Connie Jace Batchelor

Connie Jace Batchelor,  known by many as “ Connie J” was called to rest on Tuesday,  May 21, 2019 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

Connie was born on September 26, 1936 to the late Connie Gray and Susie Battle Batchelor.  He was the oldest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Chavies,  three brothers, Troy Batchelor, Howard Batchelor and Josh Batchelor.

Raised and educated in Halifax County, North Carolina, he graduated from Eastman High School in 1954 located in Enfield, North Carolina.     At a young age, he joined White Oak Baptist Church also located in Enfield. Upon moving to Gates County, he became a member of New Piney Wood Chapel Church.

On September 1st, 1963, he was joined in holy matrimony to Shirley Ann Riddick of Gates, North Carolina.  To this union, two daughters were born.

Connie J was a dedicated worker where he was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding from 1964- 1995 (31 years) until his health begin to deteriorate. Not only was he dedicated to his career but also making sure everyone was taken care of. Known for his outspokenness, Connie loved to joke and laugh and wanted to make others laugh. In this community, he will be most remembered for his big cookouts in the summer in which he used “the black pot” to cook the best fried fish. An avid sports fan,  Connie J loved watching and talking about sports, especially his beloved Redskins!   Win or lose he was a true Redskins fan.  His family will remember him most of all as a good provider and a man who loved and would do anything for them. If there was a need in someone else’s life and he could help, he made sure to do anything he could to aid them. Connie truly loved his grandsons and always looked forward to the family gatherings where he would be surrounded by his entire family.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and faithful wife Shirley Ann of Gates, NC.   Two daughters, Cheryl Batchelor of Knightdale, NC and Tandra Mapp (Robert) of Bailey, NC.   A proud grandfather of three grandsons, Jarred Batchelor Hamilton (Cambridge, Mass); Trebor and Brennen Mapp of Bailey, NC.  One god daughter, Vanity Butler; one godson, Patrick Goodman, and one great god daughter, Brielle Riddick.

He leaves three beautiful sisters: Carrie Bond of Plainfield, New Jersey, Fannie Marcus of Manhattan, NY, Mamie Batchelor of Brooklyn, NY; one brother Linwood Batchelor ( Brenda) of Junction City, Kansas. He also leaves four sisters in law, Dorothy Jean Saunders (Anthony), Maggie Eure all of Gates, NC, Diane Batchelor of Suffolk, Virginia, and Virginia Riddick of Hampton, Va.   He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive family and friends  on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at Community of Hope Funeral Home, 357 Hobbsville, Rd., Hobbsville, NC.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at New Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church, 1109 Drumhill Rd, Gates, NC. Mr. Batchelor's final resting place will be at God's Garden,  the church's   cemetery.

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