Celebration of Life Service for The Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr., Senior Pastor, Victory Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Friday, July 20, 2007, Twelve O'clock Noon, Shiloh Baptist Church, 262 Macon Street, McDonough, Georgia, The Reverend E.W. Lee, Host Pastor, Officiating, The Reverend Michael A. Strickland, Eulogist

The Prelude
The Posting of the Guards ..........................................................................Henry County Chaplain's Corp
The Processional
The Hymn ........................................ 'What a Fellowship" .......................Shiloh Baptist Church Mass Choir
The Prayer of Consolation ................................................................. The Reverend Dr. William E. Flippin
The Thankful Texts ..................................................................... The Reverend R. L. Miller- Psalm 95:1-7 The Reverend Louis Clark- Psalm 100:1-5
The Reverend Maynon Copeland - Psalm 145: 1-6 The Reverend Carl Delk- Psalm 8:1-4
The Hymn of Victory..................... "Victory in Jesus" ............................................ Choir and Congregation
The Comforting Texts ............................................ The Reverend Robert Glass - II Corinthians 4: 16-18 The Reverend Horace Slaughter- Psalm 62: 1-2
The Reverend Clarence Steiner - Revelation 7: 1S-1 7 The Reverend W. J. Smith- Psalm 23:1-6
The Song of Celebration...........................................................................Shiloh Baptist Church Mass Choir
The Believers' Texts ............................................................... The Reverend A. A. W. Motley - John 14: 1-7 The Reverend Dr. Arthur Carson - John 10:9-11
The Reverend Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy - Psalm 91: 1-S The Reverend Donald Cantrell - Psalm .34: 1-8
The Song of Celebration ...........................................................................Shiloh Baptist Church Mass Choir
The Special Greetings .......................................Deacon Sherman Lemon, Chairman of Deacon Ministry Victory Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
Evangelist Jannetta West-Mcintyre, First Vice President Georgia Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows, Interdenominational
The Reverend Dr. T. DeWitt Smith, Jr., President Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
The Song of Celebration............. "Center of My Joy" ........................Shiloh Baptist Church Mass Choir
The Family Reflections ............................................................................................................. Mrs. Ann Martin Briana, Morgan and Hope Strickland The Reverend Hopie Strickland, III Mrs. Linda D. Strickland
The Instrumental Medley of Pastor's Favorite Hymns
Eulogy ...........................................................................The Reverend Mil~h&A;I~
Victory
The Invitation to Discipleship
The Acknowle ements

DAVID SCOTT
1lnof OIS"lliCT, GEOIIGIA
'W'INW.HOUSE.GOVJOAVIDSCOTT
DAVID.SCOTT@MAfl.HOUSE.GOV

((Congre~11 of tbe Wntteb ~tatt5i

oust of rt5tntatibt~

f4la!;~Jington.

20515-1013

COMMITTEEO AGRICULTURE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAl SERVICES
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFfAIRS

Dear friends:
As the U.S. Congressman for Georg1a's Thirteenth Congressional District. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland. Jr. on this grievous occasion of his passing. The loss of a loved one is truly a trying and difficult experience to endure. Ma)' God be your guide and comfort through this loss.
Reverend Strickland was a good. caring individual who loved his community and congregation wholly. He was the type of person who touched people"s lives and left a wonderful impression. He never hesitated to help out his neighbor and such goodness will be sorely missed.
I am forever grateful to Dr. Strickland because he was kind enough to bless and dedicate my Congrcssiona1 District Office in Jonesboro \\hen it first opened. I will never forget his kind blessing or spirit. The greatness of his spirit will endure forever.
God Bless You.
~cid~S-co~tt------~-J
Member of Congress

W.O.Stll 'QTON 0Ff1Cf:
417 C.t.NP,O 0' Of,ICti BU.lDI G WASHINGTON, DC 20&1~1013 !>"HONE: (2021 225-2939 F.o.x 1202) 22!)..4628

JOIIISBO 0 Offl~
173 NDI'Tt MAO S !iET
"'-10. .,. JONES80AO. GA 30236 1n01 210-.so13 F,o.x: ino) 21G-5873

S

A Off :

888 Co.'ICORO RoAn. STE. 100
SM'fl'NA. GA 30080 P"'ItttE: 770) ~2-5405
F.a.x tnOI 4325813

SHIRLEY FRANKLIN MAYOR

CITY OF ATLANTA
55 TRINITY AVENUE, S.W ATLANTA, GEORGIA 303030300
TEL !404) 3306100

July 17' 2007
Mrs. Linda Strickland 143 Windsong Drive Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Dear Mrs. Strickland:
On behalf of the City ofAtlanta and all of its employees, you have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved husband, The Reverend Hopie Strickland, Jr.
We all join you in mourning a man who meant so much to those lives he touched across the years as a pastor and religious leader in our Metro community. His labor of love for the Lord was the fruits of his ministry. Rev. Strickland will be remembered for his outstanding service of31 years to this city. He gave wholeheartedly of himself with the City of Atlanta Water Bureau as a Water Distribution supervisor. Rev. Strickland created with his life an example for us all to emulate while he sojourned here among us. He shall be missed.
I pray that God will keep you in His care during your time ofbereavement.

Billy Copeland Mayor

City of McDonough July 16, 2007. *

Dear Strickland Family:
It was with deep regret that I learned of the loss of Pastor
Hopie Strickland. On behalfofthe citizens and City Council of
McDonough, I extend our heartfelt condolences. Throughout his
li{~time. <tfd~dicaled Cbristian ~i~ d tU.i.uis.trs'~ Pasmt Striclland
earned the respect and admiration ofall those with whom he came in contact, particularly the congregations ofMt. Olive Baptist Church an<L most recently, Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church. I was proud to call him a good friend and always welcomed his thoughts and guidance.
Gloria joins me in our prayer that you will be comforted by the presence ofour Lord during this time.
Sincerely,

THE SUPERIOR COURT OF HENRY COUNTY
July 16,2007

HENRY COUNTY l McDONOUGH, Ge
OFFICE: (170 FACSIMILE: (77

Mrs. Linda Strickland 143 Windsong Drive Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Dear Mrs. Strickland:
I was deeply saddened to hear ofHopie's passing, and my heart is filled with
sympathy for you and your family during this very difficult time.
I got to know your husband last year during my campaign for Superior Court Judge. Over the course of several months, we met many times to discuss the future of Henry County during this time of tremendous growth and change. Whenever we met,.
and despite the medical problems he was trying to manage, he was always very optimistic
and hopeful; and, above all else, he trusted God.
On more than one occasion last year, my mother and I went to Victory Tabernacle
Missionary Baptist Church for services at Hopie's invitation. During our visits, we were both so it:npressed with this man who had such an obvious passion and love for his family, his church, and his community. Being there and getting to know him and the congregation that his tremendous personal magnetism and example inspired, has made me a better person. He has strengthened my faith in God and in humanity, and I will miss
him.
I know that in the years to come you and your family will find great strength in Hopie's memory and in the tremendous contribution that he has made to the lives of so many in our community. His was a life well lived.
My prayers and thoughts are wit

THE PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, INC.
RESOLUTION
Celebrating the Life of Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr.
The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. celebrates the life, witness and ministry of Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr., one of the great preachers and prophets of the twenty-first century.
It is with sincere love and sympathy that President T. DeWitt Smith, Jr., the officers, the members, and the headquarters staff of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. celebrates with you the home-going of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, pastor, and our beloved brother, and dedicated member and friend, Dr. Hopie Strickland. Jr.
Although it is true that the death of a loved one is difficult, God's grace and mercy make the sting of death easier to bear. Isn't it good to know that we can rejoice in the Lord, even during this time of death and heartache, for Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr. gave so much to so many during his life time. We rejoice today because we are assured that Hopie Strickland, Jr. is not really dead, but now resides with our Heavenly Father. Jesus reminds us that He is the Resurrection and the Life; that whosoever believes in Him though he is dead, shall live. Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr. sincerely believed in Jesus Christ and lives today.
Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr. was one of the great spirits of our convention whose life, work and ministry reflected the best of Progressive Baptists. In a real sense, "what you saw was what you got": a determined and faithful servant of God whose love and support for his family, his church and the New Era Baptist State Convention was outstanding. His dedication to the ministry of Jesus Christ and to the objectives of our convention will never be forgotten. We thank God for this leader among men, who never gave up despite physical challenges.
Dr. and Mrs. Strickland exemplified Christian witness in their love for one another, their children, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and their love for the Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church. They were always together and exuded God's love through joy and good cheer as they celebrated life with their family and all with whom they met. Their love and commitment to Jesus Christ and His ministry is an example for us to emulate.
Dr Hopie Strickland, Jr. served the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. and the New Era Baptist State Convention of Georgia faithfully until his death. Filled with the spirit of curiosity, creativity and many intellectual gifts, he became a pathfmder for justice, a mentor to young pastors, as well as a confidant and advisor to the leadership of our Convention.
He served as President of the New Era Baptist State Convention of Georgia. A man of courage and vision, Dr. Strickland was able to inspire us all with his wisdom and humor. He taught us all how to be creative in dealing with issues that often appeared as challenges by turning those challenges into opportunities for service to his fellow man.
In a real sense Hopie Strickland was a pioneer for Christ who was unafraid to try innovative and creative approaches to ministry. For those of us who knew, loved and worked with him, Hopie Strickland will always be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the principles of fellowship, progress, peace and service upon which the Convention was founded. We thank Mrs. Linda Strickland, the Strickland family and the Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church family for allowing this man of wisdom and courage to serve our great convention.
The founder of our convention, Dr. L. Vencheal Booth, Sr. describes the life and work of Dr. Hopie Strickland best in his poem "My Servant Well Done":
I must labor in the morning, evening and night, I must labor to help to set the hearts of men right. Then when my work is over and I face the setting sun; He will pass the blessed sentence, My Servant, "Well Done."
Today, the Progressive National Baptist Convention family celebrates the home-going of Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr. with joy because we are assured that ~'when you give the best of your service, telling the world that the Savior has come, be not dismayed when men won't believe you; He'll understand and say, well done". Well done, well done, Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr., well done.

tr, t.l>e'Witt, Jr. Dr. T. DeWitt Smith, Jr.
President

tfyrrme s. ts Dr. Tyrone S. Pitts
General Secretary

EW ERA MISSIONARY BAPT1ST CONVEN110N OF GEORGIA,
Atlanta, Georgia

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." WVes," says the Spirit, 1hey will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them. -Revelations 14:13 (NRSV)

Resolution in Memory of
THE REVEREDND DR. HOPIE STRICKLAND, .JR.

WHEREAS,

Pastor Hopie Strickland, Jr. emulated Christ-like character and brought to us the light of love.

WHEREAS,

Many men have distinguished themselves before the world, Pastor Strickland was renowned in his

community, this oonvention and virtuously before the eyes of God as a teacher, preacher, and pastor.

WHEREAS,

Pastor Strickland was a very active member of the New Era Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.

for more than 20 years. In the convention he served in many capacities such as a Congress of Christian

Education Teacher, Ministers' Seminar Facilitator, State Vice President and State President During his

tenure as the State President of the New Era Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc., he empowered

the convention for a life of Christian service and inspired the convention through his exemplary leadership

abilities. The following were some of the accomplishments under his administration, Phase I of the New Era

Resource Manual, Information Packets for New Churches and Pastors, Ministry Membership Directory,

Evangelism Outreach, New Era Statewide Revivals, New Era Convention Center Night 501 (c) 3 status

approved, Appointment of Regional Uaisons, Design and Implementation of New Era Website,

Administrative Work Sessions, Reclamation of Two Fonner Churches, Seven New Churches and One New

Association, Purchase of Additional Property for Convention Center; Inaugural Edition of Laymen's

Newsletter - The "Ark, Southern Region PNBC Hosted by New Era Convention, Contributed more than

$200,000 to Missions and Education, and Congress of Christian Education and Edward R. Davie Missions

Conference Held at Convention Center.

WHEREAS,

Pastor Strickland was a dedicated, devoted and dependable servant of God; he completed the

assignments God called, appointed, and anointed him to perform - HE FINISHED WELL!

WHEREAS,

Pastor Strickland's life was a completed life filled with joy, humor, laughter and faithful service.

in God's infinite wisdom, on Thursday, July 12, 2007, thrs loving man was called home to be with the love of

his life and the joy of his salvation; he transferred to the rolls of the Church Triumphant

long after the sun goes down, the Western sky is lighted with colors that defy description and make up what

many have called the afterglow. For many years to come those who knew and loved Pastor Strickland will

feel the spell of his life. Its afterglow will linger and abide with us as a precious treasure throughout the days

of our lives.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

that with this dear family and with this congregation of family and friends that Pastor Strickland loved so

dearly, we celebrate this certainty that life and death are gracious gifts from God who fills both of them with

meaning. 1n the beginning, it was God who breathed life into humankind and the Psalmist reminds us that

-precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

that in testimony of the loss of this great pioneer, a copy of this resolution be presented to the family, a copy

be read in the upcoming Annual Session of the New Era Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. and

spread on the minutes of this convention in his memory, and a copy placed in archive at the New Era Baptist

Center, Griffin, Georgia as a perpetual history.

We, the executive officers of the New Era Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. hereto affix our hand and seal this 2011 day of July 2007:

C@tt,o;,u~ ~
Rev. Dr. Cleopatrk:k Lacy, Pnsldent
.J/..d ~~---, eft.
Rev. Dr. Arthur Carson, Jr. First Vac:e President

Lwa.rtL L. ~.. Jr.
Rev. Edward L. E ,Jr. Second Va President
&~({~
Rev. Douglas Stowers, Third VICe Pre$ident

HENRY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

2170 Jonesboro Road McDonough, GA 30253

Phone: 770-957-3032

Fax: 678-432-1987

Clarence E. Steiner, Associational Missionary

A Tribute to Dr. Hopie Strickland

I have known Dr. Hopie Strickland for almost thirteen years. As I think about his life and his total devotion to God, I see three major realms in which his ministry had a tremendous impact.
In his personal life, I think of the following verse of Scripture:
"The lord has told me what is right and what he demands: 'See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God."' Micah 6:8
Pastor Hopie was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As such, he allowed mercy to be the first priority in his personal relationships. He was a very humble soul that desired to live an obedient life that pleased God.
In his relationships with others, he committed to live Proverbs 16:7:
'When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."
Pastor Hopie was a strong individual. In his strength of stature and wisdom, he possessed no desire to lord over anyone. His heart's passion was to be at peace with God and his fellow man, and he went to great lengths in his pursuit of peace.
When our brother in Christ, Dr. Hopie Strickland, departed this life on Friday morning, July 13, 2007, and entered into the presence of Almighty God, he could say, 11Father; I have finished everything that you required of me.''
"...If anyone loves me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him." John 14:23
My friend, I and many others will miss your physical presence, but our reunion will be great.

.('

.

~~ -

(Dr. Clarence Steiner

Associational Missionary

Henry Baptist Association

Touchfnt ond tronsformlnr people with the love ofJesus

M nry Co nty Mlnlst rial Alliance
P. 0. :&x2410 McDonough, GA 30253
July 16, 2007
To: Linda and The Strickland Family
From: The Henry County Ministerial Alliance
Re: The Passing ofour Great Leader, The Rev. Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr.
Dear Linda and family,
We want to formally share our feelings of grief and our wishes of condolence for the passing of our great leader. At the same time, we want to share in the celebration of a life well lived. Rev. Dr. Strickland was our leader for almost a full decade and we came to love him as a brother and
respect him as a friend.
He was a ve vet hammer. His sty e of leadership was ~ but humble. He had an uncanny ability to accomplish serious and sometimes difficult goals and objectives with a sense of humor. He galvanized churches in support ofthe annual United Negro Col ege Fund Rally. He championed the County-Wide Revival, coming up on its third year and he started the county alliance program to feed the hungry at Thanksgiving. He supported and loved families by making sure bills were paid and, at Christmas, struggling families had gifts to share. He was a steady presence and made sure that the AI iance was steady in its civic responsibility through continuous dialogue with city officials, the county government and the schools throughout the coWlty. Through his leadership, we established and maintained relationships in an effort to always make sure justice was served.
We are all better because Rev. Dr. Strickland passed our way. He will be missed, but he has left us a legacy to carry on and an example of compassion and excellence that will sustain us as a unit. Thank you for sharing him with us and remember that God's loving reward is the goal and it is enough.
Sincerely,
~/. C(5. ~filet, Rev. E. W. Lee
Vice Moderator, Henrv Comttv Ministerial Alliance

The Shoal Creek Baptist Association
P. 0. Box2410 McDonough, GA 30253
July 16, 2007
Mrs. Linda Strickland and The Victory Tabernacle Church Family 1126 McDonough Parkway McDonough, GA 30253
Dear Sister Linda and Family,
We know you are hurting and know that we grieve with you. Yet, we do not grieve as the unbeliever does - praise the Lord for the reality. Because of our hope, we are able to celebrate the life that was lived.
We came to know and love Rev. Dr. Hopie Strickland as a passionate supporter ofthe Association and its goals of Christian Education and Scholarship. He served us several years as vice moderator, and he supported our efforts for more years than that, through his pastoral positions with Mt. Olive and Victory Tabernacle.
His love, concern and support will be missed here on this side, but we look forward to the day when we can share where we went from here because ofhim.
Sincerely,
Rev. E. W. Lee Moderator, The Shoal Creek Baptist Assoc.

lnternationa{)lssocio.tion of9rf.inisters' ~ er, 9ttinisters' flfdOws Inc.
([)r. Janie Cliatfes 1ofmes, <President
er 26 PowferStreet
!New 1fawn, 06515
July 16, 2007
TO: Mrs. Linda D. Strickland and Family
Beloved:
I deeply regret tbat I am unable to be with you at this time to personally share with you. Please know that I am with you in spirit. As I prepared to write this letter ofsympathy, I quickly realized it would be impossible for me to capture the essence of the Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland on paper. For the nearly two decades that I knew him personally, I always found Reverend Strickland to be a good, kind, gentle Christian gentleman at all tim He truly was a man of God, whose steps were ordered by the Lord. His Hfe was a living testimony! He loved and supported our organization, and was an active member of our Husband's Committee. Therefore, in a spirit of love, sympathy, and profound loss, I submit the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the members of the International Association of Ministers' Wives and
Ministers' Widows, Inc., comprised of members in 42 states, 11 Can"bbean Islands and a presence on five of the seven continents, representing 102 denominations, feel a personal loss in the passing of the husband of our beloved Sister Linda Stricldancl, who is dearly loved and highly respected, and one who stands so taU in our organization, I offer this tribute oflove and esteem in his memory on behalf ofthe entire sisterhood.
WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow and sad feelings tbat we record the transition
of Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland from this earthly home. However, we humbly bow in submission to God's will in calling him from labor to reward.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the members ofthe IAMWMW, Inc.
thank God for the privilege of having known Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland. We pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and sustain all of you, and help you to remember that
ttearlh has no SQTTOW that Heawn Cllnnot heal", as you continue to look to the hills for your strength.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution will be place in our
headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.
In love, faith and prayer, Janie Cliarfes 1fofmes
Dr. Janie Charles Holmes International President

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS' WIVES
AND
MINISTERS' WIDOWS, INTERDENOMINATIONAL
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
MRS. THELMA H. EDWARDS
564 Nawure Drive< Stone M IHIIflllbl, GA J(J()87 <770-498-8502
TO OUR DEAR SISTER LINDA, CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS
OF THE LATE
The Reverend Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr.
We, the members ofthe Georgia Association ofMinisters' Wrves and Ministers' Wulows wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in the transition
ofour dearly beloved Pastor andfriend, Rev. Strickland. May the God ofcomfort bringyou a peace that passes all understanding And the assurance ofHis loving presence with you during this time ofso"ow
And God shall wipe away all tears from their e_yes; tmd there shBJI be
no mot9 death, neither sorrow, nor Cty/ng, neither shall there be any mote pain: for the fooner things are passed away.
Rneltllion 11:4
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we ALL must take and each must travel
alone, It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road home. When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to friends we know,
And bury your so110ws in doing good deeds
Miss me. but let me go.