- Date Of Birth: June 3, 1926
- Date Of Death: January 7, 2016
- State: Maryland
DEACONESS ELZONIA S. HUMBLES
Then Elzonia heard the voice from heaven say: “Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, from now on they will rest from their labor, for their good deeds will follow them”. (Revelations 14:13)
On Thursday, January 7, 2016, Elzonia S. Humbles, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, deaconess, missionary, and friend, answered the call from the Lord, and received her “Well done thou good and faithful servant” wings of honor.
Elzonia, approaching 90 years old, was affectionately known as “El”, “Big Mama”, “Granny” and “Sexy” blessed the world with her birth on June 3, 1926 to the late Samuel and Pearlie Smith in Rustburg,VA. From that marital union, were 9 siblings (El being the youngest child of nine) whom all preceded her in death. El was raised in Rustburg,VA, educated in the Rustburg School district and attended Silver Grove Baptist Church. She moved from Rustburg to Appomattox,VA, where she met, courted and married, the love of her life, the late Job Humbles for 49 years, until his spiritual transition to glory. El frequently, would comment that “Job is a good, hard working man”, he was indeed. Elzonia and Job, provided a labor of love for the world to embrace, when they birthed four precious daughters, Martha H. Faulkner, Louise Napier, Joann Tanner, and Ruth H. Newby. Through their parental guidance, moral compass demonstration, and unwavering nurturing, the four jewels are equally as dedicated and hard working as their parents.
Elzonia nor Job knew the word “NO”, when it involved assisting others in their time of hardship. While residing in Appomattox, VA, El was employed with the Garment Factory and a local restaurant, and active member of Mt Airy Baptist Church. During her membership at Mt Airy, she diligently served in a myriad of capacities, Deaconess, Sunday School, Senior Choir and Ladies Ever Ready Hospitality Axillary.
After a brief illness in 2005, El relocated to Washington, DC, where she lived with her daughter, Martha until her passing. Martha had the assistance of her other sisters, in caring for their mother. Shortly, after her relocation to Washington, D.C., Elzonia became a member of Mt Sinai Baptist Church, where her girls were already members for 45 years and counting. Elzonia was passionate about many things but one that is so resounding, paramount and beneficial to us all, is her love and talent in culinary arts. This talent and love has blessed many people, throughout her life, some of our favorites (all homemade) are dinner rolls and breakfast biscuits (made fresh with buttermilk and yeast), chicken and dumplings, garden picked watercress greens, fried crispy chicken, pound cake and much more. El was blessed with a green thumb and loved to care for her many flower beds. All the grandkids knew to stay away from her flower beds or their “butts would meet her big switch”.Elzonia has meant many things to many people, however her most acclaimed is a Child of God, who has made her heavenly father proud.
She leaves to cherish her memories four daughters: Martha H. Faulkner, Louise Napier, Joann Tanner(Charles) and Ruth H. Newby; ten grandchildren: Frederick Napier (Scottie), Duane Napier, James Napier, Glenda Napier, Arjetta “Dee Dee” Ekandem (Uyo), Wanda Napier, Vonetta “Tina” Faulkner, Rosalind “Rosie” Faulkner, Trevoy Tanner, Aisha Newby; three adopted grandchildren: Darrius Boykin, Funmi Oyelade, Keisha Boyle; sixteen great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends
