Rebecca M. Hobbs

Hobbs ~ “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. ~ Psalms 28:7

The Beginning: Rebecca M. Hobbs was born August 20, 1936, to the union of Willie and Julia L. Mack, in Jacksonville, Florida.  She was reared and received her education at College Park Kindergarten & Elementary School; A. L. Lewis Junior High School; and Old Stanton Senior High School. Rebecca furthered her education with her bachelor’s degree from Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University (FAMU); then she enlisted in the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge.  Rebecca continued her education receiving her master’s degree from Nova Southern University.  She accepted Christ at an earlier age and was baptized at West Union Missionary Baptist Church.

Her Life:   After returning from the military, Rebecca married Connie Hobbs, Jr.  To this union two children were born ~ Joanna D. Whiteside and Eric T. Hobbs. Her passion was teaching children at elementary grade levels.  After forty-three years of teaching, she retired from the Duval County School system.  Rebecca was a faithful member of West Union Missionary Baptist Church until her health began to fail.  She served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher collectively for over fifty years, District President, Treasurer, and spearheaded the “Annual Spring Tea” which later became Spring Tea & Hat.

Her Hobbies:  She faithfully enjoyed reading the Bible, daily bread, traveling to FAMU football games, crossword puzzles, researching various biblical topics on the internet to help better prepare her for teaching God’s word, watching the news channels (MSNBC, CNN).  Her passion was teaching children their foundation to be successful.  After retiring, Rebecca continued teaching Sunday school and bible study.  During her tenure of teaching, she received the teacher of the year award in 1975 at S. A. Hull Elementary and in 2000 at Justina Elementary. Rebecca received the mayor’s key to the city for local services with FAMU and recognition from Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges from FAMU in 1956-57.   Rebecca joined Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at FAMU. A current member of Gamma Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, she received accolades for perfect attendance in 1993, 2010 and 2011. Soror Rebecca was a golden life member with sixty-nine years of service to her beloved sorority. She was a national life member of FAMU Alumni Association and member of J.R.E. Lee Chapter of FAMU Alumni Association, FAMU Alumni Secretary for Southeast Region, Booster Club Secretary and Parade Committee Secretary where she took great pride and joy in representing her school.  Rebecca was a former evaluator for re-accreditation for Brevard County, Chairperson for Justina Elementary re-accreditation, Safety Patrol Sponsor and Grade Level Chairperson for Justina Elementary. 

Her Legacy:  Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Connie Hobbs, Jr.; son, Eric T. Hobbs; parents, Willie and Julia L. Mack.  She leaves to cherish her love, “Princess” daughter, Joanna D. (Richie) Whiteside; god-daughter, “Sugar Foot” Frances C. Lynch (Dr. Daryl) Smith; brother in law, Moses A. (Kay) Maylor; niece, Tiera Asberry; nephews, Deon (Keshia) Shack, Rodriquez (Monique) Sumpter;  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Soror sisters, church members, and friends. Special thanks to her caretakers and sitters, Richie Whiteside, Frances Smith, Deon Shack, Keon Shack, Tiera Asberry, Annie Mae Washington-Cook, Deacon & Sister Michael Ray, Marquetta Knight, Barbara Parrott and Tanisha Wilson.

The end: On Monday, May 5, 2025, the Angels saw her getting weary and welcomed her home.

Celebration of Life service for Ms. Rebecca M. Hobbs will be 10:00AM Saturday, May 10, 2025 at West Union Missionary Baptist Church.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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