Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Obituary For James W. Napper

James Wilson Napper, Jr. 86, of Preston Rd., Martinsville departed this life Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was born July 28, 1936, in Virginia, the son of James Wilson Napper, Sr., and Christana Hairston Napper who preceded him in death.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Nannie Mae Shelton Napper.

James received his primary and secondary education in the Henry County School System. He furthered his education by attending Johnson C. Smith University. James was an educator and Principal who touched the lives of many of his students during his thirty plus years in the Henry County Public School System. James was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and was a former member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include one sister, Larneal Napper Jones of Martinsville, VA; care giver/guardian, Sherine Wilson of Martinsville, VA; two sisters-in-law, Stephanie S. (Kermit) Hairston of Stone Mountain, GA, and Elizabeth Hairston of Martinsville, VA; one niece, Cassandra Jones (Lawrence) Strand of New Kent, VA; one nephew, Harold J. Napper, Jr. of Martinsville, VA; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Pastor E. Leroy Valentine, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 1310 Carver Rd., Martinsville, VA. A public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering, and social distancing is required. Other times, the family will be receiving friends at the home, 3405 Preston Rd., Martinsville.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.

Guest Book

My prayers go up for his family. He was a very kind man and great principal.

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I have fond memories of Mr. Napper from my time at Samuel H Hairston middle school. He was the kindest school principal, always caring and friendly. May he Rest In Peace.

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Gone, but not forgotten. James W. Napper, Albert Haris High School Class of 1954. With Sympathy, Love and Blessings. Albert Harris High School National Alumni Association, Inc.

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Sharing in the transition of your beloved, James W. Napper. Sympathy, Blessings and Love. Cherish the beautiful memories and share them. Marguerite W. Wilson and Tim Witcher

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Our prayers and Condolences to the families, remember Mr Napper as a teacher at Samuel H Hairston School, a man of wisdom and integrity. Irma K Preston family

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In memory of my loving 1st cousin and classmate. You will truly be missed. Sending my condolences. Dorothy Noel Broady and Family

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To the entire Napper, Jones, Hairston family. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Wilson (as our mother use to call him). She spoke of our extended family often and wanted us to know who they were. We had the pleasure of meeting Wilson on a couple of occasions and remembered him as a mild and humble person. We will remember him in this way. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers for your comfort, peace, and continued blessings at this difficult time. It is our hope that we will all meet our loved ones again some sweet day in Glory Land. Love to you all from the children of Rosa Lee Hairston Ramona, Ronald, Ramon, and Roy Hairston

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We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such a gentle and kind man as Mr. Napper. As others have stated, Mr. Napper was also our first principal when we entered the first grade at Samuel H. Hairston Elementary School. We will always remember how he would constantly adjust his tie while clearing his throat. Mr. Napper was a positive role models for all of us! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, Marshall and Mary Thomas

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Mr. Napper and I shared many firsts. When Samuel Hairston School first opened it was the first time I had attended a school with more than one room. It was Mr. Napper's first year teaching. He was my fifth-grade teacher and gave me my first exam. Wonderful Year! Years later, it was my first-year teaching and Mr. Napper was my first principal. Right. At Samuel H. Hairston School! He was always professional; always logical and rational and yet witty. He taught us well and we shall not soon forget him. Rest Now!! Shirley Gallant

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The Pilgrim Travelers of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church send our deepest condolences to Sis. Larneal and the entire Napper family.

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The Pilgrim Travelers of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church send our deepest condolences to Sis Larneal and the entire Napper.

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Mr. Napper and I shared many firsts. When Samuel Hairston School first opened it was the first time I had attended a school with more than one room. It was Mr. Napper's first year teaching. He was my fifth-grade teacher and gave me my first exam. Wonderful Year! Years later, it was my first-year teaching and Mr. Napper was my first principal. Right. At Samuel H. Hairston School! He was always professional; always logical and rational and yet witty. He taught us well and we shall not soon forget him. Rest Now!!

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Forgot to add my name. Orange candle about Samuel Hairston. Prayers for the family and Preston community. Tiffanie G Hairston

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Mr. Napper was the principal at Samuel Hairston School when it became elementary. His kind demeanor and calmness really helped the transition from Spencer Penn go smoothly. I never heard him raise his voice or talk mean yet he had control over the building. He was a community member and lived right down the road. I will cherish those good memories of him and hope he will be happy to see Nan again.

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MR NAPPER WERE A GREAT PRINCIPAL AT SAMUEL H HAIRSTON . FROM THE CLASS OF 1975 FROM G W CARVER H S. LAWRENCE KOGER

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Our sincere condolences to the entire Napper family. Mr. Napper was an extraordinary man, educator, and quiet professional who was a pillar of our community of Preston, Virginia and who touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women throughout Martinsville and Henry County. May he Rest in Peace. With Deepest Sympathy, General (Ret) and Mrs. Dennis L. Via, Brian and Meaghan Via, Bradley Via

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My deepest condolences and sympathy to my Virginia Family. I have only fond memories of the times that we spent together. Love always, Michael Barnes & Family

- Michael S Barnes

Mr.Napper was a terrific principal. It was my pleasure to be his student in the mid 1970's. He was patient, professional and had a smile for everyone.

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A kind, gentle man that loved his rides out just to see "what's happening;" and his love of his family. I was afforded the opportunity to take care of him for awhile and he gave so much laughter to his caregivers. So many fond memories. RIP now Mr. Napper you was a great person. Mary Hurd

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A kind, gentle man that loved his rides out just to see "what's happening;" and his love of his family. I was afforded the opportunity to take care of him for awhile and he gave so much laughter to his caregivers. So many fond memories. RIP now Mr. Napper you was a great person.

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So sorry to hear of the passing of such a gentle giant who walked the halls of Samuel H. Hairston school with class and a find dresser I may add. RIP Mr. Napper Jerry-Derwin- Dee-Dee Diane and Greg

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Praying for the family. Kind, gentle, caring. Mr. Napper was a wonderful man and great educator. So grateful to have been impacted by his greatness.

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Love you family!

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Pilgrim Baptist Church will always remember the Napper family on the West end of Martinsville. Rest in peace Mr.James.

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Sending Condolences and love to the Napper Family..an Educator and an Exemplary Man among MEN. The G.W.Carver class of 1971..We are because you Were. Nelson Thomas and Family, and Classmates.

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Larneal and the entire Napper family,you have our deepest sympathy. You have been a wonderful sister to Mr. Napper with all your family's help. God bless you all for a job well done. Mr. Napper will always be remembered as a very nice gentleman. Willie Mae and Peter Harris

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I worked with Mr Napper at Mt. Olivet Elementary. He was a kind and gentle man.

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We grew up together Sorry to hear your loss. Carolyne Self Green

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA