Joan Ritchie Higgs
August 19, 1937 ~ July 31, 2016
Joan Ritchie Higgs, 78, of Compton, MD formerly from Cherry Grove, VA passed away on July 31, 2016 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on August 19, 1937 in Cherry Grove, VA, she was the daughter of the late Eula Catherine Showalter Ritchie and Ralph Raymond Ritchie. Joan was the loving wife of the late John Leon Higgs, Jr., whom she married in King George, VA and who preceded her in death on August 11, 2004. Joan is survived by her children: Belinda Copenhaver (John) of California, MD, J.L. Higgs (Jill) of Hollywood, MD, Grandchildren: David Adams, Joseph Adams, Brooke Higgs, Abby Higgs, Crystal Johnson (Brithon), Nick Copenhaver (Lauren), Heather Pinkel (Adam), Rachel Reeder (Blake), Emily Crocker (Jon), Michael Copenhaver, and several great grandchildren. Siblings: Dorothy Shipp (Wallace) of Broadway, VA, and Louise Bennett (Emanuel) of Brandywine, WV. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Raymond Ritchie, Lawrence Ritchie, Lynwood Ritchie, Charles Ritchie, Catherine Graham, Charlotte Miller and Maurice Ritchie. Joan was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident, and worked as a restaurant manager for 35 years at the Belvedere. She was a member of the Esperanza Bowling League on Friday night. She also liked playing pitch, cooking, and going on Casino trips. Joan enjoyed picking crabs to make her famous crab cakes and crab balls, enjoyed by everyone, and loved spending time with her family.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. A Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 AM with Rev. Kyle Squires officiating. Interment will be private.
Contributions may be made to Southpoint Church P.O. Box 2207 Leonardtown, MD 20650.
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Dearest Family of Joan,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Mother. Know that my deepest condolences go out to the entire family. Times like these, test our strength, and I want you all to know, I will be praying for your ability to get through these difficult times. God bless 🙏
Mum Joan will be missed very much. Joan helped raise a few of her sons friends and it was my pleasure to be one of them. Joan and Shot treated me as if I was one of their own. They welcomed me into their home, fed me, told me when i was doping wrong but never judged me. They knew we were up to some no good at times but never once did Shot or Joan ever turn their backs on any of us. I will miss talking to her as she always asked how I was and wished me and mine the best. JL and Belinda be strong…… your family is big and we are all here for you!!!
All of our Love
Mum Joan will be missed very much. Joan helped raise a few of her sons friends and it was my pleasure to be one of them. Joan and Shot treated me as if I was one of their own. They welcomed me into their home, fed me, told me when i was doing wrong but never judged me. They knew we were up to some no good at times but never once did Shot or Joan ever turn their backs on any of us. I will miss talking to her as she always asked how I was and wished me and mine the best. JL and Belinda be strong…… your family is big and we are all here for you!!
Belinda & JL I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Ms. Joan was always very kind and friendly to me whenever we would run into each other. I will always remember her smile. Be at peace knowing Joan and Leon are back together in heaven. Take care and be strong.
Belinda ,JL, and Family I’m truly sorry for the loss of your mother Joan was such a sweet and caring soul ! She loved her family so much ! My heart breaks for you all !
Belinda, J.L. and Family….So very sorry to learn of Your Mom’s passing. Joan was always to very nice to me. I know your hearts are aching and only time will ease your pain. Your Mom has joined Your Dad and together you will have 2 Awesome Guardian Angels watching over you. Joan was so very proud of her family and loved all of you so very much. You will carry precious memories of her in your hearts forever. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you.
JL, Belinda and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very nice and pleasant woman. Like others have said, now you have your mom and your dad as guardian angels to watch over you. God Bless you and your family today and always. Love Debbie and Bobby
JL Jill Belinda John and family….Aunt Joan was a very sweet person. Me and Julie will miss trick or tricking there as we always made it a point to go…she always had a smile and I loved hearing her laugh…especialy when somebody made a joke. She was a wonderful person and I gave her big hugs when I got to see her. She will be missed but always in my heart with Uncle Leon…. Heaven has another Angel !!
Belinda and J.L.and family, My heartfelt prayers for you all. But your Mom is with Dad and they are with you everyday in your heart, your guardian angel. Love to you all. God Bless!
Belinda and J.L.and family, My heartfelt prayers for you all. But your Mom is with Dad and they are with you everyday in your heart, your guardian angel. Love to you all. God Bless!
Belinda, J.L.& Family: Thinking of you during this sad time. “God Bless.”
My love and prayers are with those left behind for now you soar with the Angels in Heaven. RIP.
Belinda, John & family:
My condolences on the passing of Ms. Joan. May you all keep her memories close to your hearts. She is now soaring the heavenly sky watching over all of you. God Bless.
Belinda and family so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.Joan was so nice to me she help me out when I was a teenager.I work with your Mom at Black Steer I enjoyed your Mom’s company she would pick me up to go to work with her those were the good old days. God bless you and your family today and always. Take Care Elaine Morgan Berry.
Belinda, John & family:
My condolences on the passing of Ms. Joan. My you all keep her memories close to your hearts. She is now soaring the heavenly sky watching over all of you. God Bless.
Belinda and John I am so sorry about the lost of your mother. She seemed like a very lovely woman. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers