Marion Nathaniel Hopkins, Sr. was born on May 20, 1927, in Bremond, Texas.  He was the fifth of seven children born to David Hopkins and Estella Beatrice Thomas Hopkins. Growing up, he worked with his father and brothers on their family farm.  Raised with a strong sense of independence, he could drive a car before he could ride a bicycle, and he worked at the local railroad as a teenager.  In 1945, at 18 years old, he was drafted to the military, and served on behalf of the United States in World War II, where his intelligence distinguished him as a service member and earned him the great respect of his commanding officers.  Upon his return from the Great War, his family had relocated to Houston, Texas, and he rejoined them, purchasing a home in the Sunnyside neighborhood of South Houston.
Ever the thoughtful and intelligent young man, Marion attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University, graduating with his bachelor's degree from TSU.  Marion was also a great lover of music and classical / operatic performance.  For his senior recital in college, he performed The Trumpet Shall Sound from The Messiah by George Frideric Handel.  Marion would go on to earn a Master's Degree.
On October 27, 1951, Marion married Dorothy Lee Hardaway.  In 1955, the two had one son together, whom they proudly named Marion Nathaniel Hopkins, Jr.
Over his life, Marion had many jobs and enjoyed several di􀀁erent careers, including a Master Chef, mortician, social worker, gas station owner, farm-to-market entrepreneur, realtor, Ford car salesperson, piano salesman, insurance salesman for Afro-American Insurance Company and educator.  He taught school at various levels in Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, New Jersey and North Carolina.
In furtherance of his passion for music, Marion played piano and guitar, taught choir and was a voice coach.  He even had the honor of singing another of Handel's works, Honors & Arms, with the renowned Houston Symphony Orchestra.
Marion's adventurous nature led him to live in various states and to travel to and through five of the World's seven continents:  Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe.
Throughout his life, Marion was a devout Christian.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church until his death.  In fellowship to Christ, Marion shared his wisdom with all of those around him willing to give an ear.  He was an example of excellence to his family and served as a role model for a life well lived for all.  Ever the sharp mind to his final days, he would recite every president since his birth, and he was an invaluable historian and speaker on his family's history, which will keep his legacy alive and enduring.  In his advanced years, he would speak of his goal of reaching 100 years old, speaking of his birthdays as a reverse countdown to 100 years.  Ever the achiever, his journey kept going to 1 year, 7 months and 20 days.  Very well done, indeed.
Marion is preceded in death by both of his proud parents.  All of his siblings have gone home to be with God:  Sallie Mae Hopkins Waites, James Hopkins, Jennetta Beatrice Hopkins Moore, John Hopkins, Luke Hopkins, Sr. and Emma Juanita Hopkins Smith.  His surviving immediate and extended family is thankful to God that HE blessed this Earth with 98 plus years.
To cherish memories of him, Marion is survived by his one loving son and his son's devoted wife, Marion "Lee" Nathaniel Hopkins, Jr.
(Sharon); one grandson, Michael Nathaniel Hopkins; one granddaughter, Zanetta Michelle Jones; one niece, Annita Spivey Stevenson;  two nephews, Larry Hopkins and Roy Hopkins; and an extensive hosts of great,  great-great and great-great-great nephews and nieces and other loving family members and friends.
"Listen, I tell you a mystery:  We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."
1 Corinthians 15:51-52