Nathaniel Hopkins

Please click here to view the live stream of the funeral service. The live stream of the funeral service for Mr. Nathaniel Hopkins will begin at 2:30pm on Saturday, July 30th.

Nathaniel Hopkins was the last child born to Curtis Daniel and Mary Ellen Hopkins. Nathaniel, affectionately known as "Big Nick," was born on August 24, 1947, in Millsboro, Delaware. All of his siblings Daniel Curtis, John Sylvester, Samuel Ray, Mozelle, and Robert Lee, made growing up on William Street Road exciting times. Nick was the last surviving member of the immediate Hopkins family.

Nick began his education at The Harmon School, also known as Warwick. No. 225. A historic one-room rural school building located near Millsboro, Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in the early 1920s and is a one-story structure with wood shingles in the Colonial Revival style. He graduated from the former William C. Jason Comprehensive High School with honors. He attended and graduated from Delaware State College (now Delaware State University) with honors in 1969. Nick graduated from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a master's degree in Physics & Math in 1971. While in graduate school, he met the love of his life, Edith M. Gainey, and her two children, Nathaniel and ZsaZsa Estelle (deceased).

Nick and Edith were united in holy matrimony and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1971. From that union, two children were born, Zakiya Lateefah in 1973 and Ogbonna Lateef in 1978. Nick worked over the next 30 years, finally retiring from The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Graduate School in 2004.

Before his retirement, Nick and Edith begin to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. They both became enthusiastic about what they were learning as Bible Students and symbolized their dedication to Jehovah God by water immersion in 1987. Nick loved helping and encouraging others to get to know the True God, Jehovah. He became an excellent teacher of Bible truths. He could quickly recall scriptures and apply them to everyday life situations. He loved his ministry! He was motivated to educate all he met in the Field Ministry. As a result, January 12, 2000, Nick was appointed as an Elder in the Largo Congregation. He also attended Pioneer Service School.

Nick enjoyed life and loved having fun! Playing any card game was his thing. He even claimed to have put the "P" in Pinochle. He also claimed others would always be "second best" to him, especially his daughter, Zakiya. We gathered for Friday night card games every time he was in the hospital. He loved music! Whenever he heard James Brown, The Temptations, or any "oldie but goodie," he was ready to get on the dance floor. Nick loved to drive. He visited or drove through at least 3/4'" of the 50 United States. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, but more importantly, for his adherence to Theocratic Order. Nick was a great husband, kind, loving father, and provider. According to Edith, "he was the best thing that ever happened to her."

He leaves his wife Edith of 50 years to mourn and cherish his memory. Two sons, Nathaniel (Debbie, deceased), Gainesville, FL, and Ogbonna; one daughter Zakiya; four grandchildren, Nathaniel, Christopher (Sakeena), Mathias Ogbonna, ZsaZsa Edith; two great-granddaughters, Rayne and Ava; three sisters-in-law, Margret Ann (Samuel Ray), Evelyn (Robert Lee), and Gwendolyn; two brothers-in-law Harvey (Mozelle deceased) and Levon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and loving friends.