Melody Hopson

Melody Elaine Hopson (nee Everts) died unexpectedly on May 4, 2025, at Bradley Medical Center in Cleveland, Tennessee. She was only 69 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death.

Melody is survived, and missed, by her loving husband, Bruce, of 46 years; and his children, Daniel (Megan) and David, as well as her granddaughter, CoraMae. Forever cherished and remembered by her siblings and their families: Dave and Paula, Don and Judy, April and John. And on her husband's side, Mildred Lalah.

Melody was predeceased by her mother, Joan "Nonnie" Elva Everts (nee Wensley), her father-in-law, Emmett Hopson, her mother-in-law, Gladys Florine Hopson (nee Shaddix), and her sister-in-law, Ophelia Chatman.

She was born in Albany, New York, on June 2, 1955, and grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee. Melody attended Bowman Hills Elementary School, Georgia Cumberland Academy, and Southern Adventist University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She met her husband, Emmett Bruce Hopson, in the spring of 1978, with their wedding taking place at the Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in the fall of 1979.

In 1986, they welcomed their first son, Daniel Bruce, and in 1988, their second son, David Franklin, completed their family. She worked alongside her husband in the family business of fundraising for schools and often volunteered as a counselor for summer camps while also serving in various positions at the Bowman Hills SDA Church.

She took an active role in the lives of her immediate and extended family and always opened her home to her many friends and any in need of a happy home and good food. She loved to make yummy treats for others and relished sharing the joy of holiday seasons with her loved ones.

Melody cannot be placed neatly in one niche for vocation. She was not "merely" anything, for she was much to many: a loyal daughter, supportive sister, loving wife, tireless mother, encouraging aunt, playful friend, determined coach, humble mentor, and most recently a delighted grandmother. Above all, though, a thankful child of God.

Melody had incredible patience and always made time to help others. Her legacy will carry on, reminding us that "we have this hope" and we should choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, as Christ modeled for us.

No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to our church and extended community who were there for us on the day of her passing. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the team at the Bradley Medical Center for doing everything they could.

The Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at the Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. The family will begin receiving attendees at the church at 11:30 a.m. with the service starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1st, 2025. The program will be live streamed (please contact the Bowman Hills SDA Church secretary for those details).

Condolences may be sent to the family at 142 Northwest Circle NW, Cleveland, TN, 37302.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Melody or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.