Oland L. Hopkins

The sun rose in Leon County, Texas on February 19, 1934, bringing with it, a new day and a new life. Oland L. Hopkins was born to Author and Lucy Hopkins. What a great day that was! His early and formative years were spent in the Pleasant Springs community in Leon County, Texas where he attended the local public schools and church. His secondary education was gained at F. Douglas High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Special Education from Prairie View A&M University. Oland spent forty-one years as an educator and athletics coach at Centerville I.S.D. until his retirement in 2000.

On December 27, 1959, Oland was united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Mae West, his childhood sweetheart, and they shared fifty-eight beautiful years together in Centerville, Texas. To this union, four lovely children were born: Olando Jr., LaDarrell, Marla Renea and Renessa. He loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Oland was baptized at an early age at New Zion Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. He was a faithful member until his health began to fail him. He not only served as an educator but a father, a disciplinarian, a counselor and friend to many students in C.I.S.D. and throughout the community. In 1974, Oland Hopkins and his family started an Outlaw Basketball Tournament which brought families and friends back to the community for many years during Easter weekend. After years of successful tournaments, he decided, along with a group of other Centerville Douglas Alumni, to use the proceeds from the basketball tournament and provide scholarships to a C.I.S.D. black student who wished to attend college. Oland was also a member of the U.M.W. Scottish Rite Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Texas, INC. Pride of the West, Centerville, Texas.

On February 26, 2018, Oland L. Hopkins was visited by the angel of death, and he departed this life. His passing brought sadness to the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His wise advice will be missed, but will be remembered. All who knew him are glad to have known the happy person that Oland was.

Oland was preceded in death by both of his parents and siblings, John A. Hopkins (Predia), Mary Allen, Eglar Hopkins (Edna), Newt Hopkins & Edward Hopkins.

Leaving to cherish Olando’s memories are wife, Dorothy M. Hopkins; children, Olando Hopkins (LaNell), LaDarrell Hopkins (Jackie), Marla R. Watts & Renessa Champagne (Derrick); grandchildren, Rashard Hopkins, Jeremy Hopkins (Olivia), LaDarrell A. Hopkins (Mia), Jackson Hopkins, Jamari’ Roberts (Brandon), Samuel Barnes, Tevin Champagne, Jalen Champagne; great grandchildren, Laryn Hopkins & Zoe Roberts; siblings, Harold Hopkins (Calverta) & Verma Sandiford (Freddie) and sisters-in-law, Jessie Hopkins & Fannie Hopkins. In addition, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Homegoing services for Oland L. Hopkins will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas. Rev. Kenneth Donalson will officiate the service and the eulogy will be presented by Rev. Jarrett West. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Springs Cemetery, east of Centerville. A brief visitation will take place from 9 A.M. to service time, Saturday, at the funeral home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.