Nannie Jane Ferguson

NANNIE JANE JONES, the eldest daughter of the late Clyde and Ethel Jones, was born on May 16, as 1938 in Farmville, Virginia, near Richmond She went home to be with the Lord on November 10, 2012. Nannie spent her early childhood in Virginia with her grandparents, Wyatt and Mary Jones and later, her Aunt, Carrie Johnson. Nannie attended Oak Grove Baptist Church where she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. As a teenager, Nannie relocated to Baltimore to be with her father and other family members. There, she became a member of Southern Baptist Church. In 1956, Nannie graduated from Dunbar High School in East Baltimore. Nannie also attended nursing school in Baltimore Nannie's first marriage was brief and ended in divorce. On September 6,1980, Nannie married her longtime friend companion, Clifton “Cliff” Ferguson, whom she described as the love of her life. Nannie and Cliff were soul mates. They lived, loved and laughed together. When Nannie spoke of Cliff – even years after his passing 1993 – her eyes would light up and a bright smile would wash across her face. Although Nannie and Cliff never had any children of their own, nurturing for Nannie and she played the role of mother too many. While she had just three biological siblings, many of Nannie's cousins loved her like a sister. And she loved them right. Nannie was kind and gentle person, but she was also a straight shooter. With Nannie, you were never left wondering what she was trying to say. She said what she meant And meant what she said. everyone in the neighborhood knew not to mess with Nannie – or her family. Those who knew her then may recall the time two of Nannie's cousins got into an argument with two other girls. The cousins had more mouth than muscle. Once word got to Nannie that her cousins needed help, that was all she wrote. Legend has it that with one swipe of her hand, Nannie knocked the other two girls on the ground, as her cousins stared in disbelief – and gratitude. Once the sidewalk stopped spinning, two girls got up and went home. Nannie also knew how to have a good time. Her sense of humor and her ability to whistle with two fingers – just like the guys – were always big hits. And boy could she tell a story. Nannie had an incredible talent for recapping memorable moments in a way that would leave you stitches, laughing until you cried -and wondering if it really happened that way. A gifted cook and caregiver, Nannie shared her talents with many of her family and friends. But it would be the fall of 1975 when Nannie met the Passano family that her gift would become her calling. Nannie's relationship with Passano family began as a part-time job, but it evolved into so much more. While Nannie cared for Passano children, Catherine, Tammy and Sarah, and kept Mac and Helen's home running smoothly, she truly became a member of the Passano family and was a permanent fixture at family events, sharing all important milestones. In 2001 after 26years as a “manager of the Passano household,” Nannie officially retired, but remained a part of the family's life. She attended all three girls' wedding, celebrated birthdays and christenings, attended family gatherings and was one of the first calls from the delivery room when all seven of her girls' children were born, Nannie loved deeply by the entire Passano family. The girls' husbands and children, and all of their children. and all of their friends that she met along the way Her beaming smile had away of drawing anyone close and a “Nannie Hug” could solve most any problems. To Know Nannie, was to love Nannie. She had a heart as big as the universe and was always looking for opportunities to help others. And she was big on special occasions – especially birthday – taking the time to send cards and gifts to family and friends, even once her health began to fail. But Nannie didn't need special occasions to show people how much she cared for them. She would often send cards, letters, and gifts for no particular reason, except to say, “I'm thinking of you,” or “I love you.” As an extension of her love for people, Nannie was very active in religious and civic organizations. She was a life member of the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland where she served on the Nurses' Ministry of the W omen’s Auxiliary. She was also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as president of the Missionary ministry at Southern Baptist Church. Nannie leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Marion Hope of East Orange, New Jersey, Janice Robinson of Randallstown, Maryland one brother, Robert Jones of Dothan, Alabama, two brothers-in-law, John Hope, Sr. and Leroy Robinson, her best friend and cousin Mary Ross, goddaughter, Tiana Rooks, godson, Lawrence Harris, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends

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Nannie Jane Ferguson

May 16, 1938 - November 10, 2012