Deacon Andrew J. Napier (1949–2023)
To sum up the life of Deacon Andrew Napier, it
would be, I will trust in the Lord until I die. Deacon
Andrew Jackson Napier Jr. Age 74, of Wilmington,
DE, peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to
his heavenly rest surrounded by his family on
December 19, 2023. The family believes that during
his transition, Deacon Napier caught a glimpse of
glory and was ready to meet his Master.
Deacon Napier was born in Parkdale, Arkansas in
1949 to Elizabeth and Andrew Napier Sr. He was so
proud to be from the Pine Bluff, Parkdale, and Little
Rock, Arkansas areas. He graduated from Latgrant
Wilmot High School before moving to Delaware to
work for the Chrysler Corporation as a Lineworker to
where he was employed for 33+ years before
retiring.
Deacon Napier met the love of his life, Ruthena
Wiggins in 1972 ironically at a funeral. From that
moment on, Deacon Napier was in hot pursuit and
determined to make Ruthena his wife. Excited to
start their new lives together, the two were married
August 18, 1973 at New Hope Baptist Church in
Wilmington DE. This was a smart move because
getting married on his birthday, Deacon Napier
ensured that he would never forget their
anniversary.
Andrew and Ruthena started a family of their own,
and their children Ken and Carl meant the world to
him. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his boys
who turned into wonderful men that made him
proud.
Though Deacon Napier was a loving husband and
devoted father, He LOVED being a grandparent. He
treasured his time with his grandkids and loved
being their Poppop, never failing to spoil his grands.
Andrew and his wife Ruthena were practically
inseparable. Andrew loved his "Ru" and they were
rarely apart. Even if his wife could sneak away,
Andrew would patiently wait in the kitchen, by the
window until she walked through the door. From
taking a drive, eating at the Rt. 40 Diner, to
shopping, they were together through it all. Being
the loving and devoted wife, Ruthena never left
Andrew's side while he was in the hospital up til the
very end.
Deacon Napier was passionate about two things
besides his wife: the Lord and the Philadelphia
Eagles. Deacon Napier will tell anyone who would
listen about the goodness of the Lord. Even through
his most difficult times, people would call to
encourage him, but they left encouraged because
he shared his love for the Lord with everyone.
Deacon Napier also spend his Sundays or Mondays
during football season as the Assistant Coach of the
Eagles from his chair at "Eagles Headquarters." In
addition to football, Deacon Napier loved to fish,
play pool, and basketball. He also loved spending
time with his family on vacation and sitting by the
water. He said he found peace and serenity by the
water.
Deacon Napier was an active member of New Hope
Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE for 45 years
serving as a Deacon, Trustee, and a member of the
Male Chorus, better known as "The Thundering
Herd." Later, he proudly joined Redeeming Love
Outreach Ministries where is son was Pastor. Not
only was he a Deacon, but he was Redeeming
Love's Holy Ghost hype man and prayer warrior.
Deacon Napier will always be remembered by his
love for the Lord and the way that he prayed
faithfully every morning. We’ll always imagine
hearing him say "Hallelujah ” or " You Gotta Live
What You Preach" one more time. We couldn’t have
asked for a better husband, father, brother, uncle
grandfather, and most of all man of God, and will
miss Deacon Napier every day. His memory will live
on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Deacon Napier was preceded in death by his
parents and his sisters Rubie Napier and Ernestine
Norwood.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 50
years Ruthena; sons Pastor McKenley (Co-Pastor
Geamarice) and Carl; bonus daughters Deac
Shawnice (Min. Ron) and Monique; sisters Beatrice
Hymes and Gloria Evans; sister in law Denise
(Deacon John); grandchildren Jameir, Kendra, and
ArieLynn. And a host of nieces and nephews from
both Delaware and Arkansas, and extended family
within the Tri-State area.
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