Nyles B. Hopkins "Benji"

Nyles B. Hopkins "Benji", beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and cousin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at the age of 19 years. He was born on August 28, 2001 in Saginaw, Michigan to Benjamin and Sherlene (Boggs) Hopkins.

Nyles was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he was baptized at the age of 12. After being baptized he told his mother, “I feel like a new man”. He was a junior usher and also played in the church league. He attended Jessie Rouse Elementary and Thompson Middle School. He played AAU basketball for Greenwood Elite for two years. He graduated from Saginaw High School, with the Class of 2020, making the most of his senior year even during the pandemic. Nyles continued his education working on his Cybersecurity degree online at Delta College.

Benji loved visiting new places and hanging out with his friends, especially the 672 camp boys. He was always smiling and laughing wherever he was. He was a hard worker, being employed at many places such as Firehouse Car Wash, Big Johns, and Meijer to name a few.

Nyles was affectionately called “Baby Bird” by his mother, “Alibaba” by his bonus godmother, and “Benji” by his friends. He will be missed by everyone that he has ever met: family, friends, co-workers, and classmates.

He leaves to cherish loving memories his parents, Benjamin and Sherlene Hopkins; two brothers, Shavell Shivers and Styles (Angel) Hopkins; niece, A’laiya Hopkins; grandparents, Willie James and Shirley Boggs; godparents, John (Kimberley) Bond and Gwendolen Bond; godsister, AuriOddney Clements; godbrother, Alfred O’Neal; bonus godmother, Teaneka (Anthony) Blackmon; five aunts, Linda (Billy) Thomas, Paulette Lowery, Sharon Hopkins, his na na Elaine (Anthony) Watson, Georgia (Harold) Wilson; six uncles, Clyde (Luella) Hopkins, Pastor Lafayette Simpson, Darren Hopkins, Willie Joe (Deborah) Boggs, Larry Boggs, Marvin Boggs; special cousins, Myanna Scott, Erik Wilson, Tevan Blackmon, Jadan Blackmon, and Xavion Hopkins; many other cousins, loved ones and friends, including special friends, 672 camp boys, Porter “Diddy” Bledson IV, Omarion “Omar” Moore, Dyterres “DT” Lindsey, Taurence “T-Mac” Hill, Perry “P” Hamilton, and Keenan Liggans.

Nyles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mildred Lowery and Henry Hopkins; aunt, First Lady Janice Hopkins-Simpson; and cousin, Jowhan “Bullet” Thomas.