Erma Rose Hopkins

Erma Rose Hopkins was born in Monroeville, Alabama, and raised in Pensacola, Florida, where she completed her formal education. She later married James W. Hopkins, a union blessed with daughters who remained unwaveringly devoted to her throughout her life.

Erma began her career in office administration at Gulf Power Company, marking a significant milestone as one of the first Black women to be employed there in that capacity. Seeking even greater opportunities, she relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she leveraged her secretarial expertise to secure a career with IBM Corporation. She remained a dedicated employee there until her well-deserved retirement.

Her enduring commitment to Christ led her to become a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church (ZBC) in Marietta, Georgia. Erma found great joy in serving God through various roles, including choir member, choir secretary, and eventually, a dignified Mother of the Church. Her faith also took her around the world. With her ZBC family, she explored destinations across the United States and abroad, including a deeply meaningful pilgrimage to Israel. There, she visited the Sea of Galilee and was baptized in the River Jordan. In January 2013 she traveled with the church to witness the historic first inauguration of President Barack Obama.

An avid enthusiast of sports and the outdoors, Erma spend years chasing “that little white ball” across the golf course and competing in bowling leagues. Her competitive spirit earned her numerous awards and recognitions in various tournaments over the years. When she wasn’t playing, she was a dedicated fan of footballs, basketball, and baseball, always keeping a sharp eye for her favorite players.

She found a true sisterhood in the Red Hat Society, delighting in the signature purple and red outfits and the playful hats that made every gathering feel special. From that sisterhood, she and her closest friends formed the “Fabulous 5” birthday club – an extension of their Red Hat bond. This cherished group never missed a chance to celebrate one another and the friendship they shared.

At home, Erma was a lover of cultural theatre and arts, frequently attending live shows and collecting works by renowned artists. However, her greatest “masterpiece” may have been her signature macaroni and cheese – a dish celebrated by her entire family and especially adored by her grandchildren.

Known for her notable sense of humor and infectious laugh, Erma’s warm personality made her a joy to be around. She and her family spent countless hours sharing jokes and making memories.

Erma was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Demitrius Hopkins, her parents, Walter Wiggins Sr. and Bernice Wiggins; her brothers, Walter Wiggins Jr. and Roosevelt Wiggins (Beautyne); and her sister, Linda Lea Wiggins.

Her sweet memory will be forever cherished by her surviving daughters, Toni Denise Hopkins and Patti Lynne Houston (Thomas); her sisters, Mazie Lois Harris (fondly known as Miss Kitti); and her brothers, Willie Dee Wiggins (Gladys) and Jack Wiggins (Sonya). She also leaves behind a legacy through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tiffoni Sellers (Ty, Elle, Jay); Derrick De Silva (Kameron, Halo); Tammie Irving (Houston); and Tahja, Thomas, Trey, and Toni Houston. Erma will be deeply missed by a host of her “favorite” cousins, nieces, nephews, loving friends, and her entire Zion Baptist Church family.

“Love you more!”