SR0858 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0858 LRB103 39716 ECR 70163 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Cleofus "Bear" Hopkins Sr., who passed away on February 11, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins was born to Johnnie B. Hopkins and Ruthie Mae Downs in Blytheville, Arkansas on August 8, 1953; he attended Donahue Elementary and graduated from Oakenwald South Elementary School in 1967 and from Paul Laurence Dunbar Vocational High School in 1971; he married Desmonia Harris on August 31, 1979; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins worked as a stationary engineer and then manager at Freeport McMoran, retiring on July 1, 2009 after 22 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins committed to his faith at an early age and was ordained as a deacon at All Things Are Possible Missionary Baptist Church on August 21, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins had a passion for old school cars and motorcycles and liked to spend time with the Low End Riders; he loved to maintain and tinker with his own vehicles and could fix anything, earning the nickname Mr. Gadget; he enjoyed watching drag racing, western movies, cartoons, and documentaries about animals and listening to music; he was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and actively rooted for any team that played against the Chicago Cubs; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins led by example and was the glue that held his family together; his family meant everything to him, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wille B. Hopkins, Barry "Cheyenne" Hopkins, and Johnny B. Hopkins Jr.; and his sister, Dorothy Jean Hopkins; and

WHEREAS, Cleofus Hopkins is survived by his wife; his son, Cleofus Hopkins Jr.; his grandchildren, DeAndre, Kailah, Zoe, and Ryan; his siblings, Johnnie Mae Hopkins, Regina (TJ) Ashford, Larry (Sylvia) Hopkins, and Johnnie Hopkins; his stepmother, Ruby Hopkins; and his extended family, loved ones, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Cleofus "Bear" Hopkins Sr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Cleofus Hopkins as an expression of our deepest sympathy.