Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.
Herbert Thompson has been a casual funeral home assistant for Hopper Memorial Home, Inc, since 2011.
Herbert Thompson is a Pennsylvania native having graduated from B. Reed Henderson High School (1971), to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education from Cheyney University (1975) and lastly earning a Master’s Degree from Millersville University in Industrial Arts Education (1983).
Herbert proved his dedication to his neighborhood by providing over forty years of service as a Harrisburg school district teacher, athletics coach, Army National guardsman, CLD driver and Motorcoach driver among many other things.
After graduating from Cheyney University, Mr. Thompson would begin his journey as a member of Harrisburg School District’s teaching staff for their middle school in 1975. Around this same time, Mr. Thompson would become an assistant swimming coach as well. As 1985 approached, Mr. Thompson advanced to teaching the Harrisburg High School students as an Industrial Arts Teacher, yearbook teacher and youth mentor through his Sigma Beta Club membership.
In August 1976, Herbert Thompson would marry the love of his life Cherylann Gilliam. Together Cherylann and Herbert joined the Paxton United Methodist Church and were Sunday School teachers for about ten years. They would celebrate their first born, Holly Thompson in 1979 and then their second born, Derek Thompson in 1985. Eventually the couple moved to the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where they have been until this day, working in many different capacities.
Mr. Thompson has a very accomplished career, starting back with his membership into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc in 1972 in Gamma Omicron Chapter. Mr. Thompson served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for 21 years, serving from 1979 to 2000. After acquiring his CDL in 1984, Herbert would spend seven years as a CDL driver, working part time for JB Hunt and PJax trucking companies. In 1985, Mr. Thompson and a group of friends, chartered the Theta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in the Harrisburg area. Ventured in starting up his own trucking company called “Gill/Thom Trucking” with his brother-in-law in 1993. Mr. Thompson ventured into driving charter buses for Mr. John Bailey and company “Bailey Coach: PA Charter Buses” in 1998. He drove for the company for about ten years.
In 2003, Mr. Thompson became a Prince Hall Mason and has played an active role in several different houses since then. As a member of Chosen Friends Lodge #43, he became the Worshipful Master from 2008 – 2009. In June of 2010, Herbert retired from Harrisburg School District with thirty-five years of service. Thank you, Harrisburg!!!
Things you would want the community to know; “I love working and being part of the Harrisburg community. I have had difficulties; however, the community has embraced me as I have it. The many students and friends, which I have made have been a joy. I miss the young men that I mentored during my years at Harrisburg High School with the Sigma Beta Club. I have also enjoyed my church family from Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. With them, I have grown in knowledge of God’s grace and mercy. All things are possible. I pray that with each day I take a step in the correct direction to be the best me that I can be, for the community in which I live and a good husband, father, and grandfather to my family”.
Amanda Humes is an essential worker for regular Hooper memorial services. Provides genuine care and concern for families when dealing with hardship. Amanda uses her experienced skills in communication and customer service to assist the staff with everyday needs. Her service to the community is an outstanding effort. Amanda serves as a board member for the Disability Rights of Pennsylvania, area member of the Special Olympics, as well as a member of The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Pastor’s Aid Ministry. Ms. Humes’ involvement includes being a member of the Harrisburg Area “Speak for Ourselves” movement, volunteering with the Central Pa Food Bank and serving as the President of the Kiwanis Aktion Club in 2009.
The shining smile you need and want to see at everyday
Graduated from Central Dauphin East High School, May 2010
Graduated from Penn state university - Certified in Career studies, December 2021
Brandon T. Carter is a Funeral Home Assistant that aspires to become a Funeral Director and Embalmer. As a servant leader, it brings him great joy to provide families with comforting care, compassion, and confidence when supporting families in their most vulnerable time of need.
Mr. Carter brings experience as an educator, consultant, principal, and central office administrator in both public and private education systems from elementary to high school levels. He has been described as a talented, innovative, and enthusiastic man who has an amazing voice to uplift the spirit of others through word and song.
Mr. Carter serves as Executive Director for the Center for Advanced School Teaching and Learning (CASTL) as well as on the Board of Directors for the Capital Area Music Association (CAMA).
Mr. Carter implemented numerous community enhancement projects and received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Mayor’s Citation from the chief executive of Baltimore City.
He is a member of Social Friendship Lodge #42 (York), Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, where he served as Secretary and Chaplain. In addition, he is a Noble of Himyar Temple #17, (Harrisburg) Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Carter lives his life through the quote, “To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world!”
Jeff along with his wife Annie is the owner of the funeral home. Jeff is a 1985 graduate of Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science Program.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University which he earned in 1992. He enjoys exercising and spending time off with his children – Maggie, Jack and Peter.
Jeff and his family are members of the St. Basil Catholic Church. When time allows, Jeff likes to be active in our community and is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Loyal Order of the Moose, Sons of the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. In 2013, Jeff and his family were the St. Basil Knights of Columbus Family of the year.
Jeff was recognized by the Bobby Walker Administration with their Leadership Award in 2010. He was also recognized by the First Spiritual Church of Covert for his role in community leadership in 2015.