Hugh Washington Lolley

HUGH WASHINGTON LOLLEY

Hugh Washington Lolley was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 9, 1951, to Mary Lolley and Herbert Butler. Lolley, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, transitioned to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Lolley was educated in the Wilmington Public School system and graduated from Wilmington High School, home of the Red Devils, in 1970.

Lolley was a hardworking husband and father whose greatest joy was providing for his family. He was deeply loved by his family and adored by his grandchildren. He was the family cook, and everyone looked forward to his breakfast. His cooking was one of the many ways he showed his love for his family.

He was a mentor to many and was always willing to share his endless amount of information, knowledge, and wisdom. Lolley, answered to many names, including Papa Smurf, Santa, Lolley Pop, Gray Pop Pop, Lala, Hugh L, Hughbert, and Hughie. Those who were close to him knew he was quick to correct you if you said something grammatically wrong. He was known for his stubbornness, memorable quotes, and sarcastic remarks, which will certainly be missed.

Lolley enjoyed visiting the casinos and playing slot machines. He also loved playing cards, especially Tunk, and he was always the biggest winner. He also enjoyed playing pool, ping pong, and basketball, and he was known for having one of the best long-range shots around. Lolley also enjoyed traveling and spending time exploring new places and making memories along the way.

After retiring from Verizon Telephone Company following 25 years of service, Lolley continued working at various jobs, including Goodwill, Synergy Telephone, DART Paratransit, and Keval Transportation. He had an excellent memory and could give you directions to anywhere.

Lolley’s favorite place to sleep was in the car, especially when it was raining. His favorite music was The Persuasions, and he could sing every song on the entire album.

Lolley joined in holy matrimony to Genell Haile Williams on July 12, 1975. From that union came two children, Erica Renise Lolley and Hugh Washington Lolley II. Lolley and Genell spent 51 years together on this journey called life. Though death has separated them physically, the love they shared will remain forever.

Lolley leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Genell Lolley; daughter, Erica R. Lolley McIntyre (Fred); son, Hugh W. Lolley II; sister, Adelaide Carroll; four brothers, Alonzo Spencer (Denise), Arthur Spencer, Nathaniel Lolley (Sherry), and Charles Saunders (Doris); goddaughter, Kisha Haile, whom he affectionately called his “1st baby”; three sisters-in-law, Mary Coleman, Maxine Handy, and Mary Davis; brother-in-law, McArthur Davis; nine grandchildren, Renise, Najir, Janiyah, Jaonni, Lanayza, Araya, Ra’Nya Fred Hugh, and Fred III; and four great-grandchildren, Lelani, Yasir, Aminah, Legend.

He will forever remain in the hearts of several beloved nieces, Bonita Carroll, Qwanda Bryant, Tammy Spencer, Toya Coleman, Joesette Haile, LaToya Roane, and Charmaine Roane whom he loved and cherished as his own daughters. Each one held a special place in his heart. He also leaves behind special cousins, James Haile (Flossie), as well as Edward Williams and Joyce Haile, along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, coworkers, and friends whose love and presence held a special place in his life.

Lolley was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lolley Raikes; father, Herbert Butler; sisters, Francis Smith Collier and Jennifer Roberts; and brothers, Elwood Spencer and Wesley Spencer.

Lolley leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, stories, quotes, and love. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will continue to live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the prayers, calls, visits, love, support, and every act of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. Your thoughtfulness and support are deeply appreciated.

Sadly submitted,

The Lolley Family