Derrick Hopkins

Derrick Hopkins, age 69, of Madison, WI passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2022, in the comfort of his home.

He was born on August 28, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois the second of nine children born to Ruth Hopkins.

He attended Hyde Park High School in Chicago and until the age of 17, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  After an honorable discharge from the service 1971, he returned home to Chicago. In 1973 he met a friend of sister Denise, Victoria Evans, and declared she would be is wife, they joined in marriage on August 15, 1977. They celebrated 36 years of marriage on December 11, 2021, the date of which they joined hands in matrimony for the second time.

Derrick worked as an Animal Research Tech for over 20 years at Covance Laboratories and was easing himself into retirement. He was extremely hardworking and a perfectionist in all aspects of work, he wasn't satisfied until the job was done to his liking. This also applied to all things in his life.

Derrick was humble and spoke with a calmness that made it easy for you to confide in him. He was always ready to lend an ear to listen or shoulder to lean on. He never passed judgement or pushed his opinions or agendas on anyone; he listened, gave you sound advice and if he didn't agree with your choice he would simply say "If you like it, I love it."

He enjoyed watching movies at home, because he would always fall asleep and start snoring in the movie theater. He liked playing cards and dominoes with relatives and friends at family gatherings. He also liked to fish from time to time and has his own "Big Fish" story. In the recent years, he found his creative flow by passing the time with painting kits. As a young man, Derrick was given the nickname "MaCool" by his friend Greg White because he was fresh pressed from head to toe, cool, calm and collected at all times.

Derrick's passing is deeply felt by his family and he will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by loving wife Victoria Hopkins; children Carmelita (Ted) Hunt, Derrick Hunt Jr., Darrell (Valencia) Hunt of Chicago, Illinois, Jamara (Marcus) Hopkins and Jennifer (John) Hopkins of Madison, WI; ten grandchildren, Jaylyn, Mari, Xavier, Miyelle, Chanice, Caprice, Jurnee, De'Angelo, De'Andre, and Kanye; two great grandchildren,

Jordynn and Madison; five brothers, Zachary Hopkins, Steven Hopkins, Andre Hopkins, Victor Hopkins, Vincent Hopkins; three sisters, Denise Cunningham, Donna McCain, Pamela Hopkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth, grandmother Ola Mae, uncle Sonny and aunt Lois.

A Remembrance is scheduled for Derrick, it will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cress Funeral Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison WI 53705.  Pastor Kevin Evanco of Fountain of Life Church will officiate the funeral service, followed by full military honors.