Mrs. Willie Mae Hopson

God called his Faithful servant, Mother Willie Mae Hopson age 84, of Peoria, IL from labor to reward on February 22, 2020. Our beloved Willie Mae (Sista) was the second child born to Willie and Ellen (Randle) Gordon on October 22, 1935 in Cruger, Ms. Willie Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her personal survivor at an early age, and the church remained an integral part of her life. Willie Mae was educated in the Mississippi and Peoria Public School systems. In 1953, she married Charlie B. Thomas; he preceded her in death. On December 7, 1958 she remarried to Waymon H. Harper, Sr. He passed away on November 27, 1972. In 1982, she met and married Artis Hopson. They were blessed with a 38-year union. Her early jobs included being a candy striper and working in the Preemie Center at OSF (formerly St. Francis Hospital). In 1995, Willie Mae retired from her administrative duties at Caterpillar, Inc. to care for her mother. Sista had a zeal for life. She was well known and well loved. An avid bowler, she finished a stellar bowling career of 46 years. Her culinary skillset was unrivaled. In the neighborhood, she was revered as a village mom. She was the “Queen of Clean, her annual Yard Sales and annual Super Bowl Parties”. A classy lady, when it came to travel, she was indeed a jet-setter. Sista encouraged her children and grandchildren to follow in her footsteps. A woman not given to bragging. She enjoyed listening to other people brag about her children and grands. Like her father, she loved to garden. Sista loved flowers and possessed a green thumb. During the spring and summer months, she would be on the fish banks laughing with her sons and buddies. Her weekly fish fry always bought family and friends together. Sista’s favorite past-time was watching the Steve Harvey Show, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Rachel Maddow, Judge Judy and completing crossword puzzles. She was politically active, serving many years as an election judge. Twice she was afforded the distinct opportunity to visit the White House. On President Barak Obama’s second inauguration, she and her family were present at the Capitol with 1.1 million people. Her happy place was relaxing on Martha’s Vineyard. Mother Hopson was a dedicated member (70 years) of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord. Her crowning achievement; she strategically led all of her children to the Lord. A hard worker, she faithfully served as former Annual Calendar Tea Chair, Culinary staff, Deaconess Board, Mother’s Council, One Church, One Child Foster Care Program, Church Missions and Helping Hands Committee. Mother Hopson was gracious and kind, frequently thinking about others and their needs first. She would not hesitate to visit the sick. Through the church’s Mentorship Ministry, she shared guidance and support with 2 spiritual daughters, Sandra Faulkner and Geraldine. Mother Hopson cherished her independence. When she became homebound and unable to attend church, she continued to listen to taped sermons and supported the church financially. Mother Hopson leaves to cherish her most precious memories a loving and devoted husband, Artis Hopson of Peoria, IL; Four daughters: Mae Catherine Godhigh and Wanda F. Thomas of Peoria IL, Vachon K. (Thaddeus) Harper Young of Broadview, IL and Nadine Hopson Redmond of Apple Valley, CA; Four sons: Charles D. Thomas and Andre’ A. Harper of Peoria, IL, Waymon H. (Angela) Harper, Jr. of Decatur, IL and Sean (Cyrie) Hopson of Apple Valley, CA, a host of grandchildren and great-grands, other family and friends who adored her. Also surviving is Willie Mae’s sister-in-loves, Freida Gordon of Peoria, IL, “Celebrating Closer than a Sista” is Georgia (Dimp) Gordon Little, Geneva Randle King, Helen Scott, Prayer Partner, Sophia Woods, Mary Ann King; including a special bowling buddy and niece, Imogene (Gordon) Simmons and a special Godson Antwine Freeman of Peoria, IL. Willie Mae is preceded in death by her parents and one brother J.P. (Buck) Gordon of Peoria, IL. She will be greatly missed by all who encountered her kindness and radiant smile. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, with a visitation, one-hour prior at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr. will officiate. Mother Hopson will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Willie Mae Hopson

October 22, 1935 - February 22, 2020