Grace Weston Hobbs

An artist uses their paintbrush to tell their story. We unfold our story through the following words that capture the essence of our beloved Grace who at 43, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021 at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on June 19, 1978 in Indianapolis, Indiana to James W. Hobbs and Laurie C. Schott. She moved at a young age to Charleston, South Carolina and then eventually Trumbull and New Canaan, Connecticut. Later in her early teen years she moved to Ridgefield, Connecticut where she graduated from Ridgefield High School. She then studied at Johnson State College, Johnson, Vermont and later transferred to Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to study music production.

At the young age of four, her musical talent was evident, tickling the piano keyboard and playing out tunes that abounded in her head. She was a natural following a strong family line of musical talent as her paternal grandmother was a singer for a band in Charleston, South Carolina and her father, uncle and cousins all have musical talents. But what made her great was her heart and her caring, empathetic nature that saw what most people miss, but that is an ‘artists’ eye. Often these feelings would be overwhelming and Grace would have to pull back into herself, but most great artists are on a spectrum of deep empathy that often times is too powerful to share or face if not through their work. Because of this ability, all that met her enjoyed their time together and felt at ease with her character and gentle humor she so often displayed, even children. She was a creative soul driven by values such as common human decency, strong work ethic and doing the right thing.

In her teens she had the good fortune of being exposed to musical instruments through her stepfather which led her to playing the guitar and later bass locally at events. While in Tennessee Grace got involved with the Nashville music scene forming many bands along the way, but landing as lead bass player for The Lucky Guns band that played extensively in Nashville and throughout the United States. Her fondest memory was playing at SXSW South by Southwest Conference & Festival in Austin, TX. However, her ear for melodies was extensive as she wrote and performed her own works and it was very easy for her to pick up the beat and follow along on most any instrument, even the djembe drums, and in most any occasion. For instance, she joined the band at her brother's and sister's-in-law wedding for a final set of songs and played right along with the stage band and the crowd was cheering and thoroughly enjoyed the live ‘concert’ that was being performed right in front of them, which is still talked about to this day.

Grace visited her father and stepmother often who lived in Chatham, (Cape Cod), Massachusetts and while there often played locally in bands which she formed or was invited to play. One evening at the prior Sou’Wester the band played to a cheering crowd and multiple times she played in the 4th of July Parade down Main Street of Chatham on the Seal Boat Cruise float.

Even though her light was dimmed way too soon, her music and love will always be in our hearts and those she touched will forever be changed for the good. She left this earthly plane in a better way than before she arrived. A lover of Unicorns, she embodied both the innocence and free spirit of this legendary figure. She followed her own courageous beat, making at times tough decisions, but she did it with grace, a name so fitting for her. We pray the rainbow that trails her journey to heaven brings her great pleasure and joy as she brought to her family and friends.

Grace is survived by her mother and stepfather, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie and Laurie Schott; her father and stepmother, Mr. & Mrs. James and Darby Hobbs; her brother and his wife and their children: Mr. & Mrs. Brian and Sara Hobbs and George, Ella and Maxwell. She is also survived by her stepsister and two brothers and their children: Mr. & Mrs. Gustavos and Kara Buchanon and Gwyneth and Iris; Mr. & Mrs. Charles and Leslie Schott III, and Chapin and Elizabeth; and Mr. & Mrs. Jason & Samantha Schott and Dorian Irving.

She is also survived by her uncles and aunts, Mr. Clarence W. Hobbs, III, Mr. Mike Connor and his wife, Carol and Mr. Tom Baughman. In addition her stepuncles and aunts, Dr. John S. Kishibay and his wife, Dr. Donna J. Eteson, Mr. Thomas Garabedian and his late wife, Dora Garabedian, who recently passed away and Ms. Karen Kishibay. Grace also leaves behind numerous cousins from her blended family.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents; grandparents; and great-uncles; as well as her aunt, Mrs. Michelle Baughman.

A memorial service will be held in Charlotte, NC in the fall. An announcement with specific details will be made at a later date.

In lieu of flower contributions in Grace’s memory, please be directed to Best Friends Animal Society. In order to make a contribution to Grace’s memory go to www. bestfriends,org/memorials and scroll down to the tab marked, Make a Memorial Gift. The family thanks you and God Bless.