ASHLAND—On November 22, 2024, Gloria Hannah Suyes Crallé of Ashland, formerly of Hales Point in Farnham, passed away at the age of 95.
Gloria, also known as Hannah by some of her family, was born on July 23, 1929, in Hopewell and had fond memories of being raised on the family farm in Prince George County. Gloria was a proud graduate of Hopewell High School Class of 1946. She also completed Pan American Business School after moving to Richmond at the age of 16, where she lived on Franklin Street, another time in her life about which she spoke often.
When working for Fidelity & Casualty Company, she met LaGrange Bristow “Jim” Crallé, and they were married in Bainbridge Street Baptist Church on August 14, 1954. Gloria was also baptized by her soon-to-be husband at the same church. After a few years of living in Wake Forest, N.C., and working as executive secretary to the Commissioner for Public Welfare while her husband Jim was in seminary, they settled in the Northern Neck, primarily at Hales Point in Farnham.
During that time, Gloria began her 37-year career with the Tides Inn, Irvington. Beginning her employment there as the secretary to E.A. Stephens Sr. and retiring at age 70 as the resident manager, she would tell everyone that she absolutely loved her years with the Tides Inn. She worked in various aspects at the Inn, and all brought her joy. She especially had fond memories of all who worked with her.
Gloria was a long-time member of Farnham Baptist Church, a place she cherished. Gloria had many things that she loved. It is hard to say which she loved the most. She loved the beach and often went to Virginia Beach in her younger adult years. She loved Krispy Kreme donuts, chocolate candy, all animals, reading, especially the Times-Dispatch and Rappahannock Record, and going anywhere, whether to visit and be with family and friends, including the Suyes, Bristows and Botkins, or just to get ice cream. As previously mentioned, she also loved being active at the Tides Inn and Farnham Baptist.
Upon moving to Ashland with her daughter and son-in-law, she found a new family at the Lucy Corr Adult Day Care Center, where she spent many days for almost 15 years and had many laughs and fun times, including telling them about Bobby the cow, a childhood pet.
Gloria is survived by her daughter, Sarah Ruth Snead (Edwin “Ned”); her son, L. B. Crallé Jr. (Tracy); her four granddaughters, Rebecca Hannah Scott (Drew), Rachel Harriet Snead, Drue Hamilton Crallé and Kristine Elizabeth Crallé. Nothing made her laugh more than being with Rowan Harper Scott, 5, and Isla Vienne Scott, 3, the great-grands who called her “Great Ging-Ging.” Hannah is also survived by her very loved baby sister, Veta Marie Creggar; her nieces and nephew; and many others whom she considered to be family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, who also passed away on the Friday before Thanksgiving 44 years earlier; as well as her parents, John Robert Suyes Sr. and Ruth Alice Matthews Suyes; her brother, John Robert Suyes Jr.; and her sister, Faith Evangeline Longfield.
Pallbearers for the service will be L.B. Crallé Jr, Johnny Suyes, Mark Botkin, Drue Crallé, Brian Mallon, Allen Sloan, Gerald Botkin and Willie Vanlandingham.
Gloria will be interred in the Crallé family cemetery on Wednesday, November 27, at Farnham Baptist Church in Farnham. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Farnham Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 4632 Farnham Creek Road, Farnham, VA; Lucy Corr Foundation, 6800 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832 (please note for the Adult Day Center); or the charity of your choice including any that assisted animals or people in need.
Welch Funeral Home of Warsaw handled the arrangements.
