Annie Elizabeth Byrd Bruce

Annie Elizabeth Byrd Bruce entered the world on April 4, 1936. She was born in Baltimore, MD, the daughter of Howard Williams and Gladys Roberta Byrd. She had one sibling, James Frank Byrd. Annie’s early childhood was spent close to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, where she vividly recalled seeing the academy’s Mid-Shipmen, adorned in their classic white uniforms. She would see these young, uniform clad people as she literally walked several miles to school each day. It was perhaps during this period that she discovered her passion for learning, and later, for teaching others. During her teen years in Baltimore, MD, Annie continued to perform well in school, displaying a high level of intellect, matched with a strong work ethic. She valued hard work and was employed at Sampson’s Restaurant in East Baltimore. In this brief occupation she learned more than just cooking and serving skills and also developed strong interpersonal skills that would serve her well, later in life. A strong pillar of Annie’s life was her faith. She left this earth secure in her relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ. She converted to Roman Catholicism during the mid 1950’s and maintained her unwavering faith until the time of her passing. In the late 1950’s she met and married the love of her life, Robert Mozell Bruce, Sr., and was delighted to become “Mrs. Annie E. Bruce”. Together, they raised a family of eight children, which were an integral part of a larger extended family of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Neighbors and Friends. Annie and Robert (“Moe”) both valued education and hard work. These values were instilled throughout the family, with each child provided resources and opportunities appropriate to their respective talents and needs. Through their tireless efforts, the family realized success in many professions, including engineering, education, healthcare, water treatment, electrical, plumbing, music, purchasing, records administration, military service, and several other fields. In the midst of raising a large family, Annie entered college at what today is Coppin State University, where she earned her Bachelor's of Art degree in the Spring of 1977. Durning her time at Coppin, she excelled academically, graduating with a 4.0 Grade Point Average. She was recognized in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” and made the Dean’s list on multiple occasions. Annie was a socially responsible student and was very active on campus. In the Spring of 1976, she was initiated as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Chapter. Later, she earned her Master of Arts Degree from Loyola University. Her example inspired many to pursue higher level academics and participation in social action initiatives and programs. After graduation from Coppin, Annie joined Baltimore City Public Schools, as a teacher, a profession she held until her retirement in 2000. She served for more than 20 years and positively impacted many young lives. It was not uncommon for her former students to reach out and share their successes, much later in their own lives. She was much more than a “Teacher” and often served as mentor and advocate to her students as well. Annie was a founding member of The Northwest Baltimore Corporation (NWBC), a non-profit organization focused on providing employment and academic opportunities for youth in the Park Heights neighborhood. This organization was critically important to providing summer employment for youth and full-time employment placement support for newly graduating high school students. The NWBC also coordinated block events like “The Fun Wagon”, attendance at professional sporting events, The Baltimore City Fair, and many others. Together, the leaders of NWBC provided activities and paths to success for young people that may have otherwise been at risk for negative outcomes. In support of her faith, Annie was active in the St. Ambrose Church and the larger Catholic community in Maryland. She was a member of The Catholic Daughter’s Society and The St. Vincent de Paul Society, and for many years she was a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Minister. Her caring nature prompted her involvement in Prison ministry, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister, providing communion rites to incarcerated persons. While in this capacity, she was blessed to be part of a contingent that provided communion during the Mass, celebrated by Pope John Paul II, during his historic visit to Washington, DC in October of 1979. For her ensemble contributions to the Catholic faith, Annie was the recipient of the Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, O.S.P. Award, for service. Throughout her life she always had an appreciation for music and the arts. She was a fan of nearly all types of entertainment and actively encouraged her family to enjoy the arts, taking them to concerts and music events. She had great appreciation for the genre of movie-musicals made popular by Rogers and Hammerstein and others who were popular in the 1960’s and 70’s. Some of her favorite artists included Sam Cooke, Al Green (Reverend), and even Snoop Dog, in her later years. She never lost her ability to stay relevant with the younger generations. Annie is preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Robert Mozell Bruce, Sr., parents, Gladys Roberta Byrd and Howard Williams, brother, James Frank Byrd, Sr., sons William E. Coleman and Byron J. Bell, and granddaughter Redonna Bruce. She is survived by her remaining children (6), grandchildren (16) great grandchildren (19), and great, great grandchildren (1): (Byron J. Bell, Deceased), Jeffery Byron, Jaquan, Shakera, Ka’liyah, Darius, Malaki. James M. Bell, Sr. (Marion), Parais, James, Jr. Michael A. Bruce (Annette), Damond, De’Heaven, Aubrey, Michael, Mariah, Theresa, Joshua, (William E. Coleman, Deceased), Annie, William Devin, Riya, Alanna, Odyssey, Devin, Renee M. Tanner (Tom, Deceased), Carlyle, Raena, Ace, Courtenee, Thomas. Robin M. Bruce. Redonna (Deceased), Rhyannon (Jeffrey), Aadryan, Aaidan. Robert M. Bruce, Jr. (Jeanne), Eva, Victor. Roslyn M. Turner (Abram), Tyra, Tyrone, Celeste, Kaylei and Gabrielle. Throughout Annie’s life she held firm to her spirituality and faith in the Holy Tour Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is to Him that we pray and humbly ask intercession, as Annie makes her journey home.

Tributes

Annie Elizabeth Byrd Bruce

April 4, 1936 - December 24, 2024