The Rev. Frederick (Fred) Hopkins, served the Lord
The Rev. Frederick (Fred) Leroy Hopkins of Millsboro was born Friday, Nov. 26, 1948, in Millsboro to the late Thomas Hopkins and Cordelia Isler Hopkins. On Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, surrounded by family and friends at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, it was God’s desire that his life ended quietly and peacefully.
As a young man, Fred worked for several poultry plants throughout Delaware. These plants included Holly Farms, Townsend Farms, Allen Foods and Tyson where he was a dedicated and hard worker. In his later years he established his own poultry business, Hopkins & Hopkins; he later changed the name to FSW. Fred was known to many as a very hard worker and provider for his family. He never hesitated to help anyone in need and ensuring his family was taken care of was his number one priority.
Fred Hopkins was one of a kind. He was a natural-born leader who always made things happen or knew who to call to get what he wanted done. He was the family comedian, and the one who would tell you like it was with no hesitation. Everyone who really knew him, knew that everything he said was with love. He loved and cherished his family and friends. In his spare time, you could find him attending the local high school games and cheering the kids on.
On April 29, 1989, Fred married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Wanda. This year they would have celebrated their 30-year wedding anniversary.
The Rev. Fred Hopkins loved the Lord and was very active in the church. He began his early years at St. John 2nd Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Clarence Nebraska Sample, where he served on the trustee board, president of the Men’s Choir, and president of The Brotherhood. He was ordained as minister in 2000 under the Union General Baptist Association and later ordained as reverend in 2004 under the Rev. Annie J. Custis where he eventually served as assistant pastor. Throughout his journey, Rev. Hopkins was led to Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes, under the leadership of the Rev. George Edwards, where he was a member for five years, until God spoke to him to return to St. John where he was welcomed with open arms. Rev. Hopkins continued to be very active in the church as well as in his community. He was the vice president of the Mt. Joy Civic Association, and he and his wife attended Community Bible Study which was held at Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Hopkins; his daughter, Brenda Vann; and brother, Tom Hopkins Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory and to carry on his legacy his mother, Cordelia Hopkins of Millsboro; his loving wife, Wanda Hopkins of Georgetown; five children, Frederick Vann (Nicole) of Temecula, Calif., Katrina McGee (Sean) of Millsboro, Ronnie Lewis of Rehoboth, Troy Hopkins of Georgetown and Sean Hopkins of Georgetown; two nephews that he raised as his own, Anthony Harris of Georgetown and Larry Chambers of Millsboro; seven grandchildren, Kaishee Hopkins (Janise), Brittnee Vann, Breonna Vann, Kaila Strand, Troy Hopkins, Trayvon Hopkins and Sean Hopkins Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Kaishee Hopkins Jr. and Kahlil Hopkins; six brothers, William Hopkins (Joyce), Elton Hopkins (Mae), Gilford Hopkins (Violet), Robert Hopkins (Margaret), Nathaniel Hopkins (Sue) and Ivory Hopkins (Evelyn); seven sisters, Lovey Hopkins, Delores Justice, Mary Watson (Arthur), Shirley Shellton (Larry), Levola Hopkins, Regina Taylor, and Stephanie Dukes (Rozzell); two brothers-in-law, Wendell Cook and Dominick Cook; two sisters-in-law, Deana Cook and Carolyn Hopkins; uncle, Josiah Isler (Brenda); extended children, Larry Vann, Sharon Vann, Peggy Vann and Debbie Vann; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends who loved him very much and will miss him dearly.
There will be a viewing Friday, Jan. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. The Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, Jan. 12, at the church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon, when the service begins at noon.
Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
To offer words of comfort or sign the guest book visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
