Dr. Johnnye Mae (Murray) Witcher, 87 of Accokeek, Maryland.

On Monday, February 15, 2021 at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, Maryland, Johnnye Witcher peacefully transitioned to eternal life.

Johnnye Mae Murray Witcher of Accokeek, Maryland departed this life peacefully, on Monday, February 15, 2021.  Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on November 4, 1933, she was the only child of the late James and Mattie Mae Murray. Johnnye was a scholar from an early age. Having been raised by a Grandmother, Ella Mae Robinson, who was only able to achieve a 4th-grade education, education was the primary focus of her life and would ultimately become her life's work and greatest joy.

Johnnye accepted the Lord at an early age. While living in Montgomery, AL, she was a long-time member of Revelation Baptist Church. She began attending as a young child with her Grandmother. Her relationship with the Lord was strong and unwavering. One of Johnnye's many accomplishments included playing the piano. She would go on to use her gift for the Lord, by playing for her church homes, Cole Chapel, and other churches and organizations.

Johnnye graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the spring of 1951. She then went on to begin her family's educational legacy, by being the first person to attend a school of higher learning, Alabama State College. While attending ASC, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was a 1954 initiate of the Epsilon Beta Chapter. She graduated from Alabama State College in 1955, with a BS in English and Social Science. Johnnye immediately thrived as a Zeta. One of Zeta's  founding principles of scholarship was close to her heart and she would go on to excel in her educational career by obtaining her Masters of Art (English) from Atlanta University, and her Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education and English) from Auburn University.

While working hard to complete her undergraduate degree, Johnnye married the great love of her life, Frederick Witcher Sr., on January 28, 1955. The two were childhood classmates. Although, the love was initially one-sided, Johnnye eventually fell for Fred's charm.  Frederick was a member of the United States Air Force. To this union were born Frederick "Head" Witcher Jr. and Dierdre Valencia "Tweety" Witcher. Johnnye was preceded in death by Frederick in 1994.

The Witcher family began their exciting domestic and overseas travels in 1967, when they were stationed in the Philippine Islands. This experience was the first of many of their travels and adventures. They went on to be stationed in Texas and Virginia, where Johnnye continued her rewarding teaching career. Before moving back to Montgomery, AL, in 1977, they spent one last year in the Philippine Islands, where Johnnye spent her time working at the Exchange on the military's base. She enjoyed making new friends and meeting people from around the world.

Johnnye began her teaching tenure at Alabama State University as an English professor, where she was admired by faculty, students, alumni, and all. Her teaching style was poised and embracing. She cared deeply for her student's success and would push them to achieve the greatness that she saw in each of them. Her wisdom and guidance still rings in the hearts and minds of her past students and mentees to this day. She retired as the chairperson for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction after 35+ years of working in the field of education.

In summer 1995 after the death of her beloved Grandmother, Johnnye sold her home at 219 Conrad Street, in Sheridan Heights. She moved to Accokeek, MD with her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed her retirement and stayed busy with new adventures. She joined Alfred Street Baptist Church where she enjoyed fellowship, services and the Pastors Aid Ministry. She also joined the Omicron Phi Zeta Chapter (Washington, DC) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was a pillar in her community as she taught the neighborhood children piano lessons over the years and held many annual recitals. She also spent her time traveling the world by air and cruise ship.  She was a great cook and baker. She enjoyed baking sweet potato and pecan pies during the holidays and spending time with family and friends while sharing the awe-inspiring stories of her life.

Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ." She was a gift to the world and all that knew and loved her. She was a wonderful story teller and had a beautiful laugh and smile. She was sassy, funny, smart, and always exuded finer womanhood. She was selfless in all that she did for her friends and family. She enjoyed being a Mother and Wife. She was completely devoted to her family. She loved her children dearly and prayed for them fervently. She took great care of her husband when he fell ill and never married again after his passing. She was a wonderful woman of giving. Up until her passing, she was still sending money to organizations in need. Her generosity was a blessing to so many people.

Aside from her great love and excitement for family, was Johnnye's unwavering love and support for ZETA! She was a trailblazer within Zeta. She served her sorority in many leadership capacities. She exhibited her devotion to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and its ideals, as she held the national leadership positions of Chairman of the International Executive Board of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and as a member of the Board of Managers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Educational Foundation, Inc. (ZNEF).  In both positions, she helped guide operations and program policies. Her firm belief in higher education made her a strong advocate for the success of the ZNEF scholarship program in each of the leadership positions she held.  She also served as both President of the Alpha Rho Zeta Chapter (Montgomery, AL) and as State Director of the Alabama State Association. On the Regional level, she was appointed and served as the 12th Regional Director of the South Central Region of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In 2019, in her reflections on her service as a member of the Board of Managers (ZNEF), she wrote "I served on the Board of Managers during the time that five of the Past International Presidents were Members.  The enthusiasm and support that they brought were major factors in its growth, and set an example of support for all."

She is survived by her children - Frederick Witcher, Jr, California, MD (Agnes) and Dierdre Valencia Anderson, Accokeek, MD (Elijah), ; Grandchildren -  Belinda D. Anderson, Accokeek, MD and Elysha Frederique Anderson, Accokeek, MD; and Great Granddaughter- Xiamara Indye Anderson-Hall, Accokeek, MD. Other Survivors include very special nieces Deborah Roberts-Muller, Cherry Hill, NJ (Ulysses) and Kissa May, Montgomery, AL; very special nephew Tyrone Sanders, MD; Sister-in-Law Margaret Gissendaner, Montgomery, AL, and a host of devoted relatives, friends, sorors, mentees, and church family.

Her Viewing will be 11:00 am until time of Service, 12:00 pm, Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, Monday, March 1, 2021, Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

On Tuesday, February 23rd at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

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