Jimmy L. Hopkins, a retired Hattiesburg Public School District administrator, died Friday, Aug. 30.
He was 75.
Funeral services for Hopkins will begin with visitations hosted on Friday, Sept. 6 at Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, first by his fraternity Omega Psi Phi, Inc., from 4-5 p.m. and then from 5-7 p.m., by his Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church family. A viewing from 1-2 p.m. and funeral at 2 p.m. will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 at West Mt. Moriah Church in Meridian, followed by a military commitment service and interment at New Prospect Baptist Church in Meridian.
Cedric D. Clark Funeral Home in Meridian is in charge of arrangements.
Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church is located at 510 Dumas St. in Hattiesburg; West Mt. Moriah Baptist Church is located at 10530 Woods Rd. in Meridian; New Prospect Baptist Church is located at 5594 U.S. Highway 11 south in Meridian.
A native of Meridian, Hopkins was a 1967 graduate of Meridian’s former T.J. Harris High School; he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi Valley State University and Mississippi State University, respectively, and pursued further graduate study at Mississippi State, Livingston University (now University of West Alabama), and The University of Southern Mississippi.
He was a proud member of Omega Si Phi Fraternity Inc., of which he was a charter member of its Beta Theta Chapter and served as its first Basileus.
Hopkins began his career in education as a teacher in the Meridian Public School District. He then began work in school administration, first as principal at Piney Woods Country Life School in Rankin County, and then as co-principal at Hattiesburg High School; he also served as an associate superintendent and interim superintendent for the Hattiesburg Public School District.
Hopkins also served as a school district conservator for the Mississippi Department of Education and was a member of the Hattiesburg Education Association and the National Education Association, among other educational organizations at the state and national level.
Delores McNair, president of the Hattiesburg Public School Board of Trustees, described Hopkins’ passing as “a profound loss for Hattiesburg schools and the community” further noting that, “although retired, he remained committed to public education through mentoring, volunteering, and coaching new leaders.”
“Mr. Hopkins was a true trailblazer in education, setting a standard of excellence and service that inspired everyone around him,” McNair said. “He was a beacon of hope and kindness, whose presence motivated others to excel, and his deep passion for education and helping others was evident in every aspect of his life.
“We have not only lost a dedicated educator, but also a remarkable man of faith and integrity. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.”
Devoted to his family, country and community, Hopkins was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving nearly 30 years including the Vietnam War and Desert Storm eras; he also served two tours of duty in western Europe. He was a member of governing boards of public and private entities, including as member and chair of the Pinebelt Association of Community Enhancement (P.A.C.E.); Trustmark National Bank Advisory Board of Directors; Hattiesburg Red Cross Board of Directors; the Hattiesburg Salvation Army Board of Directors; and trustee for Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Tammy Chapman Bryant, a 1984 graduate of Hattiesburg High, remembers Hopkins as “a kind, wonderful Christian who had a great sense of humor and put his faith in action every day.”
“I was very blessed to have Mr. Jimmy as co-principal my senior year at Hattiesburg High and be able to work with him at the school district’s central office while I was in college when he was assistant superintendent,” Bryant said. “He was also a good friend to my mother when she worked there. He will be greatly missed.”
Hopkins is preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Hopkins. He is survived by a daughter, Erica (Antonio); a son, Jonathan (LaShunda); granddaughter Madeline Hopkins and grandsons Landon, Colton, and Bryson Hopkins; and his dear friend Dr. Kimberley Davis.
