Stephen Hopkins Sr.

Stephen Hopkins’ Obituary

Stephen Hopkins was born on September 8, 1931 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Stephen C. Hopkins and Isabella Travis. He was preceded in death by his sister Isabelle, five grandchildren: Jacinta, Tomarra and Gregory Hopkins Jr, Wayne, and Sabrina Johnson; and one daughter-in-law, Denise Hopkins.

Steve was a very spiritual person and as a young boy he always loved being in church and serving God. He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System.

Following high school, Stephen joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Shortly after being stationed in Korea, he was captured and became a prisoner of war (POW) for almost three years. While he was a POW, he recited the Angel Prayer and prayed the Rosary daily. These prayers helped him endure the hardships of life as a POW.

After his release he returned home and met the love of his life Gloria. They were married for 66 years. From this union they were blessed with four children. Stephen Jr. Gwendolyn, Gregory, and Omar.

Steve Hopkins was employed by Bell Telephone Company (now Verizon) as a telephone installer for many years. He stayed with the company until his retirement.

In 1982, Stephen was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He loved the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he was happy and proud to let everyone know that his birthday was the same as hers. Steve was a loving and caring person in the church and throughout the community. He was honored with many awards, citations, and commendations.

Stephen is pictured in his Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Uniform on the cover of the Nov 11, 2001 Inquire Magazine. A book was written by Yvonne Latty titled, “We Were There,” featuring stories of African American Service Members who served during wartime from WWII through the Iraq War. Steve’s story was one of the stories and his picture was featured on the cover of the paperback copy.

On Monday, February 15, 2021, God in His infinite wisdom called Steve Home. He is survived by his adoring wife Gloria; his children: Stephen Hopkins Jr., Gwendolyn Hopkins-Prout, Gregory Sr. (Shree) and Omar; one brother Omar; two sisters-in-law: Elsie Adams & Loretta Marshall. Nine Grandchildren: Daisy, Teikeita, Leticia, Jason, Damaris, Jeannette, Ebony, Zakiya, Christa. Twenty great-grandchildren: Sharif, Briana, Jazmine, Arianna, Sunni, Lafeese, Tyser, Ashera, Tre’ Von, Jewel, Elijah, Centurion, Anitra, Jordyn, Alexander, Nathan, Mylene, Leighton, Skylar, and Harleigh. One Great-Great Grand: Sharif Jr., along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family thanks you for all your prayers, cards, and condolences.

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