Obituary of Viegloria Rebecca Hopkins

Obituary; VieGloria Rebecca Hopkins

VieGloria R. Hopkins was born June 24, 1934; preceded in death by mother; Adeline Lalor, and brother; Richard Adolphus Clarke.  She possessed an associates degree in legal support and office administration.  VieGloria is a mother to one son; John B. Hopkins Jr, mother-in-law to Stephanie Lynette Hopkins, and grandmother to three grandsons; Brandon Simpson, Ashton Simpson, and Elijah McCarthy.  VieGloria was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and migrated with her mother to the United States in 1970.  Affectionately referred to as “Vie” or “Mother Hopkins” by family and friends, she was known for her beautiful singing voice, and an unrelenting passion for Christ.

Soon after her transition, VieGloria married Pastor John Hopkins Sr; “United States Air Force” (retired).  On April 9, 1976, their only son; John Hopkins Jr. was born in Arlington, Virginia.  After several years of marriage, Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins parted ways, resulting in “Vie” relocating to Herndon, Virginia.  Now on her own, VieGloria’s strong work ethic and dedication to provide took hold.

After relocating, VieGloria carried four jobs to provide for her and John Jr.  She worked part time as school bus driver, afternoons as a housekeeper, evenings as a call center support specialist, and weekends as a caregiver.  In addition to work, she always strived to ensure that John Jr. was on time for every soccer practice, every Boy Scout meeting, and every drum lesson, etc.  Although extremely difficult at times, she was committed to ensuring, that John was presented with every viable opportunity to be successful.  She believed in setting the right example, and always honoring her commitments regardless of circumstance.  After several years, VieGloria then accepted a full time position with “Fairfax County Public Schools,” where she worked for 20 years, officially retiring in 1999.

While residing in Herndon, VieGloria joined “Beacon Hill Missionary Baptist Church,” under founding pastor; Charles Thomas.  During her tenure at “Beacon Hill,” VieGloria was at times referenced as a “beacon of light” to those who she encountered.  She was committed to doing the Lord’s work, and passionately resolved to doing so with “Beacon Hill.”  

In addition to acting as the churches treasurer, “Vie” would teach Sunday school, regularly visit with those incarcerated and underserved, while actively singing in the church choir.  She absolutely loved to sing uplifting hymns, which included “Behold” and “Blessed Assurance.”  While serving at “Beacon Hill,” VieGloria also participated in several missionary trips overseas to Saint Martin.  While abroad, she assisted in feeding the hungry, mentoring the youth, and leading bible services within local communities.  Later in 2004, “Vie” received her certificate of ordination, via the “Chairman’s Inner Circle; Morris Cerullo World Evangelism Ministries.”

In 2012, VieGloria relocated to Atlanta, Georgia.   On October 1st, 2018, “Mother Hopkins” retired in peace, leaving behind son; John, daughter-in-law; Stephanie, grandsons; Brandon, Ashton, and Elijah, sister-in-law; Monica Clarke, niece; Judith Majette (Curtis Majette), nephews; Michael Clarke (Sandra), and Delroy Clarke (Mabel), their respective children, including a host of other relatives and friends.