Elizabeth Johnston Hopper

Elizabeth Hopper Obituary

HOPPER, ELIZABETH JOHNSTON - went to her Lord and Savior on November 2, 2007. She passed away in her home of natural causes having never lost the independence that she so treasured. Born in St. Louis Missouri and living parts of her life in Mississippi and Florida, Ms. Hopper spent the last 21 years of her life as a resident of East Knoxville. Ms. Hopper was preceded in death by both parents, her beloved brother and his wife. Ms. Hopper was a deeply spiritual individual who left each of her remaining family members with much more than money or physical things. She bestowed each of her children and their families with an unwavering faith in God, a commitment to family and an unyielding strength in the face of challenge. Ms. Hopper is survived by her 7 children: A.L. Smith, J.D. Smith, Sunde Radabaugh, Patrick Hopper, Patricia Hopper, Kathryn Peterson, Tammy L. Hopper; and beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth Smith, whom she raised. In addition, Ms. Hopper is survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. In honor of their mother's wishes, Ms. Hopper's age has been withheld because she would have said, "I am whatever age you want me to be." The family will receive friends Monday, November 5, 2007, from 6-8 pm with an 8 pm prayer service to follow in the Chapel of Highland Memorial Funeral Home (Bearden) 588-0567. Highland Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hopper family. "Caring for people, Making a difference" Ms. Hopper's guest book may be signed on line at: www.highlandmemorialparks.com

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Hopper

8 Entries

Donna Johnson

November 7, 2007

Dearest Tammy and family,

I was so sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I just want to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. I met your mother a few years ago and what I remember about her was her extreme zest for life. I know that she lived her life to the hilt as all of us need to. I know that she loved her family and enjoyed every minute that she shared with them.

I know that all of your happy memories will keep you going until you see her again.

You have my deepest symphony and if there is anything i can do for you, please just let me know.

Love always,

Your friend and co-worker Donna

Matthew smith

November 5, 2007

Love ya grandma... hope you have a great eternity. Muah- matt

Pam Stewart

November 5, 2007

I was blessed to work with Elizabeth at The Ross Adult Education Center several years ago. She was the true definition of a "lady". What a lady. She was always a joy to work with and always had a smile and a kind word. We were blessed to have her in our lives.

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Mary Fain

November 5, 2007

I send my love along with thoughts and prayeres to the family. I worked with Tammy at Kmart.

Elizabeth Marie and Jackie

November 4, 2007

While visiting Tennessee last week with my daughter Elizabeth Marie, We were blessed to be given the time to enjoy a luncheon on Saturday at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge with Elizabeth and Tammy. We feel very grateful and fortunate to have shared such a special afternoon together. Elizabeth dearly enjoyed one of her favorite meals. She made a recipe book for Elizabeth Marie with all of their favorite recipes and I know she will forever cherish it. The luncheon with Elizabeth and the recipe book reminded me of a story that was shared with me when another family member passed away. I will share that with you and I believe Elizabeth will enjoy it.
There was a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and had been given 3 months to live. Her Dr. Told her to start making preparations to die (something we all should be doing all of the time). So she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what she wanted to be wearing. The woman also told her pastor that she wanted to be buried with her favorite bible. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing." She said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important." The woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The pastor stood looking at the woman not knowing quite what to say. That shocks you doesn't it?" The woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and functions where food was involved, my favorite part was when whoever was clearing away the dishes of the main course would lean over and say 'you can keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming. When they told me to keep my fork, I knew that something great was about to be given to me. It wasn't Jell-o or pudding. It was cake or pie. Something with substance. So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Something better is coming, so keep your fork too" The pastor's eyes were welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death, but he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and her favorite bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you, oh so gently, that there is something better coming. Not just in death but in life as well.
So, Elizabeth keep your fork ready because the best is yet to come.
To you, our love, thoughts and prayers. Elizabeth Marie and Jackie

Jackie Limage

November 4, 2007

As I thought of Elizabeth last evening I was remembering my last time I saw her when my daughter, Elizabeth Marie and I visited in Tennessee less than a week ago. We all had a wonderful lunch together along with Tammy in Pigeon Forge at the Old Mill as she enjoyed one of her favorite meals. She shared a special made book of her recipies with Elizabeth Marie. Reflecting on this reminded me of a little story that I keep close since a passing of another relative. This I would like to share because I know Elizabeth would appreciate its content.
There was a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and had been given 3 months to live. Her Dr. tolder her to start making preparations to die (something we all should be doing all of the time). So she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read and what she wanted to be wearing. The woman also told her pastor that she wanted to be buried with her favorite bible. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There's one more thing," She said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important." The woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The pastor stood looking at the woman not knowing quite what to say. "That shocks you doesn't it?" The woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and functions where food was involved, my favorite part was when whoever was clearing away the dishes of the main course would lean over and say 'you can keep your fork'. It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming. When they told me to keep my fork, I knew that something great was about to be given to me. It wasn't Jell-O or pudding. It was cake or pie. Something with substance. So I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: "Something better is coming, so keep your fork too." The pastor's eyes were welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good'bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death, But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and her favorite bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over the pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you read down for your fork, let it remind you, oh so gently, that there is something better coming. Not just in death, but in life as well.
So to you Elizabeth, 'keep your fork' the best is yet to come.

With loving memory to you, from Jackie and Elizabeth Marie.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

Jackie Limage

November 4, 2007

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

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