Allene W. Hopkins

In loving memory of Allene W. Hopkins

May 28, 1928 – June 2, 2025 Allene W. Hopkins gained her angel wings on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 97 years young. This beautiful, sweet, and strong-willed woman was the true meaning of a “Matriarch” for her family. We couldn’t have asked for a more loving, selfless, amazing Mom, mother-in-love (law), grandmother and friend. She was truly one of a kind and lived her life to the fullest. Allene was the perfect role model as a mother, wife, schoolteacher, and friend. She loved to travel, design, create flower arrangements, spend time with her grandchildren, and spend endless hours watching the religious group The Gaither’s. Allene is preceded in death by her parents John Calvin and Onis Mae (Guthrie) Williams and her loving husband, Joseph (Hoppy) Frederick Hopkins. She is survived by her two sons, Joseph William Hopkins, his wife Chevelle Hopkins, John Frederick Hopkins, and his wife Patrice Hopkins, and six grandchildren Gavin Hopkins, Alexis Hopkins, Payton Hopkins, Jaxson Hopkins, Shannon Garrison and Chris McMillan.

We are struggling with finding the words worthy to describe what we want to say to properly articulate our feelings with our mother’s passing. At times if we’re lucky there are unique and special people that profoundly touch us in life. It becomes an overwhelming bonding experience that moves you and one you’ll never forget, like seeing God’s majesty at its finest. Yet that still doesn’t come close to how we would describe our mother, an absolute angel sent from heaven that was allowed to touch countless lives. Mom was raised through the depressionary years and married the love of her life at 18 years old. They met in Orange, Texas at a USO dance in 1945 while my dad was in the U.S. Navy on shore leave. They dated for 3 months before he asked her to marry him. At first her answer was no, since it was so quick, but Hoppy used his charm. They were married for 66 years and raised us in Arlington, Texas. Her love of books led her to become a Librarian before going to college and getting her degree (graduating summa cum laude) to teach. She taught 3rd Grade and loved every minute of it. After 23 years she retired, receiving many accolades but her most favorites were earning Teacher of the Year and Who’s Who Among American Teachers. She also won an Honorary award for writing “The History of Arlington” that was used in the school system for many years.

She spent her retired years devoting her time to her sons, grandchildren and her sweet sister, Wanda. When these two sisters were out together, it was like Thelma and Louise all over again (retail therapy at its finest!) Mom was a creative overachiever, lived her life as a saint, and always tried to find the most positive side to life. Just surpassing 5 days from her 97th birthday, God saw she was getting tired, and said it was time. So, He put His loving arms around her and whispered “Come to Me.” Her precious golden heart stopped beating, her kind and loving compassionate hands put to rest. We know God will comfort and uphold us; Mom was ready to be Jesus’ guest. And you know he only takes the best!

Mom, we already miss your laughter, your smile, your words of wisdom and the sweet encouragement you loved to shower upon us. Now you are our precious guardian angel. We will forever miss you and love you with all our hearts!

At Home with the Lord in Paradise

When do we leave for Paradise? Immediately upon death. This was the promise Jesus gave the thief on the cross. The thief went from torture to triumph in the blink of an eye. The spirit of the believer journeys home while the body of the believer awaits the resurrection.

Paul said, “We…would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV). At the rapture, our bodies will be resurrected, but Paul was not speaking of the rapture. He was describing a phase after our death and before the resurrection of our bodies. During this time, we will be “at home with the Lord.” The very moment believers take their final breath on earth; they have their first glimpse of Paradise. - Max Lucado

Jesus assured us in John 11:25–26 of eternal life in heaven for all those who belong to Him. For Christians, death means we will finally, immediately be face-to-face with our Father.

Paul’s Teaching: The Apostle Paul speaks of death as departing to be "with Christ," which he considers "far better" (Philippians 1:23). In 2 Corinthians 5:8, he states, "We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord," suggesting that believers’ souls are immediately in God’s presence upon death, awaiting the resurrection. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” -Psalm 116:15 (ESV)

As you discover your place in God’s plan, you make this wonderful discovery: you will graduate from this life into heaven. Jesus’ plan is to “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). “All things” includes your body. God will reunite your body with your soul and create something unlike anything you have seen—an eternal body.

You will finally be healthy. You never have been. Even on the days you felt fine, you weren’t. You were a sitting duck for disease, infections, airborne bacteria, and microbes. And what about your worst days? Don’t you hate disease? So does Christ.

When Christ appears, Scripture tells us, “We shall be like him.” You’ll have a spiritual body, with all members cooperating toward one end. So, we’re not giving up. As God’s story becomes our story the best is yet to be. -Max Lucado