Marjorie Virginia Hobbs

Mother Marjorie V. Hobbs was born May 15, 1935, in Norfolk County Virginia, to the late Willie L. Arnold and Sarah Virginia Arnold. She was the fifth born of ten children. Mother Hobbs was a graduate of Norfolk County High School, class of 1953.  She often talked of being a part of the homecoming court at her high school. Yet what she talked of the most, concerning her teen years, was being baptized and filled with the holy ghost at the age of fifteen.  That experience out shined everything else.  And it changed her life so much, that she wanted to tell everybody about a Savior who could make your life brand new and encourage them to come and have this life changing experience.

She was not only known for telling others about Christ but administering prayer in the homes of those in need as well.  During this time of her life, she was under the pastoral leadership of Elder F. D. Flowers and  Elder William J. Faison Sr.  As her teen years left and young adulthood came in, she and Frederick L. Hobbs were united in marriage on May 15, 1959. And yes, a story of the persistent Frederick seeking a modest yet interested Marjorie always accompanied their retelling of how they met as teens and eventually married.  Their marriage produced three children, Frederick Jr., Charles, and Renee.  After moving to the Washington D.C area and returning to Virginia, they became members of First United Church of Jesus Christ under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Rudolph B. Lewis.

Eventually, they found themselves back at Bibleway Holiness Church where they remained for over thirty years under the pastoral leadership of Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic, William J. Faison. During her years at Bibleway, she was a Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, Leader of the Matrons, Preacher and Seminar Teacher. Her life in Christ unquestionably was the source of her joy.

In addition to her life in the work of the Lord, she also worked as a Certified Nurse's Assistant for many years.  Even becoming a Senior Companion in her older age, to continue her work with those that were in need. Yet in still she never neglected her family.  Marjorie was a devoted and faithful wife to her husband Frederick who predeceased her. They were married for sixty-one years.  She was also the best Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.  She always gave of herself, whether it was time, energy, finances or advice.  She readily gave.  She enjoyed making snow cream, stewed tomatoes, potato salad, candied   yams and rice pudding.  As her children, we never had to wonder if we would have clean clothes to wear or a clean house to dwell.  Just as the scriptures speak of a virtuous woman rising early, "She riseth also while it is yet night and giveth meat to her household..." Proverbs 31:15.   She too rose early to ensure that the things that were needed of her household would be accomplished.

If we had to pick one profound thing that our mother left with us, I think that we would all say that it was to Endure.  Enduring difficult and sometimes strenuous times in life, yet being determined to hold on is one of the many things that we gleaned from her.  Yet we realize that during her life of submitting to God, it is He who enabled this characteristic to be a part of her and being a part of her, thereby is also a part of us. "Behold, we count them happy which endure." James 5:11

 Mother Marjorie V. Hobbs (Predeceased by husband Elder Frederick L. Hobbs) leaves to cherish her memory: Three children, Frederick L. (Penny) Hobbs Jr., Charles H. Hobbs, and Renee L. (Bishop David) Byrd. Eleven grandchildren, Michelle (Quincy) Loynes, Ricky Hobbs, Charles J. Hobbs, Travaris R. Hobbs, Shawn (Jasmine) Hobbs, Daniel Byrd, Josiah Byrd, Hannah Byrd, Rachel Byrd, Rebekah Byrd, and Jonah Byrd (predeceased by one granddaughter, Seconya Hobbs); Five great-grandchildren (predeceased by one great-grandchild).

As well, she also leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings: Harold (Dorothy) Arnold Sr., Lady Maureen Lewis ( predeceased by Bishop Rudolph Lewis), Ronald (Tyresia) Arnold and Samuel Arnold.  A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, saints and friends.

Mother Hobbs was predeceased by her parents, Deacon Willie L. Arnold and Mother Sarah Virginia Arnold; two brothers, Oswald Arnold, and Willie E. Arnold Sr.,; three sisters, Thelma Arnold, Pearl E. (predeceased by Collin) Jackson and Norma L.(predeceased by Cloid) Shields.