Beatrice  Mobley

If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.
‒Job 14:14,15

Obituary

In the early morning of September 18, 2024, a longtime member of the North - Palo Alto Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Beatrice Mobley passed away quietly at the age of 99. Bea Mobley was an East Palo Alto resident for 70 years, and mother of thirteen children. This by far was the darkest, most painful day for the ten surviving children in the Mobley family.

In the mid 1950’s, Willie Sr., Bea and their 8 children left San Mateo, CA to become one of the first black families to move to the East Palo Alto “Gardens” (as this area was called since most streets have floral names). The Mobley family became a fixture in the “Gardens”. But let’s go back in time to rural, unincorporated Beulah, Mississippi - Bolivar County to be exact. The year was 1925, and in August of that year, Charles and Mary Searuggs welcomed Beatrice into the world.

As sharecroppers in rural Mississippi during the 1920s, life for the Searuggs family was nearly unbearable, so when Bea was about 13, the family moved to the “greener pastures” of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There they found the same unbearable living conditions, but it was also there that Beatrice Searuggs met Willie Mobley, and they were married in 1942. Beatrice discovered the truth of God’s word in Pine Bluff as she began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. But her first introduction to the truth came when she was a child, and her father told her about having received volumes of “Studies in the Scriptures” by C. T. Russel. Something about those books influenced her father’s departure from the traditional family church, however he never became a Witness.

Willie promised to take Bea far away from Pine Bluff to California. He made good on that promise, and after finding a job as a tanner at Poetsch & Peterson Company, he moved his young family to South San Francisco. In South City, Bea was again contacted by the Witnesses and resumed her Bible Studies. Beatrice Mobley was baptized 77 years ago in 1947 (while expecting her fourth child).

The move to East Palo Alto came 8 years later (1955), after living a few years in San Mateo. Bea loved the Bible and was a zealous proclaimer of the good news. Over the years Beatrice has helped (either directly or indirectly) more than 100 persons to get to know her God Jehovah, including her mother and three of her four sisters! Bea even “Vacation Pioneered” with one of her sisters for ten years! Bea was known throughout the East Palo Alto Community as a loving, kind and consummate Bible teacher, and many in the community adopted her as their “Mom”!

Although Willie Sr. never made a dedication to Jehovah, he helped his share of persons come into the “truth”. His methods were a bit rough, for example when conversing with one of his friends that expressed unscriptural beliefs he said: “you believe that ...nonsense – go in there and ask my wife.” It worked, that friend of Dad’s who lived across the street got baptized, 2 of his sons became elders and his daughter a Pioneer!

As word of Bea Mobley’s passing began to spread, a steady stream of well-wishers began to pour into the Mobley home offering condolences, and reflections of how Bea had taken the time to assist them in spiritual and other practical ways. Many of the friends recalled Bea’s encouraging comments on Zoom even in the final few months of her life. Some paying their respects remembered that as children they were always shown kindness and were welcomed into the Mobley home, and even though the dinner table was crowded, there was always room for one more. With smiling faces, more than a few commented on Bea’s tasteful style of dress, especially the way she incorporated her classy hat ensembles. One visitor recalled Bea’s love of puzzles, and how the thousand-piece variety was no match well into her nineties!

One of Bea’s physicians felt compelled to call the family to express his gratitude for “being allowed to witness, and to participate in the care of a woman so dearly loved”. The Mayor of East Palo Alto has arranged a “Proclamation” in Bea’s honor. But more importantly, Bea’s passing gives us all time to reflect on the spiritual legacy she left us. Now it’s up to us to live up to it. While we are all feeling the painful “sting” of her death, we fondly remember her winning smile, her generosity, and her rock solid faith consistently shown over the years, especially during the loss of her husband and three beloved children. The bitterness of losing her will soon be replaced by the sweetness of the family reunion on that blessed day of her resurrection soon to come.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bea Mobley taught her children the importance of love of neighbor, and the reciprocal outpouring of love and support by neighbors and friends is a testament to the truth and value of that teaching (Matthew 22:39).

While Sister B. Mobley’s death represents the passing of an era, and a piece of East Palo Alto history, the family is determined to hold firmly to the words spoken by Christ in John 11:25 which says: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life...”

Beatrice is Survived by 10 of her Children: Ruth Ford, Janet Walker, Irma Mobley, Sandra Taylor, Willie Mobley Jr., Alan Mobley, Sharon Berteloot, Leonard Mobley, La Rita Scales, Stacey Mobley, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Willie Mobley Sr. 3 Children: Kimberley Mobley, Jenethea (Jaye) Mobley, and Tamela (Tammy) Mobley-Bradford Parents: Charles and Mary Searuggs Sisters: Dorothea Hawkins, Sinai Johnson, R. B. Searuggs, and Mary Rouse Brothers: John T. Stokes and Emmitt Searuggs

The family would like to thank all for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 14, 2024

Throughout my lifetime, I have been deeply attached to Mrs. Mobley. Her influence continues to be a significant factor in my adult life. I owe my existence and behavior to her. I thank Jehovah for the blessing of Mrs. Mobley who remains in my prayers.

Timmy Graves

November 9, 2024

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful example of a Southern Lady who truly loves Jehovah For those who lost a loved one, May we all take comfort in the words of Jesus. (John 11:43)

Albert Howell

November 2, 2024

Thank you for sharing your family with me all the years of my life she's always been there for me so much ❤️ jehovah God has blessed me with all the experience and happiness that she always gives me

Michelle Crawley

November 2, 2024

Where I could say about my Beatrice, such a beautiful smile and such a wonderful person she’s up there now with uncle Willie my mom, Selma Barnes Mobley

Danita Mitchell

November 2, 2024

My fondest memories of Granny include her infectious laugh, her love of puzzles, butterflies and her incredible ability to fix anything. When on vacations, we’d always look out for butterfly themed items to bring her back something special. I remember the summers spent at her house with all the cousins—what wonderful times those were! She welcomed anyone in need and embodied true faith. It’s humbling to realize that her faith, as the first in our family to embrace the truth, has influenced three generations! I’m thankful to Jehovah for the many lessons she taught us. She was our matriarch and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again granny - love you always!

Love, Rosie (Amber Berteloot Buckridge)

Amber Buckridge

November 2, 2024

I remember growing up (basicaly in the Mobley household) since the age of 9yrs old because Sister Mobleys door to her home and the love she show me as a youngster was never locked.
But some of my fondest memories was growing up in the Kingdom Hall (before the Hall in Palo Alto was built) we attended the Hall in Mountain View on Alma St, and as a child we used to always play in Sister Mobleys Green Station wagon during the break in the meetings on Sundays and Thursdays and we would never be back in the Kingdom Hall on time but Sister Mobley would always come to the door and give us that look and we all knew what that meant and hurriedly got our behinds back in the Hall. I will always Cherish the love and the kindness that she's always shown me but i know its only a matter of time till i see her beautiful smile again.

Kirkland Carr

November 2, 2024

To my Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Bea lived a great life I hope to live as long as she did! Continue to cherish the many memories and know that she’s always with you.

LaTachianna James

October 31, 2024

Mrs. Mobley’s kindness and compassion are my heartfelt memories. I will remember our conversations with gratitude. when she shared the Watchtower and Awake magazines with me. She will continue to brighten my days whenever I think of her. Mrs. Mobley and her family are loved and respected by me and many others in circles around the globe.

Saundra T Webster

October 31, 2024

My fondest memory of my mom is her unwavering faith. For my entire life I’d never seen it cool off, the fire was always lit. Any issue that arose she wholeheartedly relied on Jehovah and his holy word to resolve them. My mom always sided with what was right no matter who you were or what the situation entailed she’d be quick to let you know Jehovah sees everything.
I loved the fact that she was able to build a relationship with Jehovah that allowed her to be only concerned with what he thought of her and not worry about how others perceived her which is why her beautiful spirit shined, brightly for everyone to see. This made her the lovable woman she was.
She was the strongest, smartest and most thoughtful woman I’ve ever known she continued to put others before herself, she gave unselfishly until her last breath.
She was truly one of one, not another like her. She was a faithful servant, wife, mother and friend. I am forever grateful for the things that you instilled in me. I could go on and on but I’ll stop here. Just know you will be missed dearly by your
“Baby Girl”

Stacey Renee Mobley

October 30, 2024

I was in my 3rd year in the truth and had the honor to meet Madame “Iron Lady” Mobley at the assembly hall in Fremont CA. Her smile drew me to her. She was extremely kind, and for some reason wanted to meet me. I introduced myself and she told me who she was. I asked her how long she’d been in the truth? She responded over 70 something years. I was astatic when she told me. I would later get to know her family. I also found out later that the brother who baptized me was her son-in-law Winston Taylor. She’s a great example of what it means to serve Jehovah faithfully and with loyalty. She will be greatly missed by us, but she is in Jehovah’s memory!!!!!!!

Richard Herman Ewing

October 29, 2024

To say that Granny had a unique way about her would be the understatement of the year! Not only could she make her sage advice sound like mere common sense, she did so without ever causing one to feel small. Having the privilege to grow up in her house, I was blessed to be able to tap into her wisdom and kindness regularly. She made every visitor – expected and unexpected– feel welcome and loved. I fondly remember the Southern nursery rhymes she sang with a smile on her face and a sewing needle in her hand. Her sense of humor remains unmatched!

Naturally, Granny taught many to love Jehovah by her example. She prized every facet of the truth, and could often be seen reading from her extensive theocratic library, day or night. She consistently exhorted us to look forward to the “new world.” It will be such a reward to reunite with her there!

Leslie Reid (Pooder)

October 28, 2024

I have so many precious memories of Granny. There are so many little things I loved about her: watching her expertly tend to her roses and birds of paradise in her garden; her ingenuity—her amazing mind; that soothing humming or whistling heard as she fixed anything that was broken, making it better than it was before; her beautiful collections; seeing her bright smile as we brought home more seashells for her to add to her coffee table; her walls filled with many species of butterflies; she even collected our baby teeth!

But the collection I appreciate most are the spiritual treasures she shared with me. Her desire to put Jehovah God first shone through brightly and left a deep impression on me, for which I will be forever grateful.

-Lala

Lavonna Bradford

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