HOBBS, Minister Lucille, 79, of Dayton, OH and Hartford, CT, beloved wife for 33 years of the late Rev. Artice Lee Hobbs I, went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, October 7, 2021, surrounded by her family at her home.
Lucille was born May 3, 1942 in Memphis, TN. She was the oldest daughter of the late Rev. Napoleon and Jimmie Lee (Parsley) Blake. She accepted Christ at an early age under her father’s leadership and lived a life that honored her Lord and Savior Jesus.
Lucille graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, TN. After high school, she continued her education at LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, where she studied Elementary Education. Her late husband, Rev. Hobbs, was called to Bethlehem Baptist Church as the Senior Pastor in Holyoke, MA in 1969. Lucille and her family settled in Holyoke and she transferred to the American International College where she continued her studies in education and received her Bachelor’s degree. Lucille’s career in education started at Tapely Elementary School, Springfield, MA, where she taught kindergarten for seven years. After relocating, she received her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Wright State University, Fairborn, OH. She began teaching at Olivehill Elementary School, Trotwood, OH. Lucille later became Principal at Townview Elementary School, Trotwood, where she served until her retirement in May 2005. She served the Trotwood Board of Education, and community for over 35 years.
As the wife of Pastor Hobbs, Lucille and her family assisted in the many ministries of the churches that they stewarded. Lucille has always been known for how she led the worship service through song and praise. She directed several church choirs, taught Sunday school, facilitated spirit-filled Bible study sessions, and was a great missionary leader. Lucille was always serious about the work of our Savior. Her compassion for Christ and God’s people glistened whenever she entered the sanctuary, the beauty parlor, the school building, the neighborhood store, the family gatherings… wherever she was present, it was evident that she was a Believer and wanted to share the good news to all that would listen.
While Lucille’s central focus was her faith and her family, she enjoyed modeling when she first moved to Dayton, cooking delicious meals, interior design, and celebrating holidays with her family and close friends. Lucille could tell a story that would make you cry and tell a joke that made you laugh until you couldn’t breathe. Throughout her life she was able to inspire many and encourage and uplift even more.
Preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Turner; sisters, Beverly Blake-Payne, Carrie Mae Turner; beloved daughter, Arlene Hobbs.
She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her children, Mechelle Hobbs-Warner (William), Renelle Hobbs, Artice Lee Hobbs, II (Danielle), Johnnie M. Russell (Eric Collins), Ernest Lee Payne, Natalie R. Payne; brothers, Clyde Blakely (Laura), Robert Sr., Kenneth Sr., Markus Sr., Brandon and Ashtan Blake; sisters, Rubystein Hawkins-Woodley, Antwanette Jones (Demarius), Angelique Harvey (Barry), Ashley Blake, Ashia Cooper-Colquitt (Jonathan); 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service 11 am Monday, October 18, at The Gateway Cathedral, 5501 Olive Rd Trotwood; Visitation 10-11 am. (Mask Required). Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.
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