Deacon Andrew Napier

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.