Rev. Evelyn Elizabeth Hopewell

This Life's Reflections: “A Time to Be Born” Rev. Evelyn Elizabeth Sanders was born on August 28, 1941, in Birmingham Alabama to the late Katherine Sanders Johnson and Eddie Sanders Sr. She was the oldest of four children born to this union. Both of her parents, her stepfather, Samuel Arthur Johnson, grandparents James and Gertrude Frierson and youngest brother Alfred Sanders all preceded her in death. “A Time to Live” Evelyn attended public school in the city of Detroit where she attended Burton Elementary, Burroughs Jr. High and graduated from Cass Technical High School. As a young lady Evelyn attended and participated with the Jr. Choir, Jr. Usher Board, Youth Missionary Society and was the Assistant Secretary of Sunday School at Greater St. Peters of Detroit. After completing high school she attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). Before graduating from Tuskegee Institute in 1963, with a Bachelor of Science Degree, in Nursing, Evelyn became a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (Gamma Kappa Chapter) in 1960. She has also earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, a Master of Arts in Theology Studies from Michigan Theological Seminary (MTS). She has also earned her Doctorate in Theology with a specialization in Philosophy (ABD) from Trinity Theological Seminary. “A Time to Work” Her professional employment of 33+ years included Public Health Nursing, Public Health Administration, Nursing Education at the collegiate and high school level, and she was a Certified Vocational Health Educator. Evelyn worked at Cook County Health Department (Chicago), Philadelphia Health Department, City of Detroit Health Department, M.I.C. Prescad (Wayne County) and various nursing agencies as a practicing nurse. She was also an instructor at the Henry Ford School of Nursing, WCCC School of Nursing and she retired from Romulus Community Schools as the instructor of Health Occupation and was the director of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Evelyn was blessed to be a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has attained the status of Golden Soror (50 years). She has served as the Chaplain for her Local Chapter (Eta Iota Omega, Inkster) for many administrations and as the Great Lakes Regional Chaplain for eight years. “A Time to Serve” Rev. Hopewell accepted her calling into the ministry at the dinner table with her family. She asked them if she could become a medical doctor which was met with a quick “No”. She asked why and multiple reasons were given, such as too much time away from home, study, etc. However, when she asked if she could become a preacher she was met with a resounding “Yes.” Rev. Hopewell began her outward walk with Christ while leading others to follow. Her ministry began at Park’s Memorial A.M.E. Church of Romulus where she started the Christian Education Department and was an organizer of Vacation Bible School. Rev. Hopewell made sure the youth of the community were involved in activities to keep them active, such as attending Camp Baber and picking up youth for choir practice and bible study. Rev. Hopewell accepted the position as Girl Scout leader of Troops 33 and 704 which allowed her the opportunity to expand beyond invisible neighborhood boundary lines. Acceptance within the community was apparent when Evelyn was elected to the Romulus School Board where she served for 6 years. “A Time to Mourn” On July 24, 2014 at 11:50pm, the Lord called Evelyn from labor to her reward.

Rev. Evelyn Elizabeth Hopewell

August 28, 1941 - July 24, 2014