Dateline: Williamston, NC

Alton "Papa" Oliver Hopewell, 81 of W. Simmons Ave., died Monday, November 16, 2020 at Three Rivers Nursing and Rehab in Windsor.

Alton was born on October 26, 1939 in Martin County to the late Edgar O. and Annie Bell Mizell Hopewell.

Alton was born near Jamesville and lived on a farm until he attended college. He graduated from Jamesville High School and was Valedictorian of the class of 1958. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1962 with a BA in Math and in 1968 with a masters in English.

He was selected Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year and taught math at Leroy Martin Junior High School in Raleigh, 1962-63. He began teaching at Williamston High School in 1963. He taught physics, chemistry, math and English. He was named Assistant Principal at Hayes Elementary School from 1970-71. He was named Coordinator of the Emergency School Assistance Project for Martin County Schools in 1971 and became the Public Information and Community Relations Coordinator in 1974.

He had received Martin County Teacher of the Year and had been the Martin County Education Association President. He had received the Volunteer Award for Martin County and the North Carolina Volunteer Award which was presented by Governor's Jim Hunt and Jim Martin. He also was awarded The Order of The Long Leaf Pine in 1992 by Gov. Jim Martin.

After Alton retired, he continued to work with the county's Student Exchange Program and the Martin County Auditorium. He was past president of the Martin County Arts Council and a charter member of the Williamston Church of Christ, where he served on the board.

Survivors include his son, Jerry Godley of Williamston; sister, Margaret Lilley of Williamston; nephew, Norman Lilley of Greenville; grandchildren, Kristi Godley, Katelyn Godley and Sean Godley; great grandchildren, Kinsey Godley, Gavin Godley and Aria Furlough.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Jamesville Cemetery with Rev. Danny Wobbleton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martin County Arts Council, 124 Washington Street P.O. Box 1134 Williamston, NC 27892 or the Williamston Church of Christ, 201 S Edgewood Ave. Williamston, NC 27892.

Online condolences may be directed to walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Hopewell family