Jean Crilley Hobb of 7705 Cullingtree Lane, died February 28, 2024 in home hospice care after a long illness.

Born in West Point, NY, Jean was part of a four-generation military family, - spanning virtually all services. She was the daughter of Frank W. Crilley (US Army Air Corp and US Air Force – Master Sargeant) and Mary Ann Crilley. Her only daughter is Nancy Jean Caton of Brooklyn, NY.

Jean’s siblings are Mary Zamary (husband Steve), Frank Crilley, Lt. Colonel, US Marines (Ret) (wife Diane), Joseph Crilley, Lt. Colonel (Ret), US Air Force (wife Melita), John Crilley, Warrant Officer 3 (Ret) (wife Conchita), Christopher Crilley, US Navy and Master Diver (deceased) (wife Carmel), and Lawrence Crilley, UPS (Ret) (wife Cathy, Senior Master Chief, US Navy (Ret).

Jean’s husband is Richard (Rick) Francis Hobb, of Syracuse, NY. They were married October 2, 1992, at St. Michaels, Catholic Church in Annandale, VA and married for 31 years.

The aunt to several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews, Jean loved her siblings and her family above all else. Her love for her daughter Nancy was deep and abiding. Most cherished in her family history, is that Jean is the granddaughter of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient – Frank Crilley, Ensign, US Navy diver (deceased). Her resolve and her courage came down through her grandfather who is buried at Arlington, along with his son Frank and his wife Mary Ann Crilley.

Jean was the daughter of the Greatest Generation. Those men and women who fought and won World Wars I and II. Jean grew up on military bases in Japan, Alaska, Texas and other posts in the States. She was deeply moved by her Catholic faith and her 100% Irish heritage.

She was a graduate of La Reine High School, in Maryland; and held a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Maryland. She was most proud of her Society of Human Resource Management PHS Certification. She was the lead HR manager for the State of North Carolina (Auto Benefits System – National Runner -up Award). Jean spent 35 years in Human Resources before retiring in 2010.

Rick and Jean met at the Association of American Railroads in Washington, DC, where she was the HR manager in the early 1990’s. Rick says of Jean, “She was the best Irish Catholic girl he could ever love”. Their shared Catholic faith bound them tightly. “May my sweetie rest in peace, and know the Holy Spirit awaits us at the table of Jesus, our Lord.”

SERVICE INFORMATION BELOW

A photo book has been created to share memories of Jean. This is a Guest Pass to that site. https://www.flickr.com/gp/200105758@N07/48095mEGTL You will land at the site's 'Photostream', which has no organization. Click on 'Albums' to go to an organized view of the photos. You can view photos and the albums they are organized in, including descriptions and comments. You can download individual photos as well as entire albums.

Beyond the Sunset

Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone, I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red, when fades the lilacs blue.
In early fall when brown leaves fall, I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain, for battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile, tho blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain, one thing I'll have you do: Walk slowly down that long long path, for soon I'll follow you.
I want to know each step you know, so I may take the same.For someday down that lonely road, You'll hear me call your name.

Writer(s): Blanche Kerr Brock, Virgil P. Brock