Virginia Gladys Joppy Conway

Virginia Gladys Conway, affectionately known as “Ginnie” “Momma Ginnie” or “Grandmaw,” was born October 24, 1919 in Twinbrook, Maryland to the late Henry Joppy and Annie Neal. After a brief illness, she departed this life October 25, 2020. 

“Ginnie” attended Montgomery County public schools through the eighth grade, after which she began working full-time to help support the family. She was a housekeeper and performed domestic work for many different families until she retired at the age of 75. She became a member of the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church in the late 60’s, and was a long-standing member of the October Ministry and the Senior Ushers Board. Serving the Lord in different capacities was what she enjoyed most. “Ginnie” had a great sense of humor and an appetite for life. Every year she looked forward to going to the York Fair, making sure she had a corn dog, a slice of pizza, a Sprite soda, and a fried blooming onion. Those were her go-to treats. The family, however, looked forward to her wonderful fried chicken and her tasty potato salad. Now that was good eating! The entire day was enjoyed so much that the return ride home was often spent in silence because everyone was asleep. Many family members will cherish the fond memories of making that trip to the fair with her for so many years.

She also enjoyed the annual Lincoln Park Day Festival in Rockville, the Relatives Club picnics in Beltsville, the Christmas dinners for the ushers, and the church homecomings at both the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church and the Queens Chapel Methodist Church. In her younger days, there was never a summer that didn’t include a visit to relatives in New York and in
Pennsylvania. Getting together with loved ones, laughing and reminiscing over great food, (especially the homemade cheesecakes and Shepard’s pies), “Ginnie” relished in those most precious, family trips. 

After retirement, “Ginnie” kept busy by helping to distribute lunches to the residents in her building - Franklin Apts. in Takoma Park, Maryland – where she resided for 45 years. She delighted in reading the sports pages (especially keeping up with Tiger Woods), having family and friends visit, and going on lunch outings with her friends. In her spare time, she loved to sew and to make quilts. A dress could be pulled together in no time. A uniform made to order. Her sewing basket was a treasure chest of ideas and creativity.

She loved to cook and prepared many Easter and Thanksgiving dinners for family and loved ones. Her sweet iced tea and homemade rolls were the biggest hits! She always made sure that the family was together, and that there was enough to eat. Having the family altogether was one of life’s greatest joys for her.  

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