Christian Hopper

Obituary
Christian James (CJ) Hopper was born on January 14, 2002 as the second child to Ms. Cynthia Hopper of Bronx, NY and Mr. Izell James (Jimmy) Hopper ll of Dayton, OH. From his earliest days, it was easy to see that Christian would one day become a strong and lovable man. He grew up in Johnston County, North Carolina and was very proud to be a southern boy. Fun was definitely in his DNA as he always tried to bring laughter and jokes to every situation, especially the serious situations.
CJ will be remembered for his unique athletic ability. In
constant partnership with his twin brother Chris, CJ excelled in
athletics as one of the infamous Hopper Boys; well known for
bringing fierceness on the field but also genuine kindness off the
field. In football, he played with the Red Devils football team.
He was selected as a special player in the Johnston County
Turkey Bowl tournament with the Selma Yellowjackets football
team. CJ carried his baseball playing into his middle school years
at Neuse Charter School. Upon transferring to Riverwood at Neuse Charter School. Upon transferring to Riverwood
Middle School, he played football and shot put. In high school, CJ played for the Clayton Comets at Clayton High School and was advanced to the varsity football team during the playoffs at the end of his freshman year. He was an 8-quarter player, playing both JV and varsity, his sophomore year. He was a 2- year starter on the varsity team during his junior and senior years. He tested his skills on the wrestling mat during his junior year and became a conference champion wrestler in the 285lb weight class. Most recently, his passion for sports grew to include rugby which he played in his junior and senior years of high school and became a 4-time undefeated rugby tournament champion as a prop. CJ also joined his team as 2-time rugby state championship runner ups. During his college years, he movedontoplay fortheBelmontAbbeyCrusadersatBelmont Abbey College as the second player selected to join the school's newly started team.
Obituary Cont...
There are no number of words in the universe to express how much CJ will be missed, but we know he will continue to do in death exactly what he did in life; protecting those he loved and bringing a smile to our hearts when needed most. He was loved by many, and he will be missed dearly.
Christian was preceded in death by his father Izell J. Hopper ll
and his grandfather Izell J. Hopper. He leaves to cherish his
beautiful memory his proud and loving mother, Cynthia; twin
brother Christopher, Grandparents Arthur and Bessie;
Grandmother Joyce; Aunt Letecia, Aunt Teresa; Uncle
Clifford (Victoria); Uncle Charles, very special Cousin Joseph;
Cousins Alexis, Genesis, Esau, Israel, Selah, Jasmine, and
Zenleile; adopted dad Wayne; Godparents Kevin and Audra;
God Brothers Kendall and Aaron; God Sister Kandace; adopted
brother/friend Austin; his girlfriend Lauren; Adopted Aunt
Tonderleir; Adopted Cousins Deante' and Shauntel; Adopted
Aunt Jeanne; close friends Isaiah, Dre, Jamir, Jamis, Manny, Aunt Jeanne; close friends Isaiah, Dre, Jamir, Jamis, Manny,
Bradley, the Shaws, Blake, and DaQuan, Kylie, Kai, the Riggins, the Clayton Rugby team, Clayton High School "O" Line, "The Herd of Cows," Clayton High School defense, Clayton High School football team, Belmont Rugby team, the boys of 107 D, Bootleggers Rugby team, and a long list of extended relatives and friends who loved him.


Visitation:
Saturday, September 18
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Temple Baptist Church
1250 S. Pollock St.
Selma, NC 27577

Funeral Service:
Saturday, September 18
2:00 PM
Temple Baptist Church
1250 S. Pollock St.
Selma, NC 27577

Interment:
Brown Cemetery
Green Pond, SC