Nathaniel Hawthorne Abrams Jr

The Final Act

Heaven opened its gates and bestowed the gift of life upon Nathaniel H. Abrams, Jr., born to Nathaniel Abrams, Sr., and Lena Phelps Abrams in Thomas County.

From an early age, Nathaniel exhibited an inquisitive mind and an eagerness to serve. While attending school Brooks County, he felt compelled to assist his school principal, accompanying him to collect the mail without parental consent. Recognizing his boundless curiosity, his parents transferred him to the Thomasville City Schools, where he attended Douglass High School before graduating from Thomasville High School in 1969, just before full integration.  With an unwavering thirst for knowledge and a deep reservoir of resilience, Nathaniel became one of the few Black students in the late sixties to attend and graduate from Mercer University’s School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia—an accomplishment he carried with great pride, along with the many stories that accompanied his journey.

Nathaniel’s love for the Lord guided him throughout his life. He answered the call of faith early, becoming a member of St. Thomas A.M.E. Church before reaffirming his commitment as a devoted member and Trustee of St. Mark A.M.E. Church.

On April 21, 1979, Nathaniel married Melanie Rawls, and together they experienced the greatest joy of their lives, their beloved sons, Nathaniel H. Abrams III and Kellen Abrams, whose presence brought immeasurable happiness to their family.

Nathaniel’s life was one of purpose and intention. At the age of 15, alongside his dear friend Andre’ Hadley Marria, he sat in a ditch on Pinetree Boulevard, making a solemn vow to return to Thomasville, Georgia, and give back to the community that had given them so much. True to his word, Nathaniel dedicated his life to service and impact.

His career began as a pharmacist before he ascended to the role of Pharmacy Director at Southwestern State Hospital, where he was the first and only person of color to hold that position. He retired with 34 years of distinguished service from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Services.

Never one to be complacent, Nathaniel embraced entrepreneurship, founding Abrams Mobile Document Destruction Services, Inc. in 1999, a time when fewer than 300 shredding businesses existed nationwide. His locally owned company remains a testament to his vision, fostering both economic growth and environmental responsibility within the community.

Nathaniel was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. He became the first Black licensed realtor in Thomas County to actively work with an agency and later served as the first Black and youngest chairman of the Thomasville City Board of Education.

Facing every challenge with unwavering determination, Nathaniel never wavered from the path he believed to be right. His resilience, strength, and sense of duty led him to numerous leadership roles, including past chairman of the Archbold Hospital Board and its Compensation Committee, as well as serving on the Executive Committee and as Secretary of the Archbold Medical Center Board. He also served on the Board of Directors at Thomas University.

In 2011, Nathaniel found the love of his life, Debra Jackson Cochran. Together, they built upon his legacy, walking hand in hand with a shared vision and unwavering devotion. Of their love, he said, "She made loving her so easy, and it was my pleasure to do so".

Nathaniel was a proud life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Thomasville Alumni Chapter, and an esteemed member of The Rotary Club of Thomasville. He served on numerous boards, including the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation and as chairman and founding member of Spark Thomasville, a mentoring program for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also completed terms on the boards of the Thomasville National Bank and the Lawson Neel Med Bank, where he served as chairman. His involvement in countless other organizations speaks to his deep-rooted commitment to community service.

Nathaniel leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and perseverance. Cherishing his irreplaceable memory are his devoted wife, Debra J. Abrams; his beloved sons, Nathaniel III "Nate" Abrams (Joya) of Atlanta, GA; and Kellen Abrams of Atlanta, GA; and his cherished grandsons, Bennett and Christopher Abrams. He is also survived by his loving sister, Doris Clark of Thomasville, GA; his sister-in-law, Myra Abrams of Macon, GA; and his brothers-in-law, Trenis Jackson (Helen) of Oak Park, IL, and Eric Jackson of McDonough, GA. His nephews, Carlton Denson (LaTanya) of Nashville, TN, David Clark (LaStacia) of Biloxi, MS, Forrest Jackson (Oak Park, IL), Jonathan Abrams (Macon, GA), and nieces, Kara Jackson (Oak Park, IL) and Monica Abrams (Macon, GA), will forever hold him in their hearts, along with and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Among those dearest to him were his beloved family friend, Mrs. Rosemarye Boykins, and his best friends, Walter Marria, Jr., and Andre’ Hadley Marria, who, as promised, walked with him every step of his journey home.

Nathaniel H. Abrams, Jr. lived a life of purpose, impact, and unwavering faith. His final act was not one of departure, but of a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations

In Lieu of Flowers, The Family of the late Nathaniel H. Abrams Jr requests that any expression of love be made to Lawson Neel Med Bank, Archbold Foundation, the Salvation Army, or Spark Thomasville.