Reverend Susie Gwendolyn Eley-Hobbs

Susie was born on September 13, 1951 in Nansemond County to Thomas Fenton Eley and Esterine Whitaker Eley Rawlings. She was the third child born to that union.

Susie attended Public School at East Suffolk School and John F. Kennedy High School. She graduated from High School in New York City from Theodore Roosevelt High School. After High School she attended Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. She completed the Certification Course for Phlebotomy at Old Dominion University. After entering the Gospel Ministry she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Norfolk Theological Seminary. She was licensed in the Gospel Ministry in June 2013 at Metropolitan Baptist Church by Pastor Robert L. Hobbs, her husband.

Reverend Susie G. Eley-Hobbs was First Lady of Metropolitan Baptist Church, and worked diligently in support of her husband. She served in many ministries at the church, but was energized by heading the Metropolitan Baptist Church Christmas Gala, which was held for many years in various locations, and the Christmas Community Luncheon for those in need, which was held at the church.

Susie was employed by the Federal Government of Norfolk Naval Base. She held several positions there, but was most proud to serve as a Ramp Coordinator at the Naval Air Station Base. In addition to working for the Federal Government, Susie also did Home Health Care for many years. She was also an entrepreneur and opened up a Novelty Shop after retiring from the Federal Government. She operated Heavenly Sent Collectibles on Hall Avenue and Saratoga Street in Suffolk for many years.

Susie was predeceased in death by her parents, a sister Connie Smith and her stepfather, Issac Rawlings. She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert L. Hobbs; one daughter, Esterine Monique Russell; two sons, Quincy Hobbs and Quantae S. Hobbs and their wives; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bernadette Hyman, Azalea Williams and Echo Edmond; two brothers-in-law, S.T. Williams and Kenneth Edmond; a host of nieces and nephews.

Her motto was, "Let's keep it moving"

A viewing will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County Street, Suffolk, Virginia. A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Metropolitan Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.