Jeanne Honeycutt Hobbs, 1934–2024

SUFFOLK—Jeanne Honeycutt Hobbs, 89, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Suffolk, Virginia.

Jeanne was born on December 17, 1934, in Clinton, North Carolina, to Oscar and Dixie Honeycutt. Her early years were spent in Clinton surrounded by a large extended family. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and in 1953 married Shelton Earl Hobbs, who was born and raised in Roseboro. Jeanne and Shelton had three children: Steven Earl Hobbs, married to wife Deborah Hobbs; Robert Shelton Hobbs; and Billie Hobbs Leeth, married to husband Stewart Leeth. Jeanne was also blessed to have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Rachel McCurtain, married to husband Thomas McCurtain, and their daughter, Rebekah McCurtain; Steven Hobbs, Jr., married to wife Abigail Dunn; Brian Hobbs; Lauren Hobbs; and Annie Leeth. Per family tradition, her grandchildren referred to her as "Mama."

Jeanne had a loving sister, Linda Helser, married to husband Ken Helser. She also enjoyed the love of many cousins, nephews, and great-nieces.

Jeanne and Shelton lived in North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida throughout their life together. In 1975, she and Shelton co-founded Laundry Chemical Products, Inc. The company provided laundry chemical supplies and service to commercial and industrial laundries across the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states.

After Jeanne and Shelton retired, they moved to Sarasota, FL, where Jeanne discovered a love for the game of golf. She became an exceptionally skilled player and could be seen enjoying the sport on courses around the country late into her life.

Above all, Jeanne loved her family deeply. She often said that her favorite week of each year was that of July 4th, spent at Sandbridge Beach, Virginia, with her children and their families, a tradition she kept going after Shelton's death in 2005. She was also known for her vast teapot collection, her legendary culinary skills (her chicken pastry was a family favorite), and her love of reading. She was also a notably sharp player of bridge, Words with Friends, and rummy.

Jeanne's sweet, unassuming manner and subtle elegance endeared her to family and friends throughout her long and full life. Jeanne will be greatly missed but fondly remembered and honored by all who knew her.

A small ceremony in Jeanne's honor will take place on Saturday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Clinton, North Carolina with services entrusted to Worley Funeral Home, Clinton, North Carolina.