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Published December 09, 2012, 12:00 AM

VANCE HOPKINS JR.

Vance Hopkins Jr. passed away unexpectedly Dec. 5, 2012, in St. Luke’s hospital.

VANCE HOPKINS JR.

Vance Hopkins Jr. passed away unexpectedly Dec. 5, 2012, in St. Luke’s hospital.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be truly missed.

Vance was born to Katharine and Vance Hopkins Sr. His birth mother passed away when he was three-months old, at which time he went to live with his maternal grandmother, Blache Author, in St. Paul, Minn.

At the age of nine-months, he came to live with Ruby Foote whom he called Momma, who raised him in Duluth. At age 12 he decided that he would live with his oldest sister, Sandra, and brother-in-law, Charles Scroggins, in Minneapolis. He attended North High School where he was involved in athletics. Vance moved back to Duluth and married Martha Brown Feb. 14, 1970, where they had four children, Tara, Vance III, Arrue and Alicia.

Vance earned his education in: Minnesota State University, Mankato; sixth year certificate in education administration; Spertus College of Judacica, Chicago, Ill.; Masters of Science in Human Service Administration; and licensed social worker, St. Paul of Minnesota.

Vance was also an ordained Pastor in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World International, pastor of God’s Way Temple, Superior.

He is missed by his wife of 43 years, Marti Hopkins; children Tara Hopkins Duluth, Vance and Julie Hopkins of North Carolina, Arrue Hopkins of Minneapolis, and Alicia Hopkins of Duluth; 15 grandchildren; his sisters, Sandra Neal and Stephanie Powers; and nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W 3rd St., Duluth. Visitation 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 until the 3 p.m. service in the church.

Please send flowers to Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN 55811.

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Samuel C.
Wilmington, NC     12/12/2012 4:28 PM

Sending my condolences to the Hopkins family. Vance "Pudgy" was a longtime family friend and will be missed dearly by all. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Mattie Coleman Gillispie

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lachelle h.
Duluth, MN     12/12/2012 4:02 PM

To the Hopkins family, Mr. Hopkins was a very nice man. My daughter enjoyed Mr. Hopkins in the Charter Schools. To my understanding... he would never forget someone's word or promise and this was one of his strongest traits. God needed his angel. God bless you and your family. With deepest sympathy. From the Flippin-Hayes family.

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k n.
Duluth, MN     12/12/2012 3:22 PM

Our family first got to know Mr. Hopkins as Shamika's grandpa. Then the 3 oldest all got to experience him in the education system. I will always remember him for his love for God, his family and kids and his contagious laughter. You will be missed Mr. Hopkins!

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