Carl Ernest Hopkins' Obituary
Carl was a resident of Concord, California. Carl passed away on Thursday April 30, 2014 at home with his beloved wife, Orene, by his side after a long time illness.
Carl E. Hopkins was born on September 22, 1933 in Houston, Texas. He was the fourth child born to Milton and Anna Hopkins, a devote Catholic
family.
Carl joined St. Nicholas church at an early age and served as an Altar Boy for many years following in the footsteps of his older siblings. He attended St. Nicholas school from kindergarten through high school. Carl attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas where he majored in Sociology and earned his B.A. and M.A. He was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Immediately following graduation, Carl served in the United States Army. Upon returning to civilian life, Carl began working for the Alameda County Welfare Department as a Social Worker. He eventually joined the Contra Costa County Probation Department as a Juvenile Probation Officer. Carl was promoted to Superintendent of Juvenile Institutions and later became the Director of the Juvenile Probation Department. Carl’s last assignment before retiring was spent as the Assistant Chief County Probation Officer for Contra Costa County.
During his retirement, Carl became a regular volunteer for the Superior
Court as a mediator. He spent most days mediating cases for the court until health challenges forced him to resign. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club International, Martinez Chapter. It was during this assignment that he met the true love of his life, Orene J. Collins, the first black teacher in East Contra Costa County. The two were married at Downs Memorial Church in 1960. Carl and Orene continued their education. Carl earned a Master’s in Public Administration and Orene in Education Administration.
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