Lorine Hopkins McClain

Lorine Arkadie Hopkins McClain entered into eternal rest Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born in Yoakum, Texas on January 23, 1938 to the late Albert and Nellie Norris Arkadie.  Lorine was the eldest girl in a family of seven children (two girls and five boys).  She came to know our Lord and Savior at an early age at Beth Elder Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Roberts.  Lorine was also a proud graduate of Asbury High School where she played on the basketball team.

Lorine was a Mother first.  Her love extended not only to her children, but to her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and anyone she came in contact with.  She instilled in them to be the BEST and always strive for BETTER.  Being a God-fearing woman of great faith allowed her to shepherd her family during many difficult times.  She will always be remembered for being a courageous, strong-willed, independent woman with a heart of gold.

Lorine enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and fishing.  Her impeccable green thumb was evidenced by her beautiful yard and the bounty of fresh vegetables from her very own garden.  She will also be missed for her decorating skills, hosting family gatherings, and the delicious meals she prepared and shared.  Her children will especially miss her peach cobbler.  She was simply a joy to be around.  Anyone who visited her home would often watch western movies, home décor shows, tennis and basketball games with her.  Serena Williams and the Spurs were her favorites.  She also enjoyed playing Pitty Pat and Keno with family and friends.

Throughout the years, Lorine continued to work out her soul salvation by serving as an Usher and devoted member at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, Huntleigh Park Baptist Church, St. Stephens Baptist Church and lastly, New Canaan Baptist until her health began to fail.

She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband & father of her children Joe Hopkins; husband TSgt. Joseph Edward McClain; daughters Gwendolyn Hopkins-Bateman and Patricia Hopkins Garcia; son, Michael Hopkins; granddaughter, Ashley Sayles; son-in-law, Keith White; and brothers Albert Arkadie, Jr., Mack Arkadie, Horace Arkadie, Sr., Clifford Arkadie and Waymon Arkadie.

Lorine will be dearly missed by her children, Waymon Hopkins (Janie), Charles Hopkins (Willette), Lena Hopkins Smith (Hank), Lori Hopkins White; Ida Post, Wesley McClain (Wanda), Stephen Martin (Mali); son-in-law Tracy Garcia and daughter-in-law Marian Braggs-Hopkins; grandchildren, Aaron, Marshall, Bryan, Michel’le, Mercedes, Nikki, Kaylon, Antoine, Wesley, Jr., Amir, Sarah and Olivia; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; her only living sibling and beloved sister Margie Nell Littlejohn; best friend Eloise Jones and devoted caretaker Sally Reese.  She also leaves behind her special nieces in which she maintained a close relationship:  Glynis McGinty, Cassandra Foley, Andrea Hayden, Valerie Hopkins and Chirita Murray.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at Meadowlawn Funeral Home.  The funeral service is set for Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 10:00 am in the Meadowlawn Funeral Chapel with immediate interment to follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Park.