Arthur Hopper

HOPPER

Arthur Jeffery Hopper, PhD died at Ridgewood at Friendship Village on Sunday July 12, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 85.

Jeff is survived by his children Kathryn H. Flynn of Columbus, OH, Ellen H. Allen of Norwell, MA, Timothy P. Brown of Columbus, OH; his grandchildren Patrick C. Higgins of Atlanta, GA, John C. Higgins of Shaker Heights, OH, Elizabeth A. Allen of Norwell, MA,  Daniel J. Allen of Norwell, MA; his brothers David R. Hopper of San Diego, CA, John A. Hopper of Center Harbor, NH.

Jeff was born on April 4, 1930 in Boston, MA to Stanley R. Hopper and Helen Bagby Hopper.  He graduated undergrad from Allegheny College, got his Masters at Drew Divinity School and his doctorate at Yale graduate school.  He lived and worked in Delaware, Ohio for much of his life.  He was a theology professor at the Methodist Theological School.

Jeff was a member of the Methodist Church of the Messiah in Westerville, Ohio in recent years.  He dedicated his life to those in need.  He was arrested together with several colleagues of mixed race on the steps outside a Methodist church in Jackson, Mississippi on Easter Sunday in 1964 as part of the later successful efforts to integrate the southern Methodist churches.

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday July 22nd at Church of the Messiah in Westerville, Ohio at 3 pm with visitation at 2 pm and a reception at 4 pm, also at the church.  Rev. Kathy Currier will officiate.  Dr. Robert Tannehill, a close family friend and colleague of Jeff’s, will also speak.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeff’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Southern Poverty Law Center, splcenter.org.  The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Mount Carmel Hospice Care and Ridgewood at Friendship Village for their efforts and care these last months.