Eloise Toomer

Eloise Toomer, peacefully departed this life on September 23, 2026, at the age of 88.

She was born on August 3, 1938, in Bainbridge, GA, Eloise was the daughter of the late Woodrow Akins and Lucy Footman. She spent her early years in Bainbridge GA, with her Grandmother Lue Brown.

On or about 1956, Eloise moved to Wilmington Delaware where she lived until the Lord called her home. During her time in Wilmington, she spent her early years living with John and Doshie McKenzie (Uncle John and Aunt Doshie) until she moved out on her own.

To tell you the truth, she was rarely on her own. Eloise was a woman that always had an open door for anyone who needed place to lay their head to include immediate and extended family and friends. This was most evident as she opened her home for most of the family that transition from Georgia to and thru Delaware in route to their future homes. She never said no to anyone who needed a place to stay for a short or long period of time. She was a person that made an effort to attend all family functions, from reunions, to graduations and other special events. While attending these events, she made herself the unofficial photographer. If you were there, she would have more likely took your picture. When attending these events, she was sure to have her children tagging along. She wanted to ensure that her children knew their family from New York to Florida. She wasn’t rich but she always made away.

Eloise’s life was deeply rooted in her faith and her love for Jesus Christ. Her relationship with God was not simply a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. She lived with a desire to serve and honor the Lord through serving as a devoted Usher in Friendship Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware for over 50 years. She was also very active in the ICUA of Delaware as a member of the usher’s choir. While she was serving, she ensured her children served within the church where they all accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior, at an early age, while attending Friendship Baptist Church..

She was employed by various organizations and later worked in a domestic capacity. Eloise loved playing Bingo and crocheting. If you needed a blanket, a hat or a good pair of footies she would make it for you. If you had a child coming, she’d ask you what color you preferred and she would get started. You would have it by the time the baby was born.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow Akins, Lucy Footman, and (Grandmother Lou Brown); her siblings, John Footman, Caprell Harris, Vivian Smith, Sallie Scott, Ethal P Pattman, Ellis Footman, Robert Footman, Lou Footman, Geraldine Footman, and Viola Footman, her granddaughter, Elizabeth Akins.

She leaves to cherish her children, Edward Akins, Christopher Akins (Sylvia), Doshie Akins, and Granzaline Tolbert (Aaron), God Daughter Jennifer Saunders; 9 grandchildren, and 20 great- grandchildren; Her Brother’s David Akins (Marion), Charles Footman, Edward Akins (Brenda), Jerimiah Footman (Jennifer); Sisters Ivory Nelson, Forzell Close, Patricia Williams, Lottie Collier, Lucy Hunter (Curtis), and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and loved ones.

Eloise leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and love. She loved the Lord, loved her family, and loved people. She lived her life faithfully, and those who knew her were blessed by her presence, her kindness, and loving spirit.

Though her absence will be deeply felt, her family finds comfort in knowing that the God she faithfully served has now welcomed her home.