Elizabeth K Coombs

Elizabeth K. Coombs, of Pomfret, MD, passed away on October 24, 2022 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. She blessed the world with 81 years on this earthly realm. Born on March 28, 1941 in Washington, DC, Elizabeth — more affectionately known as Mom, Granny, GG, Betty Ann, or Miss Betty — grew up in Clinton, MD with her sister, Mary Evelyn Yates. She graduated in 1959 from Surrattsville High School, Clinton, MD. It was in her Clinton home that she first discovered her passion for music, specifically the piano; she then became known for her musical artistry and served as the church organist. In addition to her sister, her children (Cindy, Crystal, Caroline and Christopher), her grandchildren (Brittany, Carly, Cathleen, and Caitlyn), and great-grandchildren (Madison and Andrew), she leaves behind her beloved Steve Wedding, Dean Seibert, Chris Arbin, Michael Weiss, Bridget, Brice, Kydin Higgs and Josh Young, along with countless nieces and nephews, her cherished family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Everett, her daughter Crystal, and her parents, Donald and Louise Kenlon. On May 22, 1955, Betty Ann went on a blind date with Everett. The two were immediately smitten, and they married six years later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clinton, MD on July 8, 1961. Betty Ann briefly worked for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Office, and by 1963, she became a full time mother. It was during those years that she and Everett opened their home to a number of foster children, providing them with a stable, loving environment. In addition to fostering children, Betty Ann (and reluctantly, Everett) opened their home to countless stray cats and dogs. She especially adored her beloved cats. A very busy lady, and as her father labeled her, “tough old bird”, Betty Ann devoted more than 60 years to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as their organist, and more than 20 years for Holy Ghost Church in Issue, MD. She played more funerals and weddings than the average person attends in their lifetime. Betty Ann had a heart of gold and had an incredibly full and rewarding life. She began her career working as a phone operator at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. During that period, she began taking medical courses at the Charles County Community College. Betty Ann spent many years in the medical field, holding a number of positions. She also served as a volunteer for Hospice. She retired as a Unit Secretary on 2 East where she completed 45 years of devoted service. Following retirement, she spent more time doing what she loved: traveling with Rick Steves on the Travel Channel, learned veterinary techniques from Dr. Pol, perusing thrift stores for cookbooks, going to yard sales, rummaging around TJ Maxx, taking water aerobics at Lackey High School, making homemade jelly, writing notes to friends and family and attending her Friday night pop-a-corks (rosary group gatherings). Betty Ann never met a stranger. She had a unique gift for being an authentic listener and was well known for her storytelling abilities. One of her favorite activities was visiting with friends and hosting family picnics at her home. She also had a deep love for flowers and spent many years as a member of the Charles County and La Plata garden clubs. She proudly created hundreds of flower arrangements for churches, wedding receptions and events and won countless awards at the Charles County Fair for her floral arrangements. Betty Ann made many friends along the way. She will be fondly remembered for her love of family and friends, her kindness and generosity, her faith, her chicken salad, her homemade jelly and the joy she brought to so many. She had a profound impact on the lives she touched. She recently said to her sister, “I truly love my life”… A viewing will be held at St. Joseph’s Church Hall, 4590 St. Joseph’s Way, Pomfret, MD, on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm, with funeral services at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow with a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spring Dell Center in La Plata, MD, the Charles County Humane Society in Waldorf, MD or the Hospice of Charles County, Waldorf, MD.

Elizabeth K Coombs

March 28, 1941 - October 24, 2022