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Celebration of Life Service for “Artis “Pop” Hopson Sr.” Mr. Artis Hopson, Sr., 93, of Peoria, Illinois passed away peacefully at 2:33 pm on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, IL. Art joins in Heaven, his parents Belle (Davis) and Earl Hopson Sr., his wife Willie Mae (Gordon) Hopson; one sister, Joella Burton; two brothers, Earl and Al Hopson; a daughter, Yvonne Hopson and one son, Artis Hopson, Jr. "Pop", as he was affectionately called, was born on December 22, 1927 in Hope, Arkansas. He was educated in the Hope Arkansas School system. Upon graduating from high school Art joined the US Army. He honorably served his country and was a recipient of the WWII Medal of Victory. After his World War II tour of duty ended, Art travelled to California and married the late Doris Hopson. Later he relocated to Peoria, Illinois. In 1981 he met and married the love of his life, Willie Mae (Gordon) Hopson. Together, they were blessed with a 38-year union. Art was a great husband, father and hardworking man who loved and provided for his family. He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. after many years of service. Art had a strong faith. At an early age, he received Jesus Christ as his personal survivor. Afterwards, the church became an integral part of his life. He was a dedicated member of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. For many years he faithfully served as church custodian, trustee, an usher, culinary staff member and on the Helping Hand committee. With his wife by his side, they served as fund-raising captains. They cooked and delivered the best barbecue ribs, chicken and catfish dinners in Peoria Metro! Art was a homebody and a “Mr. Fix-It” of all things. Pops was a die-hard Chrysler Man. He made sure his vehicles were in mint condition with a showroom shine and he kept an immaculate garage. He encouraged all of his children and grandchildren to purchase only Chrysler products. Art could have an engaging conversation with anyone. He was a yard specialist and maintained the best lawn in his neighborhood. When needed, he was even an occasional babysitter. His favorite past-times were spent with his family; but he also loved traveling, fishing, gardening and baseball games. He enjoyed listening to the three blind boys, the blues and eating his sweets. His favorite dessert was Mom’s sweet potato pie. Art’s favorite saying/mantra is “Do the best you can” in which he exhibited each and every day of his life. “Legacy” Art was proud to belong to a loving family clan. He leaves to cherish his most precious memories four daughters, Nadine Redmon of Apple Valley, CA, Mae Catherine Godhigh and Wanda F. Thomas both Peoria IL, Vachon K. (Thaddeus) Harper-Young of Broadview, and IL; four sons, Sean (Cyrie) Hopson of Apple Valley, CA., Charles D. Thomas Sr. and Andre A. Harper both of Peoria, IL and Waymon H. (Angela) Harper of Decatur, IL. Also surviving is one brother, Ira (Jan) Hopson of Peoria, IL, and a sister-in-law, Freida Gordon of Peoria, IL. Pops was loved and respected by a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Special love ones are: Georgia Gordon Little, Helen Scott, Doris Gillespie, Sophia Woods and Mary Ann King all of Peoria, IL and Geneva Randle King of Memphis, TN along with his precious church family. Art’s rich legacy includes the coparenting of the following: Cynthia King of Texas, Carolyn King of Philadelphia, James Adams and Deborah Walls both of Peoria, IL, and Anthony Thompson of Florida. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 19, 2021 at his beloved New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr., will officiate. Art will be laid to rest interred with his wife, Willie Mae (Gordon) Hopson, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that all monetary donations be sent to New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. In accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Funerals are limited to no more than 50% of the capacity of the or less. To be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. The sanctuary can socially distance and seat 50% of the capacity of the church. All others will be able to flow through prior to beginning of the service. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Artis "Pop" Hopson Sr.

December 22, 1927 - April 11, 2021