Eddie Toppen Jr.

Eddie Toppen Jr. was born August 5, 1930, in Houston, Texas, to Eddie Sr. and Mrs. Julia Mitchell Toppen. Eddie Jr. was the second oldest of four children, James, Betty, and Wilma Jean. He attended and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School. He received an advanced degree in Biblical Studies with honors, from the Charles Harrison Mason Bible College.

His spiritual walk began with his conversion in 1953 and he was called to the ministry in 1956. He became the pastor of Greater New Solomon Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in 1980 and served with distinction until retiring in December 2017. It was a small church of just 11 members, but through his leadership and guidance, the church prospered. He oversaw the construction of a five thousand foot sanctuary and a four thousand foot multipurpose building.

Superintendent Toppen was diligent in all his assignments and he served in several local, district and national capacities. He served as the Superintendent of the Original Beaumont District (OBD), Texas Southwest Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent, National COGIC Adjutant and an original member of the National Prayer Team under the Auxiliaries in Ministry Chairman. He was emeritised as Superintendent of the OBD in 2013 and as Pastor of Greater New Solomon Temple in December of 2017.

In the secular world, Superintendent Toppen was a veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Army. He also served as the Chief Cook at Herman Hospital for twenty seven years. He was a recipient of the Dr. Allen J. Hines Achievement Award for Outstanding Service to Christian Education along with several other awards. Superintendent Toppen authored and published two books “The Danger of Unforgiveness” and “No Dead-end after Death, the Bible Speaks.”

Superintendent Toppen was blessed with an amazing wife, Mattie, who he referred to as his “Silver and Gold.” They were blessed with seven children Joseph S., Edward E., Sharon E., Carolyne E., Shelia J, Anthony S. and Laura J.

Superintendent Toppen departed this life on January 30, 2022. Superintendent Toppen was preceded in death by his father and mother, his Wife Mattie, his daughter Sharon, his brother James, his sister Wilma Jean Goudeau. He is survived by his sister Betty Henson, sons Joseph, Edward, and Anthony and daughters Carloyne Bowie (Gerald), Shelia Toppen and Laura Solomon (Eric), numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews and other family members.

A gathering and visitation for EDDIE will be held Friday, February 11, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Williams Temple Church of God In Christ, 2524 Delano Street, Houston, TX 77004. A homegoing celebration will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Williams Temple Church og God In Christ, 2524 Delano Street, Houston, TX 77004. A committal service will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.