Eloise Gumm

Eloise H. Gumm VIRGINIA BEACH - Eloise Lillian Hatchell Gumm, 100, of Virginia Beach, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at the home of her daughter in Kilmarnock, after several months illness. She was a native of Portsmouth and the only child of Ivan Douglas and Lillian Covington Hatchell. She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Harry Moore Gumm. Eloise celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 17, 2009. Eloise was well known, respected and honored in the bowling industry for many years as a proprietor, national champion duckpin bowler, instructor and consultant for the Brunswick Corporation before retiring in 1985. She is survived by her two daughters, Lillian Martin and husband Donald of Virginia Beach and Audrey Sears of Kilmarnock; seven grandchildren, Donna Martin of Charlottesville, Amy Martin Townsend and husband the Rev. Clark Cundiff, Grey Martin and wife Cathy, Alison Martin Ingram and husband Rob, all of Virginia Beach, Michael Sears and wife Jill of Phoenix, Ariz., David Sears and wife Donna of Aliso Viejo, Calif., and the Rev. John sears of Houston, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, Dylan and Alexandra Townsend and Dean and Evan Martin, all of Virginia Beach, Emily, Audrey and Will Sears of Phoenix, Ryan Sears of Aliso Viejo, and Claire and Robert Sears of Spring, Texas. Eloise was an active member of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church where she was also a member of the Beasley Bible Class and the Craig Tyson Circle. She volunteered for many years at the Potter House of VBUMC. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church with a celebration of Eloise's life. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Virginia Beach United Methodist Church or the VBUMC Heasley Bible Class, 19th and Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451, or a charity of your choice.