Claudette Maxine Harper-Hopkins was born August 8, 1949 on the Caribbean Island of St. John's, Antigua, British West Indies to the late Mrs. Rebecca G. Walker-Punter and Michael G. Harper, and the wife of late Deacon Odis Hopkins. She was reared in a Christian home, and continued on that Christian journey. Claudette was a mother to many of the students at Claflin University where she was employed. God saw that her work on earth was done and called her to her eternal rest. She answered HIS call and departed this life on December 2, 2025.

Claudette began her education at T.O.R. Memorial High/Finishing School in Antigua, and completed her education in the United States; graduating from William Howard Taft High School, Bronx, N.Y. and the Wood School of Business, NYC. She was a member of St. John's Cathedral (Antigua), and Holy Trinity (Barbuda, where she spent her summer holidays). Upon relocating to New York City, she became a member of St. Martin Episcopal Church, NYC, continuing on her Christian journey.

Claudette was employed by Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and the CIT Group, NYC in the department of Corporate Credit from 1969-1987.

On May 28, 1983 she was united in holy matrimony to the late Deacon Odis Hopkins, and on April 5, 1987 she and Odis relocated to St. George, SC. She was employed by Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC for 35 years.

Under former President, Dr. Oscar A. Rogers, who established the Mentoring Program at Claflin University, Claudette served as one of the first mentors to the University's students. Dr. Rogers recognized her finesse as well as her concern for the overall well-being, academically and socially for the students, her innate ability to handle delicate matters, and the high level of confidence the students entrusted in her. Under his administration she also served as Advisor to Claflin University Gospel Choir, and other committees including: Coronation, Homecoming, and Student Handbook. Other committees served, Faculty and Staff Advisory Council on Institutional Advancement (FASACOIA).

Claudette worked as the Senior Administrative Assistant for the Division of Student Development and Services under the supervision of Dr. Leroy A. Durant, Vice President for 21 of the 35 years at the University. They developed an excellent working relationship, and who she described to everyone as stern, but fair, and often referred to Dr. Durant as the boss above all other- the boss of all bosses.

Continuing her Christian journey, auxiliaries include, Episcopal Church Women, Counselor to the Canterbury Club (St. Paul Episcopal Church, Orangeburg, SC); Asst. Director Young People Dept. (YPD) & Gospel Choir, Bethel AME Church, St. George, SC., and as a faithful and dedicated member of St. Mark Baptist Church (Texas Community), St. George, SC, where she served as a Deaconess, President of the Pastor's Aide Ministries for seven years, Youth Advisor to the South Carolina Congress of Christian Education Lovely Hill Sunday School Congress, Secretary to the Willing Workers, member of the Senior, Jubilee and G. Britt Choirs, Bible Study Class, Sunday School Treasurer, Co-Director of Vacation Bible School, and in other capacities. Professional organizations: South Carolina College Personnel Association (SCCPA) and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

Claudette is preceded in death by two brothers, Cecil and Claude; sister-in-law, Betty; Aunt, Eleanor; Uncle, Ivan; and her fur son - Mr. Briggs.

Claudette leaves to cherish with fond memories: a loving, faithful and devoted family; Daughter, Phermella L. Tullock (Ferlondo), Grandson and Granddaughter, Ethan and Elon Tullock, Gaston, SC; Brothers, Carl (Norma) NYC, Michael and Keith, NY; Sisters, Carlene of the home; and Carolyn, NYC; Aunts: Thora Walker-Jarvis and Heather Walker-Roberts (Pascal), Ontario, Canada; Uncles, (Ilette), Baltimore, MD, and Winston Walker (Cicely), Oppalaca, FL;

Sisters-in-law: Merle, Violet, Mabel, Cynthia, Linda, Carrie Ann, and Allisom; Brothers-in-law: Gregory, and Owens, Jr.; Nieces: Princess, Stacey, Shamika, Tiffanie, Sharlyn; Nephews: Emerson, Carl, Jr., Blaine, Cecil, Jr., La Terrance (Tinka); Childhood friend/cousin, Eulenis Parker-Bailey; Long-time devoted family friend, Sonia Mongford, Toronto, Canada; Friends, Dorothy B. Britt, Ora Lee Murray and Jennifer Williams; Claudette had a host of other relatives, friends, and an extended family to include Miriam Walker-Samuels, Alabama.