Mary Virginia (Copper) Hutchins

Mary Virginia Hutchins, affectionately known as “Ginger” was born on March 13, 1953.  She was the only child of the late Delores Winchester, and the youngest of the late James Ridgeway.  She was educated in Queen Anne’s County Public school system and graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School in 1973.  She made her transition from her earthly home on March 6, 2024.  She was 70 years old.

Ginger married Walter Hutchins (Froggy) June 18, 1988.  She enjoyed riding motorcycles together and entertaining their TNT social group members.

At a young age (age 9) she tragically lost her father and as a young woman (age 21) she lost her mother.  Nevertheless, she remained resilient which spearheaded the independent and fiery Ginger we all love today.  She often would talk about family members that stepped up in her mother’s absence as mothers in love, which were Amanda Gibbs, Edna Wheeler, Francis Brown, Anna Mae Thornton and stepmother Carrie Ridgeway.  From this unification she inherited 6 brothers and 4 sisters. 

She became a self-taught cook under the wings of the late Amanda Gibbs (Aunt Mandy) and Anna Mae Thornton which contributed to a long career of employment through the Benedictine School, Ridgely, MD.  She had such a love for the disabled community and believed that everyone had abilities despite their limitations.  So much so, she selected 3 children from the school every year to work alongside her to mentor and teach the craft of cooking.  Cooking was such a pleasure to Ginger and each family member has one, two or more favorites, but the most well- known among others are: macaroni and cheese, chicken salad, cream of wheat and last but not least her sweet, iced tea.  She also loved attending activities to support her grandchildren which included cheerleading, football and basketball games.  She would always bring an abundance of snacks to their games.  Enough to feed the entire team!  She would cheer the loudest.  Everyone knew who the grandkid’s mom mom was. 

She gave her life to Christ early on while attending Community Baptist Church and received the hand of fellowship on 08/06/2006 by then Pastor William J Ward Jr.  She served the Lord throughout her life.  She was an active member at Union Bethel A.M.E. church with presiding Pastor Pearl Geter.  She loved the Lord to the depths of her soul, but don’t let the smooth taste fool you, she always remained outspoken and within a blink of an eye, would shoot straight from the hip to speak up.  She never bit her tongue about anything.

Rejoicing in her memory are her children:  Kephes Copper (Denton, MD), Xaviera Curtis (Keith) Greensboro, MD.

Bonus children:  Alfreda “Princess” Brown (Wilmington, DE), Lovette Watson (Curtis) Allenhurst, GA, Kenneth Knight Jr (Wendy) Saratoga Springs, UT

Stepbrother: John Winchester Jr

Godchildren: Ebony Smith (Columbia, MD), Guy Cornish (Northeast, MD), Reginald Demby, Jr (Ingleside, MD)

5 Grandchildren: Tevin Curtis (Annapolis, MD), Te’von Curtis (Nijah) Elkton, MD, Kiara Copper (Greenwood, DE), Aarion Fisher (Baltimore, MD), Myah Copper (Brooklyn Park, MD)

9 Great Grandchildren:  Xzayvier Curtis, Raelyn Curtis, Zoey Warren, Julianna Curtis, Zuri Warren, River Curtis, Aura Curtis, Topanga Curtis, Blaze Curtis

Siblings in Love:  Leonard Bratcher (Pasadena, MD), William Demby (Toni) Millersville, MD, Norman Penn (Columbia, MD), Barbara Baker (Jasper), Baltimore, MD, Mable Bratcher (Odenton, MD), Donald Demby (Jan), Centreville, MD, Ronald Demby (Cheryl), Chestertown, MD, and Barbara Smith, (Columbia, MD)

Special Friends: Norvel Smith, Desiree Seals, Betty Kennard, Roxanne Reed, Edith Bell

Special Caregiver: Felix Bethel

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mothers in love, 1 grandson (Keith Curtis, Jr), 2 Siblings (James Alfred Ridgeway and Fannie Wallace) and 1 Sibling in love (George “Wes” Thornton).  All of which were waiting at the Gates of Heaven to welcome her home.

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