Nannie Pinder

A TIME TO BE BORN Monday, December 18, 1933, was a frosty wintry day in Lunenburg, Virginia. However, in the home of Charlie and Annie Scott Watkins, there was a blaze of warmth as Nannie Sue Watkins entered this world. Her incredible journey began on that day in 1933 and eighty-six years later on Thanksgiving Day, God called Nannie home to Glory. Nannie was born two weeks before Prohibition ended and during the Great Depression. Times were hard all over America and especially in rural areas. Despite all of the odds, Nannie's parents had great expectations of their eldest girl, whom they named after her maternal grandmother. Some time during the late 1930's Nannie's family relocated to Baltimore. They settled in East Baltimore. Nannie and her sisters Margaret and Fannie were inseparable and grew up on North Dallas Street. (Fannie preceded her in death). Nannie matriculated through the Baltimore Public School System. At the age of thirteen, she joined the St. Phillips Lutheran Church where she remained a faithful member for seventy-three years. A TIME TO LOVE The love story of Thomas and Nannie is like a Hallmark movie. It is one of the greatest love stories ever told. When they were teenagers, Thomas spotted Nannie walking past the poll hall on Gay and Eager Streets. He pursued and captured her heart. Thus began a courtship that withstood the test of time..even while serving in the United States Infantry during the Korean War. On February 28, 1954, they were married and for sixty-six years, Thomas and Nannie raised a family, traveled the world, made many friends, and enjoyed life together. A TIME TO GROW Nannie and her sister Margaret have always had a close bond and talked almost daily. Margaret has many impactful memories of their bond. She fondly remembers that Nannie loved cooking, baking, and children. "Many Friday nights she would call and ask if the ball is rolling over there?", said Margaret. "That meant she wanted to come over and spend time with the children. " Margaret recalls the many trips they took together with their husbands and other friends. "Nannie and Thomas spent many New Year's Eve watching the ball drop in New York City", she recalls. FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS In the late '60's, the Pinders stepped out as entrepreneurs. Nannie was the wind beneath the wings of her husband. For over 35 years their grocery store was a staple in the neighborhood. Through their efforts, with the store and other business interests they were able to employ family members who needed a job, as well as those from the neighborhood. LIFE'S LESSONS From the family's kitchen on both Monument Street and then Oliver Street, Nannie taught her daughter life lessons on relationships, the importance of structure, neatness and the qualities of being a lady. Nannie had a sense of style and manners and respect for elders was important to her. Chandra recalls the early days of having her hair straightened. She believers that challenging experience highly influences her career choice. "I had a wonderful childhood," says Chandra, "My mother was a remarkable woman." Son-in-law John will always remember her sage advice. Everyone who knew Nannie understood the love and pride she felt and demonstrated for her grandson Trevor. She was determined that he remained focused on the right path. "Her faith was very important to her and that's how she lived, he said. "She had a generous spirit and a benevolent attitude towards all she met." Trevor's academic achievements were extremely important to Nannie and she cried at his graduation from Frostburg State University. When Trevor delivered the commencement speech as Class Valedictorian, she felt that her prayers for him were realized. Just eight months ago, on Mary 18, 2020 Nannie Lost Thomas, the love of her life. Now with the passing of Nannie Pinder, the lights are finally out on Olive Street. A TIME TO MOURN She leaves to mourn and entrust her legacy, a loving and devoted daughter Chandra Pinder Johnson, son-in-law John, grandson Trevor Jones, sister Margaret Jones, 4 nephews, 2 nieces, a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, friends and extended family members.

Tributes

Nannie Pinder

December 18, 1933 - November 26, 2020