Obituary of Bernadette Hopson

Bernadette Hopson Bernadette McDade Hopson born April 7, 1956 to the late Wilson and Julia Mae McDade, Jr., went to be with her Lord on January 8, 2007. She was the fourth of six children raised in Montgomery, Alabama. As a child she attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Waugh, AL where she gave her life to the Lord at an early age and actively participated in Sunday School and the Youth Choir. She went to the George Washington Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. She played first chair clarinet in the All-School Band all four years; she excelled in sports - especially track and field. Bernadette graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Alabama A&M University with a double major in mathematics and physics. She was recruited in her junior year of college by IBM. Following an internship in Chicago, Illinois, Bernadette obtained a job with IBM in East Fishkill, NY. She remained with the company until 1992. She then prepared taxes for H&R Block for two years. In recent years, she worked as the Information Technology Manager for Brent Financial Group in Wappingers Falls, NY. Bernadette joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in Wappingers Falls, NY, and from the start she was an active member. She held the following offices: Deaconess, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, and Financial Recording Secretary. She also assisted with the church's Tutoring Program and helped organize its Pioneer Club. Whatever task Bernadette took on in the church, she was committed to its success. It was at Bethel, she met Robert Hopson in December 1982. They were married at the church on June 23, 1984. They resided in Poughkeepsie, NY, and to this union were born two children, William and Julia. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Minister Robert W. Hopson; son, Airman William W. Hopson and daughter, Julia N. Hopson; three brothers and their wives; Warren and Maxine McDade, Gregory and Sherry McDade, and Kevin McDade; parents-in-law, William and Bertha Hopson, sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois Ann Hopson-Collins, Alan H. Hopson, and Rev. Charles Gore, Jr. and Lee Ann Hopson-Gore; two uncles, Joe Ferguson and Isiah Ferguson, Jr.; aunts, Carrie McKinley and Susie Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Linda Joyce Coleman and Gwendolyn McDade. Bernadette pledged and was a member of the Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She loved the challenge of word and logic puzzles. She was a talented craftswoman and seamstress. She made her own wedding gown and her daughter's prom dresses. Most recently, beading and making jewelry were her passion. In all things, she embraced her African heritage. Bernadette McDade Hopson was a devout Christian, and a devoted wife and mother. She deeply loved her family, and she was a faithful friend. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, January 13th, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 2611 South Ave in Wappingers Falls. Viewing will be prior to the service Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon. Internment will be in Cedar Lawn Cemetery, East Hampton, N.Y. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, 12590. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending a contribution to the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 12601.