Curtis R. Hopkins, Sr.

Obituary For Curtis R. Hopkins, Sr.

Curtis Reginald Hopkins, Sr. was born to the late George Maxwell and the late Bernice (Sexton) Hopkins in York, Pennsylvania. With his family by his side, he was peacefully called to heaven on January 29, 2024.

Deacon Hopkins was educated in the School District of the City of York and graduated from William Penn Senior High School, more affectionately known as “York High”. Deacon Hopkins was a star football player playing both linebacker and running back positions affording him induction into the York High football Hall of Fame in 2005. With his skill in football, Deacon Hopkins obtained a full scholarship to the University of Denver. Just before his departure to college a tragedy occurred at the University and the football program was dismantled. Pursuing his love of football, Deacon Hopkins was blessed to play semi-professional football in York, Pennsylvania. He often boasted about his favorite team The Cleveland Browns.

Professionally, Deacon Hopkins worked as a lineman for the Metropolitan Edison Company. The only black male at this time, God allowed Deacon to show the love of God to the ungodly. He retired following over 30 years of service. He was an active member of the IBEW local 777 Union and received a commendation for his years of faithful service.

In 1955, he met the love of his life, Ivy Anne Rucker at the Pennsylvania Diocese State Youth Congress. He made her his bride on August 5, 1961. They celebrated 63 years of marriage together and to this union three children were born Ivy Lynn, Curtis Reginald, Jr. and Iris Janine. He was a godly example of a husband and father. Many young men have learned how to be faithful fathers and husbands, and most importantly men of God, by watching the example of Deacon Curtis Hopkins, Sr.

A man of valor in the House of God, which is the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Deacon Hopkins, served faithfully in many capacities. Locally, he served at Grace Temple Church of the Living God where his youngest daughter Rev. Iris Janine Johnson, serves as Pastor. Nationally, Deacon Hopkins served faithfully on the Trustee board and was a member of the BWWSC. A recipient of many accolades and awards, Deacon Hopkins could always be found working in the Lord‘s house. An outstanding musician, Deacon Hopkins played the bass guitar and his velvet-smooth voice could be heard throughout the sanctuary, singing some of his favorite songs, such as “I don’t know why Jesus Loves Me,”, “Oh, Happy Day” and “ My Lord Getting Us Ready For That Great Day”. He was a man of God report, full of the Holy Ghost and diligent in all his hands were assigned to do.

Deacon Hopkins was preceded in death by his parents, George M. Hopkins, Sr. and Bernice Hopkins; sister, Joanne Hopkins and brothers, George M. Hopkins, Jr., Larry Hopkins, Sr. and Robert Simon, Brother-in-law, Elder Carl Whyte.

He leaves to cherish memories of him, his loving and devoted wife, Bishop Ivy Anne Hopkins of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; children, Ivy (Barry) Clay of Detroit, Michigan, Elder Curtis (Elder Dr. Brunilda) Hopkins, Jr. of York, Pennsylvania and Rev. Iris (Rev. Tertius) Johnson of Harrisburg Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, Krista T. (Quentin) McDonald, Barry M. Clay, Brittany C. Clay, Curtis A. (Chrystal) Andrews III, Julian C. Andrews, Kayla I. (Jeret) Pinckney, Marina I. Hopkins and Teyanna Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Christina and Christopher Alexander McDonald; six sisters, Norma J. Whyte, Phyllis (James) Hawkins, Gail (Malcolm) Addison, Sarah (Leroy) Atwater, Linda Hopkins and Maryanne Wattley; one sister-in-law, Elder Barbara Hopkins; one brother, Anthony Hopkins; godchildren, Lady Kisha Birden and Elder Jamey Carter, Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his church family.

His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in the Sanctuary of Christ Community Church, 1201 Slate Hill Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011 with viewing and visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.