Nancy Hopkins White

Nancy Hopkins White, beloved wife of Jack White, passed away peacefully in her home at The Chesapeake on October 19, 2024.  Born on November 7, 1943 in Poquoson, she was the cherished youngest child of Edith and Robert Goodwin (Buddy) Hopkins, Sr., sister to her brothers, Robert G. Hopkins, Jr. (Libby) and John Mahlon Hopkins (Lois), and aunt to Ronald Wayne Hopkins, all of whom have predeceased her.

Nancy lived a life of service, dedicated to her family and her music ministry at Tabernacle UMC in Poquoson where she voluntarily gave of her time and talent to serve as the church organist for 59 years.  In addition to having a full-time career at NASA, she also voluntarily gave of her time to play for weddings, funerals, baptisms, cantatas, worship services or special gatherings of her church family whenever asked.

Nancy grew up in Poquoson where she and Jack were in school together.  He sat behind her in the fourth grade and got in trouble for pulling her pigtails.  It apparently made an impression, as they continued that relationship for 70 years.  When she was in high school, her family moved to Hampton and she graduated from Hampton High School in 1962. 

When she returned to Poquoson, she married her childhood sweetheart, Jack, and spent 56 years celebrating that inevitable union.  They built a home in Poquoson where they made a lifetime of wonderful memories entertaining friends and family in their home around the pool.  In 2016, they moved to The Chesapeake Retirement Community, where they met wonderful new friends and made more good memories. 

Nancy graduated from Longwood College and William and Mary with B.S. and M.S. degrees in mathematics.  She retired from NASA Langley Research Center after 38 years and went back to work for a private contractor at NASA for another 8 years.

Nancy was an active member of Tabernacle UMC in Poquoson where, over the years, she also served as treasurer, director of Vacation Bible School, and member of the handbell choir, the administrative board, Susanna Wesley Circle, and the prayer shawl group.

In addition to music, she loved to travel, read, knit, and play bridge.  She always looked forward to a day of shopping and dinner with friends and family.  Although she and Jack had no children, they were blessed with nieces and nephews and their extended families, whom she loved dearly and were always in her thoughts and prayers.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Jack; four nieces Julie Hopkins (Jim) Pigg of Fort Mill, SC., Cindy Hopkins (Donald) Moore, Angie Hopkins (Mike) Armentrout, both of Poquoson, Jane Garrett White (Xavier Villaire) of Vienna VA; four nephews John Mahlon Hopkins Jr. (Cathy) of Gloucester, Michael Ray Hopkins Sr. (Kelly) of Portsmouth, Brian Neal Hopkins (Kim) of Matthews, and Robert G. Hopkins III of Stuarts Draft; her sister-in-law Zoan Hite, brother-in-law Albert S. White III (Elizabeth), and sister-in-law Rose W. Winter, all of Poquoson.  Nancy also leaves behind six great nieces, seven great nephews, and two great great nieces and three great great nephews.

A Celebration of Life and Music to honor Nancy’s journey will be held on Sunday, February 16th at 3:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Tabernacle UMC in Poquoson.  This will not be your typical funeral service.  If you plan to attend, come prepared to join with the organ and congregation in singing some of Nancy’s favorite old hymns of the church.  To encourage everyone to join in the singing, the organist has been assured it is OK to pull out all the stops…NANCY WILL LIKE THAT!  A reception will follow in the church social hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Tabernacle UMC Organist Fund.

Jack would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind gestures during her extended illness.  The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John Kessler and the Virginia Oncology Associates staff for their compassionate and dedicated care throughout the past eight years; the kind care and guidance provided by Amedysis Hospice; and the wonderful angels of Home Helpers who took such loving care of Nancy every minute around the clock for the last eight weeks of her life.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.
Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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