Roy Hopson

Roy Hopson Sr. was born on March 3, 1930, in Bolton, Mississippi, the fifth child of George "Fred"Hopson, Sr. and Pecolia Hopson. His father worked the land, raising sugar cane, producingmolasses, and growing sweet and white potatoes and cotton, while his mother, Pecolia, a devotedhome curator, cared for their growing family until her passing in 1943 during her twelfthpregnancy. Roy was raised among a large and loving family that included Fred Jr., Eugene,Anderson Sr., Clarence (C.W.), Aljohnie, Lucille, Emmit, Carl, Carwell, and Etta Lee. At the age of 20, seeking more for himself, Roy boarded the City of New Orleans train in Jackson,Mississippi, a line that would later become Amtrak, and journeyed to Chicago for $22. His fatherhad warned him that life up North would be tough, but Roy carried determination and faith withhim. In time, Chicago would become not only his home, but the foundation for generations of his family. Roy's first job in Chicago was at Wimpy Grills, where he worked long overnight hours from midnight to8 a.m. He later found employment at Pollo Produce in 1957, cleaning chickens and preparing them forsupermarkets. It was there that he met the love of his life, Cleola Lewis, who became his bride and lifepartner forever. Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and resilience. Roy was a man of simple but powerful principles. He lived by two steadfast rules gifted from his father:"Treat others how you want to be treated" and "Don't lie and don't steal." These values shaped hischaracter and influenced all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he faced, Roy achieved what his father thought unlikely, he became a proud homeowner in Chicago, creating a place of stability and love for his family. His provision and gritbrought warmth and belonging for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, who were blessed to know him as Papa. Roy Hopson Sr.'s life is a testament to hard work, resilience, and devotion. From the small town of Bolton,Mississippi, to the bustling streets of Chicago, he carried his family's legacy forward while leaving behindhis own, one built on honesty, love, and the unshakable belief in treating people right. Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Cleola Hopson, his parents George "Fred" Hopson Sr. and PecoliaHopson, and his siblings Fred Hopson Jr., Eugene Hopson, Anderson Hopson Sr., Aljohnie Hopson Harris, LucilleHopson, Emmit Hopson, Carl Hopson, Carwell Hopson, and Etta Lee Hopson. He was also preceded in death by hisson Roy Hopson Jr., and his granddaughters Fenise Hopson and LaShunda Hopson. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children Larry Hopson Sr., Yvonne Hopson, and MelindaHopson; his honorary children Chavonne Young(Kareme) Radonda Hopson, Artice Hopson, Syreetha Ellis(John), Isacc Hopson(Shenae)10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever rememberhim as Papa.