Ann Sappington Smithers

Ann Ridgely Sappington Smithers, 103, of Buckingham’s Choice, Adamstown passed on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Born May 21, 1914 in Libertytown, Maryland to the late Sidney St. John Sappington and Mary Simm Boyle. She was the beloved wife of Robert Howard Smithers who died August 21, 1991. They were married in 1937.

Mrs. Smithers graduated from Notre Dame Academy and Liberty High School in Libertytown. She graduated from Towson State Teachers College in 1934, and later received her degree from the University of Maryland where she also did her graduate work.

She began her teaching career at Woodsboro Elementary. She later served many years in Prince George’s County and retired from there in 1972, as Principal of New Carrollton Elementary School in Landover Hills.

She belonged to many educational organizations including a life membership in the PTA. She was also a member of the DAR.

Her retirement years were enriched by her volunteer work and her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Betty Alexander and husband Bob, of Aiken, SC, and four grandchildren, Barbara Aghamalian and husband Vahe, Laura Jenkins and husband Ted, Tommy Neville and wife Lori, Kelly Jones and husband Darin. Also ten great-grandchildren, Amanda Aliff and husband Nick; David and Mathew Aghamalian; Alex, Michael, and Megan Lee; Sidney and Jacob Neville; and Katie and Brandon Jones. Also three great-great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Noah, Mariah.

She was preceded in death by her five sisters, Mary Margaret Cohill, Catherine Griffith, Marion Butcher, Louise Nichols, and Cordelia Sappington and four brothers, Sidney, Francis, Harry, and Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 9190 Church Street, Libertytown, MD 21762, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 11:00AM. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. Father Jason Worley and Rev. Sidney Griffith will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Peters Catholic Church or Buckingham’s Choice Residents Assistance Fund, 3200 Baker Circle, Adamstown, Maryland 21710.