Fannie Ruth Blocker, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, educator, and friend, departed this life on November 9, 2023.
Fannie Ruth Blocker (affectionately known as “Ruthie” to family) was born on November 16, 1948 in Newsoms, Virginia to the late John H. Russell and Fannie E. Kee. She was the fourth of six children, and grew up from humble beginnings on a farm in Southampton County, Virginia.
Fannie Ruth began her academic career at Riverview High School, where she graduated with high marks in 1967. She moved on to Norfolk State University (which was Norfolk State College at the time she was enrolled), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 1971. This laid the foundation for a future career that would impact the lives of countless students.
After college graduation, Fannie Ruth joined the ranks of Pan-American Airways in 1972 as a flight attendant, where she worked for seven years before transitioning to her calling – teaching. In 1981, she started teaching as a part-time Math instructor at both the Suffolk and Franklin campuses of Paul D. Camp Community College. She then advanced into teaching at the high school level when she joined Suffolk Public Schools in 1983 as a Math teacher at John F. Kennedy High School (now a middle school). After 10 years in Suffolk schools, she transferred to Southampton Public Schools and joined the faculty at Southampton High School in 1993. Her final chapter in education concluded with her retirement in summer 2012. For a little over three decades, Fannie Ruth shared her expertise and passion for math with students, faculty, and administrators, leaving an indelible mark in the minds of those she taught.
Fannie Ruth’s biggest loves were God and her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She loved the Lord and joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She was a faithful member of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Franklin, Virginia for many years before moving to Suffolk, Virginia in 2020, where she then became a member of First Baptist Church of South Hill in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Fannie Ruth’s legacy is one of faith, dedication, compassion, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to education. Her professional accomplishments were outstanding; yet the love and kindness she shared with others, along with her nurturing spirit and fierce dedication to her calling had the biggest impact on the communities she served. Although we deeply mourn her sudden loss, we celebrate her life, her legacy, and the memories shared by many who were blessed to know and love her.
Fannie Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Racquel Comdeco (Lawrence) of Chesapeake, Virginia; five grandchildren, Nya, Cameron, Dominic, Camilla, and Carina; three sisters, Mary Jane Barnes of Suffolk, Virginia, Connie Owens (John) of Elk Grove, California, and Rosalyn McClenny (Junius) of Franklin, Virginia; two brothers, James Earl Russell (Lettie) of Grand Prairie, Texas and John Russell Jr. (Italia) of Houston, Texas; special nieces, Kim Gonzalez of Suffolk, Virginia, Anissa Latoya McClenny of Atlanta, Georgia, and Natalie Eley (Timothy) of Zuni, Virginia; special nephew, Terry Lee (Dorothy) of Suffolk, Virginia, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Fannie is predeceased by her parents, John H. Russell and Fannie E. Kee, one granddaughter, Hannah Rose Comdeco, her maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
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Pattie and James Lassiter says
November 15, 2023 at 7:40 amSending you love and strength during this difficult time.
I’m thinking of you and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Marilyn Whitson says
November 15, 2023 at 7:37 pmI’m so sorry to hear this Racquel may she rest in peace ❤️❤️🙏
Marilyn Whitson says
November 15, 2023 at 7:38 pmSending hugs and prayers May your mother rest in peace
Thelma Winston Wyatt says
November 15, 2023 at 9:42 pmTo the Family,
May your precious memories and faith in God sustain you now and always.
Thelma W. Wyatt
Former Riverview High/Southampton High School Teacher
Sylvia Vann Terry says
November 16, 2023 at 6:07 pmFannie was a wonderful person and friend. We attended Riverview High School together in Courtland, Virginia. I have many, many fond memories. To Fannie’s family, please know you are very much in my prayers and in my heart. May your warm memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Sylvia Vann Terry
Lakeshia Zumbach says
November 17, 2023 at 10:12 amSending my prayers and love to the family and friends of Ms Blocker. I had the pleasure of having Ms Blocker as a teacher in high school as well as being good friends with Racquel so her mom’s influence played a role in my upbringing. She was always smiling and very friendly. This is such a challenging time but I pray the Lord provides strength and comfort in knowing that Ms Blocker is forever healed and with the Lord smiling down on us.
Suzanne Womble says
November 18, 2023 at 9:39 pmi am so glad I had the opportunity to see and talk with Fannie at our high school class reunion this past July in Franklin, Virginia. We exchanged numbers and talked later about our days in school and our lives.
What a difference Fannie made in the lives of her family, students and friends. I will always have fond memories of her. May God comfort her family members in her loss.
Mindy says
November 21, 2023 at 10:02 amI worked with Ms. Blocker at Southampton High School. We often had conversations about how to help the students succeed in life. I will be praying for the family.