April 26, 1929 – June 21, 2026
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, Peggy and Christine, together with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and beloved matriarch, Reverend Nannie Lou Lampkin. Nannie passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the blessed age of 97.
A faithful servant of God and an inspiration to many, Nannie was a pillar of the New Britain community and a devoted member of Grace CME Church, formerly McCullough Temple. We honor her remarkable journey, her abundant life, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Faith
Nannie was born in Hollywood, Alabama, on April 26, 1929, to the late Eula Pearl Allison and Elijah Ellison. She was the youngest daughter in her family, followed only by her younger brother, William “Bill” Ellison.
Following the passing of her mother when Nannie was just 10 years old, she stayed with her father and siblings, working in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and moving between Alabama and Tennessee. Eventually, she made her way to New England, settling in Connecticut to join her oldest sisters, Jannie Scott and Ana Edwards.
Although Nannie’s formal education ended in the third grade, she was blessed with remarkable wisdom, insight, and spiritual strength. She often credited her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving her the common sense and understanding to face and overcome life’s challenges.
Family, Marriage, and Ministry
While living in Connecticut, Nannie reunited with her brother, Eddie Hue Ellison. Together, they joined Union AME Zion Church and sang in the choir. It was during this time that she met a handsome young man named Julian Lampkin, who had recently been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving four years as a military police officer in World War II. Julian brought Nannie with him to McCullough Temple, where she would faithfully serve for decades in numerous capacities, including the Stewardess Board, the Trustee Board, and the choir. Nannie and Julian were blessed with 68 beautiful years of marriage until his passing on May 30, 2016.
Together, they raised three children, taking immense pride in their diverse accomplishments:
- Tyrone, who became a celebrated musician, drummer, and percussionist with the legendary group Parliament-Funkadelic.
- Peggy, who dedicated her life to practicing medicine as a medical doctor.
- Christine, the youngest of the family, built a successful career in business with GE before retiring and now works at the Starling Physicians Group.
Nannie worked at Stanley Works before retiring to devote herself more fully to ministry. She answered the call to preach and was ordained into the ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as a Local Deacon and Elder. She also completed the Black Ministries Certificate Program at the Hartford Seminary.
A Passion for Life: Cooking and Song
Nannie found great joy in life’s simple gifts: singing, cooking, gardening, and caring for the things that brought beauty and nourishment to those around her. To those who knew the Lampkin family in New Britain, their home was a place of welcome and warmth, where the door was always open and a homemade meal was always ready to be shared.
In Nannie’s kitchen, freshness was essential; frozen and canned food had no place at her table. She was known for her freshly caught fish, fresh greens, homemade cakes and pies, and cornbread made from scratch, often reflecting the same care and patience she brought to her garden.
Nannie embraced life with joy and purpose through fishing, writing music, and singing. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she shared her gift freely and even composed original songs, including the moving piece “Just Wait Until You See the Lord.” Her love of music was so deep that she made sure her daughter Peggy learned to play the piano, investing what was then a significant amount—$7 to $10 for each 15-minute lesson—so Peggy could study with two wonderful teachers, Mr. Valentin and Mrs. Jones.
Legacy and Survivors
Nannie always set her hopes high, often sharing her wish to live to 103, just like her beloved aunt. Though God called her home a little sooner, she departed peacefully at 4:00 AM on Sunday, June 21, 2026, leaving behind 97 years filled with faith, love, strength, and cherished memories.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Julian Lampkin, and her son, Tyrone, the musician.
She leaves behind a rich and beautiful lineage to cherish her memory:
- Daughters: Peggy Lampkin and Christine Burns, both of New Britain.
- Grandchildren: Marc Lampkin and his wife, Kelly of Southington, CT., whom Nannie had the honor of marrying just a year ago; Eric Burns of Houston, TX.; Jason Burns; and Shawn Lawrence of Arizona, and granddaughter, Tanya Colon.
- Great-grandchildren: Tyree Burns, Melanie Burns, Avia Burns, Parisa, Albany Burns, Charlie Lugo and his wife, Bree of Oahu, HI., Grayson, and Octavius Lawrence.
- Great-great-great-grandchild: Kali Burns.
Nannie will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, good neighbors, and lifelong friends.
Acknowledgments
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her special nieces, Sheila Stewart and Marlena Evans; her godson, Corky “Camel” Small; as well as Vivian Williams and Beverly Jelks and Francesca Vega.
A deeply appreciative thank-you goes to Candace Thibeault, who worked tirelessly and lovingly in her care, along with a special thank-you to the Hartford Health Care staff, Aneta, and Joanna for their dedicated support, comfort, and kindness.
Services
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10 AM at Spottswood AME Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain. Burial will follow at State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at 12 PM. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain, and Wednesday morning from 9 AM until the time of the service at the church.
