Nannette Hopkins

There is a music scholarship named for Nannette Hopkins at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. From Agnes Scott Collge handbook: Hopkins Hall (1954) was named for Dean Nannette Hopkins, the first teacher employed when Agnes Scott was founded. She remained with the college for 49 years (1889-1938).

Highland Recorder November 4, 1938 ATTENDS FUNERAL OF AUNT Mr. D.N. Calley attended the funeral of his aunt, Miss Nannette Hopkins, which took place in Staunton Monday, followed by burial at Warm Springs. Miss Hopkins died Saturday Oct. 29 in Staunton at the home of her sister, Mrs. J.S. DeJarnette, where she had been visiting since June. More than a year ago Miss Hopkins was stricken with a serious heart aflection after she had returned to Agnes Scott college, Decatur, Ga. to resume her duties as dean. Although confined to her room, she continued in active service until the close of the college year. Advised by her physicians, she tendered her resignation as dean of the college, which was reluctantly accepted by the board of trustees at its meeting in September. She was made dean emeritus and still retained as member of the board of trustees. Quoting from The Atlanta Journal of September 11: “Miss Nannette Hopkins resigns as dean of Agnes Scott college on the eve of the completion of her fiftieth year with that institution. Dr. S.W. Stukes was Elected dean of the faculty and Miss Carrie Scandre dean of the students, dividing the work that Miss Hopkins had carried on in the past. “When Agnes Scott was founded in 1889 the trustees planned to employ a man as principal of the school then known as the Decatur Female Seminary. However, the trustees decided that Miss Nannette Hopkins was a better choice, and she was employed as the first teacher when the school was still on paper,—just a 5,000 subscription list. In September, 1889, Miss Hopkins was chosen as principal of the school. Agnes Scott at that time was merely a day school of grammar grade level. Miss Hopkins saw the institution grow into an academy of high school rank standing nationally. She was principal until 1897, when Dr. F.H. Gaines was elected as the first president and she became dean. She has held that office ever since. Miss Hopkins had looked after the welfare of the Agnes Scott girls in every detail until student control was turned over to the Student Government association. President J. R. McCain, In announcing the retirement of Miss Hopkins, said: “She has been the most potent force in the life of Agnes Scott. I would place her ahead of Colonel Scott, the founder, and of Dr. Gaines, the first president, in the intimate touch she had with the girls and in the remarkable influence she has exereised in the formulation and maintenance of the Agnes Scott ideals.” The president and board of trustees are planning to celebrate next commencement the semi-centennial of the college and of Miss Hopkins’ fifty years of service there. At this time a dormitory and dining hall will be dedicated as “Hopkins Hall” in her memory. The graduating class of 1923 awards “the Hopkins Jewel” to the girl in the graduating class who most nearly has attained Miss Hopkins’ ideal of what an Agnes Scott girl should be. There was a short service at the home of Mrs. DeJarnette at 12:15 Monday, conducted by the Rev. P.A. Roberts, assisted by Rev. H. Truitt. Interment was at three o’clock in the Warm Springs cemetery. In addition to Mrs. DeJarnette Miss Hopkins is survived by another sister, Miss Orra Hopkins, Staunton, a brother, Dr. Frank Hopkins, Hot Springs, and other relatives. Agnes Scott college was represented at the funeral by Miss Carrie Scandre, dean of students, and Miss Mary Ellen Whetsel, president of Student government. - Staunton News Leader. Staunton News Leader November 4, 1938 MISS HOPKIN’S ESTATE VALUED AT $50,000.00 Probated in the city clerk’s office yesterday was the will of Nannette Hopkins. Qualifying as co-executors of the will were Dr. J.S. DeJarnette, Orra Hopkins and Francis D. Calley, who executed bond for $50,000, the estimated worth of the estate, which was entirely in personalty. The will bequeathed certain sums to the deceased’s brother and sisters, stipulated that the net income from the residue is to go to a sister and at her death is to go to nephews and nieces.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 22 2019, 11:15:03 UTC