Margaret Ann Joppy

Margaret Ann Elizabeth Joppy passed on from her earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at the Casey House (Montgomery Hospice) in Rockville, MD.

Ann, as she was affectionately known, born on December 25, 1936, was a "Christmas Baby" and the second child of eight children. As the oldest daughter of Margaret Louse Campbell, she was raised in a loving and caring home by Margaret and William Campbell, Sr. Being a Christmas baby likely inspired and attributed to her being the giving and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend that she was.

Ann met Samuel Joppy 59 years ago, and they married 40 years ago in January 1976. Through this union, they provided a loving and caring home for nine children, including seven mischievous boys and two adorable young ladies.

Ann was educated in Montgomery County Public Schools and most notably Lincoln Junior High School in Rockville, MD. She was always a hard worker and dedicated herself to whatever tasks she took on. Her employment included working at two dry cleaners, domestic work, snack bar attendant at the old Zayers stores on Viers Mill and Hillandale, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, and social worker at the old Fisher Lane Social Services. Some of Ann's most memorable employment experiences were during the time when she ran an in-home daycare where she cared for numerous children of family, friends, neighbors, and hardworking parents who'd heard of her loving care for children. Ann also worked at several nursing homes, including Asbury Methodist and the Lutheran Home in Rockville, MD, where she enjoyed caring for the elderly and needy. She received an award at the Lutheran Home for perfect attendance.

Ann loved caring for her plants and flowers which goes back to the days when she was a member of the Stewartstown Methodist Church Flower Club. She also enjoyed going to yard sales with her friends, children, and grandchildren; this was usually an exhaustive all-day affair. Ann also enjoyed family adventures, family reunions, and her favorite past-time, crocheting. She loved the news of a new grand or great grandchild, as well as the opportunity to crochet a blanket, scarf, or cap (although any opportunity to crochet was a welcome joy for her). Ann especially enjoyed making and spending time with friends, reading her bible and attending uplifting church services. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. This was a highlight for her! Ann believed in unconditional love but made it clear she would tell you exactly what was on her mind (diplomatically, of course).

Margaret Ann valued family and was known as the glue that held us together. She was the matriarch of a very large family but always demonstrated a humble character and never forgot the names and attributes of her family members including the numerous grand and great grandchildren that loved her so much. She fought the good fight and was always supported by her family and friends; a by-product of the love she shared with others. When she made a request it was generally honored and with much delight. One of her last requests was to eat some chitterlings. Now everyone knew this was not a good idea but Ann made the request with that "this is not negotiable face" and needless to say her request was honored.

Margaret Ann was surrounded by family and friends during her last days. She would often drift off into sleep and wake up and summon for Lily, Catherine, Mike, Michelle, or one of the numerous family members who would take time to be at her side. She slipped away peacefully with her sister, Catherine, still at her side at 6:20 p.m. The attending staff noted, "She was a strong one," something that most had witnessed over the years. She suffered but never complained. She was tried but never gave up faith. She was tired but she knew peace was near. One of Ann's favorite saying was "Don't say goodbye, say see you later..."

Margret Ann leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 40 years, Sam "Jop" Joppy; eight children, James Frazier-Bey, Sr. (Henritter), Anthony Frazier (aka Luqman Al-Amin), Charles Frazier, Michael Joppy, Samuel Joppy, Jr. (Trenita), Edith Ann Joppy, Michelle Cromartie, and Kevin Joppy (Constance); faithful daughter-in-law, Lily Frazier; 49 grandchildren; 86 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two brothers, William Campbell, Jr. and Elton Campbell; three sisters, Laura Copeland, Catherine Claggett, and Wilhelmina Campbell; aunt, Gertrude Hawkins; five sisters-in-law, Leona Campbell, Maxine Frazier, Catherine Smith, Eleanor Smith, and Betty Smith (John); brother-in-law, Stacey Moody; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Margaret Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Campbell; brother, John Herbert Frazier; sister, Sylvia Cromwell; oldest son, Gary Frazier; and one sister-in-law, Joyce Campbell.