WILMINGTON — Helen Bateman Hobbs, 97, known as “Granny Hobbs,” also of Carolina Beach, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late John W. Hobbs Sr. She was born Feb. 3, 1919, to John and Berta (Dawson) Bateman in Spray, N.C.
She retired from Corning after 45 years of service. She loved gardening and Carolina Beach and ran Granny’s Crafts shops for many years. She was an amazing woman of God and a devoted mother to Johnny Hobbs.
Helen is survived by Johnny Hobbs of Wilmington, N.C. , sister, Clarice Wyatt; brother, Jack Bateman; numerous nieces and nephews; and three grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur, Woodrow, Bill, Johnny and Joe; and sister, Ruby. As her son, said, “she is the most remarkable woman I have ever known and the most grateful and generous. Outside of Jesus she is my hero.”
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 300 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach. In honor of her love for donuts and coffee, they will be served during visitation one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or New Hanover County Animal Shelter.