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Inez “Susie” Hibbler was born on Saturday, June 18th, 1949 to (the late) Samuel Hibbler and Inez Bell Hibbler in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Susie was the third of eight children. In 1959, her family migrated to Brooklyn, New York which became her permanent residence.
Susie was an honor student in the New York City school system. She majored in Bookkeeping, and obtained her high school diploma from Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn. For over thirty years, Susie was employed at the State University of New York Downstate Hospital in the Financial Administration office. Before she started her day, she would always attend the office Chapel for an hour of prayer.
Susie was a faithful and devoted servant of God in all walks of life. Her walk by faith and obedience to God’s word led her to the following ministries. In 1959, under (the late) Pastor George Foster, Susie joined and became a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Sheepshead Bay. In 1962, she joined and became a choir member of Hudson Temple Church of God in Christ under (the late) Bishop Z.S. Hudson. Under (the late) Bishop Nathaniel Townsley, Jr. at St. Marks Church in Brooklyn, Susie sang in the choir and served as Choir Secretary and Treasurer with the Townsley Ensemble.
In 1972, under the leadership of (the late) Apostle Johnnie Washington, Susie was one of the founding members of the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, Inc. (TOP) where she served faithfully for over forty years. She was a Board Member on the Church Convention Committee. Along with her dear friend, the late Evangelist Frances Capers, Susie was drawn to the ministry because she had a passion for young people. She worked diligently with the youth ministry in addition to being the Sunday School Secretary and a Sunday School Teacher. Susie wore countless hats simultaneously while she was a TOP member. There was no task too large or small for her; she was an altar call counselor, choir member, choir secretary, and volunteered to perform auditing work in the church's business office. Susie became a member of the Daughters of Hannah Women's Christian Outreach under the late C.R. Johnson, as well as being part of the street team and the Christian Tract Ministry. In 1992, under the TOP ministry, Susie was ordained a Licensed Missionary. Her numerous awards and certificates were from theological institutions including Manhattan Bible Institute and Tabernacle Bible Institute.
Her most recent place of worship was the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn under the leadership of Dr. A.R. Bernard. At CCC, she was an active member of the Golden Saints Ministry for seniors over 60 years of age. Susie’s characteristics always exhibited punctuality, dependability, and trustworthiness. She was always the first one to arrive, and was never late to any functions.
She had an immense hunger for the Word of God. One of Susie’s favorite scriptures was Psalm 119:105 which states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path”. Another of her favorite scriptures was Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. She was a faithful tither who supported many ministries. Her legacy was generosity and kindness. Susie never liked to see anyone in need which is why she lived by the scripture I John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”.
Susie was an avid philanthropist and compassionate humanitarian. On a regular basis, she donated to many charitable organizations including: Save the Children, American Red Cross, Christian Broadcasting Network, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mercy Ships, Operation Smile, Paralyzed Veterans of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Negro College Fund, The Haitian Evangelical Outreach Ministry, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and a host of other organizations. Susie had a spirit of unselfishness. God also gave her a ministry of visiting the hospitalized, homebound, and those suffering from infirmities. She traveled tirelessly to offer comfort and support where needed. She dressed modestly and presented herself in a respectful manner. The late Apostle Johnnie Washington encouraged the church's women to model their attire and spirit of giving after Sister Susie and Sister Capers. Susie was a wonderful sister, aunt, cousin, and godmother. She leaves to cherish her memory, four brothers: Samuel Hibbler (Deborah) of Elgin, South Carolina, David Hibbler and Willie Hibbler of Brooklyn, New York, and Marion Hibbler of Kingston, Washington; two sisters: Lula Brown (Jacob) of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Jeannette Hibbler of Brooklyn, New York; and two aunts: Rose Ella Bell of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Odessa Bell of Charlotte, North Carolina. Susie was preceded in death by her father Samuel Hibbler, Sr.; her mother Inez Bell Hibbler; her brother Willie Felder; her sister Annie Ruth Hibbler; her sisters-in-law: Verna Hibbler and Daisy Felder; and her brother Willie Hibbler’s life partner Sheila Smith. Susie was known for giving her loved ones unique nicknames. She was especially fond of her nephew Kwesi Hibbler also known as “Sweetman”, and her godson Robert Capers, III whom she nicknamed “Sparky”. They were both like sons to her, and provided compassionate support when Susie was declining in health until the time she transitioned.
Susie treasured all of her nieces, nephews and godchildren. She was affectionately called “Aunt Susie” to her many godchildren and spiritual children at TOP. She often said, “Aunt Susie don’t play; she will give you her shoe, and still love you”. She cherished the mothers of the church, and admired their wisdom. Susie touched all our lives, and was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. We will continue to be encouraged because of her devotion to God. She leaves to celebrate her life, a host of family and friends who will forever cherish her memory and legacy.
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