Joan Elinor Greggs

Joan Elinor (Richbourg) Greggs, lovingly known as Joan, Mom, and Grammy, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026. The last years of her life were spent living in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to that she lived for many years in Columbia, Maryland.

Joan was 95 years old, and born on January 12, 1931 in Statesville, North Carolina, the second child of George Howard Richbourg and Elsie E. (Greene) Richbourg. Even after her family moved to Maryland when she was young, she always enjoyed visiting her family and roots in North Carolina. Many of her fondest memories and stories she would share described those happy times of her youth. She was an excellent student in school, and followed high school to the University of Virginia, where she received her degree and became a Registered Nurse. She married her husband, George Greggs, who was a District of Columbia, police officer. They raised four children and were blessed with four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

She was an avid reader, often active at her church, learned to play piano, and a member of a handbell choir. She enjoyed plants and gardening. Her neighbors grew accustomed to seeing her
outside gardening and doing yard work. An excellent seamstress, she used her talents to help others. Family knew better than to compete with her knowledge that was evident during both Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every night. She was a quiet opponent in a good game of Scrabble, with a shrewd ability to block her opponent’s advantages. She will be greatly missed for her hospitality and fantastic cooking. Whether hosting a summer picnic or her annual Christmas Party, she modeled hospitality and gracious giving to all.

She remained a lifelong friend with her Cousin Patricia (Greene) Palmer in North Carolina. That friendship gave each of them a shoulder to lean on when things were difficult, and to celebrate when things were wonderful. Joan is predeceased by her husband, George A. Greggs, her first son, Mark Greggs, and her fourth child Gary Greggs Sr. She is survived by her son Richard Greggs; her daughter Robin (Greggs) Stice and Ken Stice, her son-in-law; grandchildren: Gary Greggs Jr.; Elizabeth Stice; Emily (Stice) Laker and her husband James Laker; Rebecca (Stice) Glass and her husband Thomas Glass; and her great grandchildren: Anne Laker, Eli Laker, Calvin Laker, and Jiya Laker.

Joan made an enormous positive impact on her family through her generous and caring spirit. She made sacrifices for her family with a giving heart and a quiet but surprisingly social life. Her consistent dedication to her family, was reflected time and again when she showed up for those around her.  Her memory will continue to inspire her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Although we know she is free from the limitations of this life in Heaven, her passing is an incredible loss to her family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a graveside service at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens (2150 Mount View Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104) on Wednesday July 15, 2026 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made to a charitable ministry she volunteered with, in her memory to the: Meals on Wheels for Central Maryland .

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