Bernice (Mother) Hopson

Bernice Esterline was born March 29, 1933 in Savannah, TN, the youngest of five children to the late Isaiah and Irene Dixon Goodlow. She was blessed to have lived 81 years when she departed this life on March 8, 2015 at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN.

Mother, as she was lovingly known throughout the community, was a member of Graham Chapel C.M.E. Church where she was a member of the Stewardess, Usher, and Missionary Boards.

Mother loved going to church, shopping, travel, cooking, taking care of children, helping people and spending quality time with family.

Mother was preceded in death by her husband, A.G. Hopson; two brothers, James Arthur Goodlow and Isaac Nelson Goodlow; one grandson, Rufus Nelson Hopson Jr.; and one great grandchild, Morgan Ashley Hopson.

She is survived by her two sisters, Lula Mae McClellan of Counce, TN and Mildred Irene Rushing of Chicago, IL; six daughters, Judith Donaldson of Michigan City, IN, Debra L. (Alexander) Russell of Morris Chapel, TN, Anna R. (Paul) Robinson of Savannah, TN, Vicki Lynn Hopson of Savannah, TN, Dineta Hopson Walker of Counce, TN, and Naomi (Claude) Miller of Bayboro, NC; five sons, Roger A. (Cynthia) Hopson of Lebanon, TN, Vincent (Bertha) Hopson of Savannah, TN, Michael (Cathy) Hopson of Indianapolis, IN, Rufus N. Hopson of Savannah, TN, and Maurice (Patty) Hopson of Selmer, TN; thirty-five grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.