Helen Elizabeth Hoggard

CHESAPEAKE, VA – Helen Elizabeth (Blaylock) Hoggard, 88, passed away at her home Friday, September 9, 2022 in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was a native of Washington, DC and the former wife of many years of John W. Hoggard, Jr. of Windsor, Virginia. She was retired from The Henry Walke Co., formerly in Norfolk, Virginia.

She will be greatly missed by her three children, daughters Donna and Sandy, and son John, III. Other survivors include her three precious grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Matt Sturgeon, along with his wife Katie, Sam Sturgeon and Lauren Sturgeon; also two great-grandchildren whom she loved equally as much, Eloise and Holden Sturgeon; two sisters, Alyce Beckham and Mary Jayne Salerno; and two brothers, Richard and Robert Harrison; along with many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her mother, Mary Harrison of Florida, and her father Alvin Blaylock of California.

A graveside service only, will be opened to all who would like to attend on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 10 am at the Rosewood Memorial Park on Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

It is the family’s request, if an expression of sympathy is desired to please make a donation to your local animal shelter or SPCA in Helen’s name in lieu of flowers.

Helen was a member of the Hampton Roads Christadelphian Ecclesia. She was a true, faithful, and dedicated servant of God her entire life and a wonderful example to her family and anyone else who knew her. Helen believed in the second coming of Jesus Christ and now awaits the coming resurrection to eternal life on this Earth as God's word promises in I Thessalonians 4:13-18: “But I would not have you be uninformed brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

A few thoughts from Helen’s family:

From Helen’s daughter Sandy:

Mom was an incredible and amazing woman who will be greatly missed but never, ever forgotten. Everyone who knew her just knew she was quite the character. She wouldn’t hold back to tell ya just what she thought. She had lots of stories and she would make you laugh when sometimes she didn’t even realize what she said was funny.

Her strength and yes, even her stubbornness was shown until she took her last breath. When mom knew it was time for meds even the last couple of days of her life, she would soon close her mouth and teeth up tight. It was almost comical because she was telling us even in her last moments, “I ain’t wanting that mess no more!”

She was strong in her faith and trust in God. Mom went through some very difficult times in her life, but her faith in God would never waiver. On Sunday mornings there was never a question of whether we were going to church or not because we all went. If we acted up in church, beware! All mom had to do was look at us and we knew we better behave and quick! Mom just had that look.

Mom was a very devoted wife, mother, friend and servant of Christ. I’m so very proud of my momma and forever grateful to her for all she taught me in life.

We hope and pray that mom’s sleep will be short and our Lord will return soon. Mom will be raised and live forever when Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on earth. We long for that day and we can’t wait to see mom again. She will be taking care of those tigers that she has always loved. We will see her again and be with her forever. Rest In Peace, mom….It won’t be much longer we will be together again.

From Helen's Granddaughter Lauren:

Some of my fondest memories growing up were all the holidays we would spend together. Gamma would always let me unwrap her gifts and sit on the floor beside her so I felt included.

When Gamma and I would sit and talk together she would always hold my hand. It never mattered what we were talking about she just wanted to be close.

I also remember that before going to bed at night I would come into her room and give her a kiss and hug before she went to sleep. Sometimes we would even stay up a little later watching a crime show together or just talking; she loved to tell me about her life before she became my grandma.

Growing up, Gamma had a huge tiger stuffed animal she kept on the back of her couch. I was just a child and naturally wanted to touch and play with it. Since Gamma was very particular about her tigers she told me that if I even so much as looked at it again it would bite me. I spent the next few years of my life believing her tiger stuffed animal would come to life and bite me if I pet him.

From Helen’s Grandson Matt:

My grandmother, “Gamma,” as we called her, was steady. She experienced much difficulty in her life, but you wouldn’t know it speaking to her. She had a quick wit, and you couldn’t get a word by her without her knowing. And when we pushed too hard, she’d threaten to take our arms off and hit us over the head with it, a retort I will always think of and smile.

She was always present. From ball games to school plays, holidays and birthday parties, she was there for it all. There was never a doubt of Gamma’s love and commitment to those she cared for.

And commitment stretched beyond her family. She was steadfastly committed to her faith and unafraid to speak up on behalf of the truth. Being grounded was a fact of life, and that fact passed down her faith to three generations and counting.

She awaits the hope of the Kingdom to come, a time when the hope of Israel will be manifested to all the earth. The dead will be raised, and Christ will be king over all the earth. We miss you Gamma, but we believe we will see you again.

From Helen’s Grandson Sam:

Helen Hoggard was always Gamma to me. Gamma was a strong woman who dealt with adversity throughout her life. Through the highs and lows of her life she never wavered from trusting in her God. Gamma was hard working both in the church and out, witty, and always ready to give and receive love. Gamma’s greatest achievement in her life was raising an entire family of baptized believers who came to know Jesus by her faithful example. The Bible says a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. And Gamma will be praised when He raises her with the words she spent her entire life striving to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master."

May that Day be soon when God will raise not only Gamma from her rest but also every faithful man and woman who came before and after her. To God be all glory and honor for the hope Gamma and the rest of her brothers and sisters have who have trusted in His name.