of Shelby, NC, Christine Ashe of Shelby, NC, and Joan Powell of Clinton, MA, -in-laws James Anderson of Kings Mountain, NC, Johnny Anderson of Gaffney, SC, Mattie Anderson of Grover, NC, George Anderson (Pam) of Shelby, NC; special friends, Howard Davis, James Peeler, and the late Frank Oates and Apostle Eugene Brooks; 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Miracle Tabernacle International Ministries (MTIM) located at 120 White Jenkins Rd., Bessemer City, NC. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM and funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM. The family will also receive friends at 114 Thamon Rd. Shelby, NC following the services from 4:00-8:00 PM.

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Living Spirit Dishgarden was sent for Earnest Hopper - July 23, 2023

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So sorry for y'all loss and Sending lots of prayers .

Bro Earnest was one of the few most genuine men I've met in my life. I worked with him with The Budd Group. He stood tall when it came to his faith in Christ and when folk would try to bring up his past he would quickly and sharply correct them. I would see him from time to time at Food Lion on the east side of Kings Mountain on my way from work. He would always have a encouraging word and I'm grateful we crossed paths. Peace to the family and their households.

Mr. Earnest take your rest. The works you done here on earth speak for you. I know you shouted up a storm when you went through those Pearlie Gates! You will be missed but never forgotten. Amanda Peak and family from First Baptist Church Earl.

To the Hopper Family, God is your refuge and strength, an ever present help in this time of sorrow, Just have faith. My Condolence to the family, David Pettyjohn

https://www.facebook.com/100080658753030/videos/3487875668115369/?mibextid=vTn5qL He is a legend! I have never met a man who loved to sing praises for God ALL the time!!

JoAnn to let you know my family and I are here for you in the time of your sorrow for whatever you are going through we feel your grieve so stay close to God he will mot leave you nor forsake you. Mary Sims and family

Roger/Suzette Ross and family

We offer our condolences to the Hopper and Anderson families.May God comfort you in this hour of celebration for the life of Mr.Earnest.God has not forgotten you all. We are praying for you and know we are here for you.Another beautiful soul has taken flight. God bless.🙏🏽❤️

Sending our condolences we're praying for you Sister Hopper and family. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Pastor Robert and Alfredia McNeil

Mama Jo, I'm So Sorry to Hear about your Husband 🙏🙏🙏 Praying for You and Your Family.Sylvia Jones

Mama Jo, So Sorry for Your Loss of Your Husband.Praying for You and Your Family.

To the family of Mr Earnest Hopper: I am very sorry to hear about your Love one passing. Earnest and I had been friends since 1963 and he was like a brother to me and I definitely will miss him, but I will never forget him. May God Bless you all during these days of grief. My condolences to the family and I will keep you all in my prayers 🙏 James Stowe