OBITUARY
Gregory Jerome Hampton
November 6, 1968 – November 29, 2019
Gregory “Greg” Jerome Hampton departed this life on November 29, 2019. He was born November 6, 1968 to Geneva Hampton and John Jeffries in Meridian, Mississippi. His early years were spent as a part of a large extended family in Mississippi whose closeness taught him about the value of the collective. He was later raised in Cleveland, Ohio by his mom and his stepfather, John 'JR' Rush. Greg always had an inquisitive mind and graduated high school with honors. Greg received a B.A. in Economics and African-American Studies from Oberlin College; an M.A. in African-American Studies from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Duke University.
Greg met his wife, Maria, while they were both in graduate school in North Carolina after being connected by a mutual friend in 1995. They later married May 31, 1997. Greg traveled with Maria to finish her training in Washington, DC and Boston, MA where he completed his dissertation and worked at Trinity College, Nobles and Greenough School, and Salem State College. Greg led the pair back to the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore Metropolitan area when he accepted a position at Howard University.
Once settled in the D.C. area, they expanded their family to include Safi and Hodari who were both a tremendous source of pride and joy in his life. Not surprisingly, he is affectionately known as Safi's “YouTube” coach as he taught himself the art of volleyball to work out with Safi and to help her transform into a solid hitter. He became a fixture at the gym near their home where other players would join them for regular workouts. Despite his emerging love for volleyball, he remained a devoted soccer and basketball dad for Hodari by teaching and coaching him in the art of both games. He edited and posted videos to document the skill and athleticism that was developing from their hard work and commitment.
As a poet and semi-professional jazz musician, Greg shared his love for arts and music with his children and supported their active engagement in the school orchestras. Since education and academic achievement have always been a priority, as a family they chose to invest in experiences rather than things. This resulted in family adventures that enhanced the children’s education, transformed them into early explorers, and created lasting memories of family fun. Greg was a Professor of African-American Literature and the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at Howard University. He published articles in the English Journal, the College Language Association Journal, Children’s Literature in Education: An International Quarterly, Obsidian III, and Callaloo. His most recent courses have been about the black body and its portrayal in literature and film. His book, Changing Bodies in the Fiction of Octavia Butler: Slaves, Aliens, and Vampires (Lexington Books) is the first monograph of literary criticism invested in examining the complete body of fiction produced by Octavia E. Butler. Greg’s most recent monograph, Imagining Slaves and Robots in Literature, Film, and Popular Culture: Reinventing Yesterday's Slave with Tomorrow's Robot (Lexington Books) is an interdisciplinary work about the relationship between technology and human nature. In addition to African-American speculative fiction, Greg’s fields of interest include 19th and 20th Century American and African-American literature and gender studies. His next book, The Bloomsbury Handbook to Octavia E. Butler is forthcoming in 2020.
Greg will be remembered for his intellect, infectious laugh, love of science fiction, movies, and music. He will also be remembered for his adventurous spirit, unconditional loyalty to those he loved, and commitment to his family. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Maria Trent, and two children, Safi and Hodari Hampton; mother, Geneva Hampton; sister, Marquita Hampton; mother-in-law, Vivian Trent; sister-in-law, Granette Trent, Esq; brother-in-law, Jacob Marlow (Deborah); chosen brothers, Todd Easler (Lia) and Eric Jones; two god-children, Jada and Quentin Easler; uncles, Herbert Hampton (Clementine), Carl Hampton (Corvette), Alan Hampton, Ezra Hampton, Nathaniel Hampton, Donald Hampton (Vena); aunts, Betty Brown (Othell), Gwen Steele (Lee), Cathy Easley (Larry), Virginia Liburd (Al), Annette Johnson, nieces, a nephew, cousins, friends and his beloved dog, Zuri.
May he rest in peace knowing the depths to which he was truly loved. In his memory, let us remember the legacy he lived, 'I am because we are’ and find strength in his belief that ‘God is change’.
Friends and family are invited to gather at the Dunbarton Chapel, located at Howard University School of Law, 2900 Van Ness St. NW, Washington D.C., 20008, at 10am. A memorial service will start at 11am with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider making contributions to https://www.supportful.com/hampton.trent
Services
| 7 December |
Visitation10:00 am - 11:00 am Howard University School of LawDunbarton Chapel
2900 Van Ness St. NW |
| 7 December |
Ceremony11:00 am Howard University School of LawDunbarton Chapel
2900 Van Ness St. NW |
Memories
Gregory Jerome Hampton
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYLinda Hampton
December 6, 2019
Praying God gives you strength to endure. I am here if you need me.
Sincerely,
Annette Baldwin
December 6, 2019
Maria, I am deeply sorry and sad for your inconceivable loss. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
Annette
Tasha perkins
December 6, 2019
My first cousin the oldest boy born in the Hampton family... I remember visiting him in Cleveland when we were little having snowball fights... I never thought this day will be here and I will miss him
I love you big cousin 💖
Sue Ellen Abdalian
December 6, 2019
I want to add to the chorus another voice though words fail me. With love/Sue Ellen
Marie C Jipguep
December 6, 2019
Dr. Hampton, I wish to thank you for the collegiality you always showed me. You will be sorely missed by your colleagues and your students at Howard University.
Reggie Shuford
December 5, 2019
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Maria, Safi, Hodari, Granette, Vivian, Geneva, Marquita, other family members and friends. I was heartbroken when I heard the news. I never met Greg but heard so much about him through my long friendship with Granette. I know that he was a shining star whose brilliance impacted many and whose absence will be felt by still more. With so much gratitude for the example he set as a husband, father, son and Black man in America and may his memory be a blessing.
Jovan Bess
December 5, 2019
Holding space for the family in the light of love.
Tonia Butler
December 5, 2019
Dear Maria,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of your husband! Sending prayers of comfort to you and your family during this challenging time.
Peace & blessings,
Tonia
Rich Kreipe
December 5, 2019
Dear Maria,
I am holding you and your family close in my heart.
Peace
Rich Kreipe
Katya Gibel Mevorach
December 5, 2019
Brief encounters have lifetime impacts:: Without having heard Greg’s presentation and discussions about Octavia Butler when we were in graduate school, I would never have noticed her books. So a few years into teaching, I saw Butler’s book on the shelf at my campus bookstore - bought it remembering Greg’s talk. And since then, every time I teach or recommend Kindred, Greg’s introduction of this Black woman science fiction writer - a novelty at the time- I remember Greg.
May his soul rest in peace.
W.C. and S.H. Golden
December 4, 2019
Maria, Safi, and Hodari:
Sherita, Andrew, and I send our deepest condolences.
Greg was a wonderful person. We enjoyed spending time with you all, most often breaking bread together, whether Italian food locally or Japanese food in Hawai'i at the last NMA meeting. I won't forget the advice he gave Andrew on approaching college professors about grades.
Please let us know what we can do for you all now and in the future. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Chris Golden
Stacey Cohen
December 4, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Hampton's passing. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family.
Gadah Algarni
December 4, 2019
I am deeply saddened by Dr. Hampton’s passing. May God be with his family during this difficult time of unimaginable pain. The world has lost a wonderful man, a brilliant scholar, and a kind mentor. Howard has lost one of its greatest minds.
In the meetings I had with him over my years at Howard he was always supportive, compassionate, and encouraging. He believed in me and taught me to believe in myself and my research. And for that I will always be grateful. His legacy at Howard continues with the many lives he touched and the scholars he nurtured.
I am fortunate to have crossed paths with Dr. Hampton and I am truly privileged to have known him, worked with him and learned from him. You will be missed, Dr. Hampton. Rest in peace.
Alexia Hogan
December 4, 2019
I took my Sophomore Seminar class with Dr. Hampton back in 2005 or 2006. All I can remember was how passionate he was about language and literature. I remember when a frustrated student asked him if we were looking too deeply into the meaning of a text. He replied with something along the lines of, “You can never look too deep because words carry infinite meaning.” He inspired us to be inquisitive and reassured us that we were no different from students at Yale.
He was the cool professor that commanded everyone’s attention, and he’s solely responsible for my love of Gwendolyn Brooks. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. To his family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Dr. Hampton made such a positive impact on the lives of his students.
Jenifer Grady
December 4, 2019
Maria and family, I'm crushed as a bystander and I cannot imagine the depth of your grief. I'm so sorry that Greg was not a mainstay in my life for the last 10 years like he was for the previous 25. I even remember when he was Gregg. For me, Greg was joy, intellectual inspiration and curiosity, and confidence. It's unfortunate that sometimes we grow up and grow apart. But I was always proud of him, and in awe.
Greg commanded attention in the room and in the conversation. It was fun to verbally spar with him and to hear him spar with others. Greg took nothing for granted. I miss him, his thoughts, and his encouragement. He seemed more mature than the rest of us, though he had a capacity to be silly. It was an honor to see him become a man, and cross paths with him as a husband and father.
Whenever I hear or see a trumpet, I think of Greg, and I always will.
Cathy Samples
December 4, 2019
I had the pleasure of meeting Greg through his wife Maria, a valued colleague , and shared his love of jazz and science fiction. Praying for God's grace and support for Maria, Safi, Hodari and for family and friends and those he has taught and mentored , and I pray that warm memories, and music will give you comfort.
Elisa Rodriguez
December 4, 2019
Sending prayers and love to Maria, kids, family and friends. God bless you all and may He wrap you in His love during this time of sorrow.
Alvin Street
December 4, 2019
My deepest condolences go out the family in the passing of Greg. I did not know him personally nor had I ever met him BUT through a dear friend who told me about the investment he poured into his daughter’s volleyball development I felt I knew him all my life. Greg, I know gave his all to his family but the information I received regarding his daughter was REMARKABLE. This sadness runs so deep because I too invested my all in my daughter’s soccer development and I was able to see her play throughout her college career. Greg will not be afforded this opportunity but as long as cords of memory shall lengthen I will NEVER forget his unselfish love for his daughter in particular and of course the FAMILY. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:15- we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. I’m weeping as I write but I know joy comes in the morning. Love always, Alvin Street
Arelia Johnson
December 4, 2019
Dr. Hampton,
You made my experience at Howard University. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for teaching me. The world is little bit darker without you.
Darlene Holmes
December 4, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss as Greg was such a wonderful man- always helpful and working hard to help his daughter Safi and her teammates. He will be greatly missed -seeing his infectious smile and positive attitude. May he Rest In Peace. Darius, Darlene, Kelsey, Kari Holmes.
Jamila Gladney
December 4, 2019
Dr. Hampton left such an amazing and significant mark on my time at Howard University. My favorite book is one I read in his class. I literally quoted him yesterday saying, “To be a great writer, you must be paranoid about what you say.” My graduation thank you cards stated on the front, “I am because you are.” This was a variation of a lesson he taught me. Just last year, I randomly emailed him when a book he taught on was featured on a tv show. He was my favorite professor at Howard University and I am deeply saddened at his passing. He absence will leave a hole at Howard, his community, and the hearts and minds of many - especially his family. May God be with you all. 🙏🏾
Holly Derrick and Kellen Harding
December 3, 2019
There are no words to describe the heartbreak this incredible loss brings. We are privileged to know this family. Maria, Safi, Hodari, please know we're thinking of you and sending all of our love and prayers to you. We hope that in time, the unimaginable sadness and heartache you feel now can be somewhat eased with loving and fond memories of all the wonderful times you've shared together. You've always made us feel nothing short of completely welcomed with every interaction we've shared with you and we are grieving with you.
Stephanie Tisdale
December 3, 2019
Thank you Dr. Hampton for introducing me to Octavia Butler. I was an English major and I took your Major Author course (2002-2003) where we explored all things Octavia Butler! You gave us space to think deeply about “sci-fi” and to recognize the ways that our African culture exists between realms and beyond reality. The highlight of that experience was when you brought Octavia Butler to campus for the symposium that you hosted. I missed parts of it due to my class schedule but I will never forget walking in during her keynote speech. She was on stage speaking and her energy is something I will never ever forget. We had already read so much of her work in your class but seeing her in person and hearing her voice was incredible. I reflect on that moment often. Since then, I’ve read and reread her works attempting to connect more deeply to this woman whose voice you amplified and supported long before the rest of the world had a clue.
I pray that your family finds comfort in knowing you’ve touched so many lives. Too many to count. And each of us has touched more lives and taken your insight with us into the spaces where we find ourselves. Your impact cannot be measured and your bright light will continue to vibrate in the cosmic realm. I am certain you will travel on where space nor time exist.
Angel Dye
December 3, 2019
Dr. Hampton was one of the most brilliant professors I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing and studying with. His intelligence, his charisma, and his excitement all made literature come alive for me. It’s part of why I’m pursuing my Ph.D. now. Howard University has gained an angel. We love you and will cherish your memory in our hearts forever, Dr. Hampton. This is a communal ache.
Brittany Lee-Wright
December 3, 2019
Dr. Hampton was the first professor that made graduate school seem tangible for me! While he was extremely intelligent, he was able to teach in a manner that made learning for everyone. A decade later, my time in his class influences my teaching style as I force my students to be able to strip down all of their academic jargon to portray their comprehension of various concepts. #arealone #teachergoals
Tiajuana L. Tillman, M.A., MBA
December 3, 2019
💔In life, some of us are fortunate to cross paths with AMAZING INDIVIDUALS: Individuals who are guiding angels. I’m glad we crossed paths Dr. Hampton. God knew I needed you during my journey. You’re the greatest Mentor, Graduate Director, Committee Chairman, Professor, and Author I knew. My heart is aching.💔❣️💔 After I successfully defended my thesis at Howard University, I received an email from you with a famous Octavia Butler quote: “All that you touch you change; all that you change changes you.”
You are forever loved, admired, and inspiring Dr. Gregory J. Hampton.
Rest in ETERNAL PEACE!
Josefine Haynes-Battle
December 3, 2019
Words cannot express the sadness we feel about the loss of such a wonderful man, husband and father. Greg and his family mean a lot to our family and we treasure every moments spent with him and his family during volleyball practices and long tournament weekends. He will be in our hearts forever and we keep the Hampton/Trent family lifted up in prayers. Dearest Maria, Safi and Hodari: We are here for you. Praying for peace during this time of mourning. God bless.
Josefine Haynes-Battle, Jeff & Briana Battle, Julian & Marissa Haynes