In the warm embrace of the Lord, The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, known affectionately to all as Hopeton, was called to his heavenly home Sunday, Jan. 7, surrounded by his loving family.

Born under the Jamaican sun in the vibrant city of Kingston, Hopeton was a beacon of light and love to everyone he encountered. He departed from this earthly realm, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and unwavering faith.

Hopeton was a cherished husband to his beloved wife, Shelia Clennon, a guiding father to his son, Andrew Clennon of Bethlehem, and his daughters, Danielle Landis, alongside her husband Jared of Limerick, and Hope-Elizabeth Clennon-Hibbert with her husband Randy of New Jersey. His life was further blessed by the laughter of his grandchildren, Nathaniel and Grace. He was a brother who walked in love with his sisters, Evett Joy Barnett of Los Angeles, and Bethinia (Betty) Edwards of Jamaica.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Enos Leopold Clennon and Iris May (Jones) Clennon, and his late sisters, Andrea Mae Clennon and Denese Clennon.

Hopeton’s journey of enlightenment began at the University of the West Indies and the United Theological College of the West Indies. His thirst for knowledge was quenched at the fountain of wisdom, and his spirit was molded by the hands of those who taught him.

Ordained in 1983, he ministered to the flock of the Jamaica Province of the Moravian Church. In 1989, the Lord called him to new pastures in the United States. There, he shepherded the congregations of Faith Moravian Church in Washington, D.C., Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, and the Moravian Church of Downey, near Los Angeles, CA. His devotion and service were recognized in 1998 when he was consecrated as the 320th bishop of the worldwide Moravian Unity.

In 2013, Hopeton became the Senior Pastor for Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem. Beyond the pulpit, Hopeton served as a guiding light at Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary, offering wisdom and comfort as their Chaplain. His work was not confined within the walls of the church; it extended into the hearts and lives of all he encountered.

Hopeton was a man of many interests, including an avid stamp collector and a world traveler. His heart, however, always led him back to his roots. He was a driving force in the renovation of Camp Hope in Jamaica, the very place that shaped his youth.

His passion for helping others led him to secure funding to improve elementary schools in Jamaica’s impoverished areas, ensuring that the light of education would shine upon the faces of children just as it had on his life.

Kindness was the cloth from which Hopeton was cut, friendliness was the path he walked, and faith was the staff he carried. He lived a life that exemplified these virtues, touching the lives of countless individuals with his gentle smile and warm embrace.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St. Bethlehem.

Visitation hours will be held Friday, Jan. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 for Camp Hope.

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