Oyama Hampton, Jr.

OYAMA HAMPTON JR., 85, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born November 15, 1932, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Oyama Hampton, Sr. and Maude Dixon Hampton. Two sisters preceded him in death: Billie Jean Hampton and Helen Hampton Altimeter. He is survived by one sister Frankie Hampton Seymour (Norwood), Little Rock, Ark. Oyama attended Stephens Grammar School, Dunbar Junior and Dunbar High School. In 1949, at age 16, he obtained his high school diploma and enrolled in Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (AM&N), in Pine Bluff, Ark. He later attended Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Ga., following his military service with the United States Army during the Korean War. On December 8, 1954, Oyama wed Nellie Cummings of Augusta, Ga. The devoted couple of 63 years have five children – Yana Scott (Herbert), Little Rock, Ark., Helen Barnes (Reginald), Little Rock, Ark., Andrea Sue Carter (Tommy), El Paso, Texas, Linda Ball (Daniel), Houston, Texas, and Oyama Hampton, III (Bonnie), Collierville, Tenn.; seven grandchildren - Reginald Barnes, Jr., Yana-Janell Scott, Daniel Ball, Andrew Ball, Daniel Carter, Andrea Chanell Hampton, Kristin Barnes and Oyama Hampton, IV. A frequent visitor of White Memorial Methodist Church during his youth, but a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Oyama was a devoted choir member (bass) and a faithful trustee for over 50 years. His career with the United States Postal Service spanned 37 years before retiring on November 30, 1990. He enjoyed singing bass with both the Art Porter Singers and at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, but his love for cooking was known area wide. He was a passionate, yet old-fashioned, chef who never used a cookbook and kept you out the kitchen while he cooked, but was eager to serve you while the meal was hot. He leaves to cherish his memory a host of family, friends, and neighbors Services will be held on Tuesday, May 1st at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 908 Cross Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, Visitation - 10:00 a.m., Funeral - 11:00 a.m. Internment - Haven of Rest Cemetery - 17919 Pheasant Lane, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72206.