Bobbie Bloch

Bobbie Ann Bloch was born January 28, 1947 to Freddie Lee Hankins and Laura Ann Brock in Fayette, Lamar County, Alabama. She was the second of five sisters.

Bobbie was baptized at a young age and lived a life that was faith centered and loyal in service to humanity. She was a dedicated student from her youth and graduated from Cass Technical High School with honors. Bobbie went on to further her education at Wayne State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as one of the first black nurses to graduate from the Wayne State Nursing program.

She later obtained her Master of Science degree in Nursing in Education from the University of California in San Francisco. As the ultimate student, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Educational Technology from the University of Toledo in Ohio. As a testament of her educational excellence, she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international Honor Society of nurses; won awards that included American Journal of Nursing Book of the year Award, Who’s Who in American Nursing (1989-1999 and 1999- 2000) and was also a dedicated member of the American Nurses Association.

Marked by career excellence, Bobbie’s 51 years of nursing was notable and her passion for nursing education was outstanding. She focused on diversity in healthcare concepts and held roles as Director of Nursing Education and Training and Senior Healthcare Educator and Management Executive. As a professional nurse and nurse educator, Bobbie co-authored Ethnic Nursing Care: A Multicultural Approach one of her many accomplishments.  

Bobbie was married to Dan Bloch for 26 years and had two children from that union, Kimberly and Kelli. As loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Bobbie was family oriented, fun loving, creative and enjoyed many interests and hobbies which included art collecting, jewelry making, sewing and crafting, fitness and singing (she especially loved Motown greats such as, the Temptations, the Shirelles, the Supremes and Michael Jackson). She was also passionate about Human and Civil rights and Social Action. Her favorite saying was, “Girlfriend, I’m rollin”. Bobbie’s life has impacted and inspired many throughout the years and her infectious laugh and vibrant personality will not be forgotten.

On May 17, 2022 Bobbie was called from service to rest with her mother, Laura Ann Brock; father Freddie Lee Hankins; and sister Armor Jean Lumpkin (who all preceded her in death). She leaves to cherish her loving memory her three children Kevin Hood (Nicole Hood), Kimberly Bloch Rincan (Fredy Rincan) and Kelli Brown (Jordan Brown); seven grandchildren, Sofia, Olivia, Esteban, Dominic, Mateo, Kayla and Isaac; three sister Doris, Yvetter, Lucille; lifelong friends, Myrna McCarthy and Barb Provoznik and a host of nieces, nephews, family, extended family and friends.

Gifts may be made in her name toward an annual scholarship at Wayne State University - College of Nursing.

Memorial donations can be made online at
https://giving.wayne.edu/donate/nursing.

Contributions by check should be made out to “Wayne State University” with “Bobbie Bloch” in the memo section and sent to:
Wayne State University
College of Nursing
5557 Cass Avenue
131 Richard Cohn Memorial Building
Detroit, Michigan 48202