James Franklin Napoleon

“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

James Franklin Napoleon eldest Progeny of the late Melton and Pearl Williams Napoleon Ross came forth into this world on November 6, 1919. “Doc” as he was affectionately called attended and graduated from the Marlboro County Public Schools. Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and served his country for four years and received an honorable discharge on March 12, 1948. Mr. Napoleon returned to Bennettsville and began working for former Mayor for the city of Bennettsville, The Honorable Troop Crosland. While continuing to work for the Crosland’s he became an employee of Marlboro Wholesale Grocery as a truck driver. He was a dedicated and loyal employee of the business for the duration of his employment and retired in 1984. Mr. Napoleon knew the importance of salvation and at a young age he decided to make Jesus his choice. He was a lifelong member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church located in Bennettsville, South Carolina. He served the church in numerous capacities, namely the trustee ministry, senior choir, male chorus, assistant church clerk and the men Sunday school class. He loved his church and gave from his heart to ensure that the church would meet its goals and objectives as they grew the kingdom of God.

In 1970 Mr. Napoleon became a member of Landmark Masonic Lodge # 16 of free accepted mason under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina. His achievements in Landmark Lodge include Most Worshipful Master, Which is the highest ranking officer in the blue lodge. Mr. Napoleon had a heart of Gold and a personality that was impeccable. He enjoyed reading, and the Bible was his favorite book.  In 1988 he left Bennettsville for Chicago, Illinois where he was united in Holy matrimony to Mrs.Doretha Robinson Chapman. The lovely couple returned to Bennettsville South Carolina after their union to reside at 305 King Street. After his health began to decline in 2011, and he could no longer maintain a normal quality of life he became a patient of Agape Hospice. For over four years he received the best professional and courteous health care service from the many, certified nurses, nurses assistant. Social workers and the entire staff. Demetrius McBride Ford was his God sent angel and did an outstanding job rendering care to him. She along with Ethel McArthur or now extended family members, and we will never forget them.

Mr. Napoleon is survived by his devoted wife of the home Two sisters, Christine Napoleon of Brooklyn NY, and Ophelia Williams of Bennettsville. His children Lillie Mae David, Edward C. (Carlena) Smith, Reverend James E. (Tawanka M.)Smith Grand Children Croshanda S. (Ronteria) Covington, Kendrick Smith, Charles, N. (Sharon) Smith Vermesha Smith, Lamont Curtis and a very special grandson Marlon D. Smith Sr. (Sche’vaun) who rendered untiring care and was a gracious and loving caretaker for many years. Also left to cherish his memory are four loving and caring nieces Christine, Pearl, Joyce and Doris Napoleon of Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Napoleon also had three awesome cousins who ensured that all of his needs were met and loved him dearly Bessie M. Simmons, Carolyn Gregg and Morris Brown and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
 

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 305 King Street, Bennettsville. 

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