Louise Catherine Giddens

LOUISE’S JOURNEY... God saw the road was getting rough; the hills too hard to climb. He closed your lovely eyes and said, “ Peace Be Thine.” Sleep on Mother, take your rest. We love you and miss you, but our God always knows best. Sister Louise Catherine Handy Giddens, also known as “Aunt Lucy” and “Wheezy”, was the eighty-four (84) year old daughter of the late James I. Handy and Elmira Holland Handy. Born on Saturday, December 5, 1936, she quietly and peacefully transitioned from earth to her heavenly reward on Friday, July 30, 2021 at the Manokin Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care in the presence of family. Sister Louise was educated in the Somerset County public schools, but furthered her spiritual education at the Mount Olive Baptist Church for almost forty (40) years. While in her healthy state, she was a faithful worker in many capacities including, but not limited to, the Senior Choir Director and member. Through her devotion to God, she earned the title of “Mother” to her fellow sisters and brothers and especially her fellow “younger” children in the Lord. Sister Louise was also a member of the Progressive Women’s Baptist Association and the Missionary Circle. As a devoted laborer, she worked in the cafeteria at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for thirty-five (35) years. Prior to this service to those students, she was always a “worker”....no matter the task. Fieldwork was not beneath her because of her desire to ensure the provisions for her children and grandchildren. As for her individual “likes” at home, there was nothing she enjoyed more than watching the black and white episodes of Gunsmoke, game shows, but only one life-like soap opera—The Young and the Restless. She also enjoyed desserts. But her real joy was “at home was church”, riding along with family singing and glorifying God through her anointed voice. Even as she abided in the nursing home, workers and patients could hear her praises and would even attempt to join in with her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel F. Giddens of thirty-four (34) years, two sisters, Carrie Bishop and Mae Greene, a brother, Jessie Handy, a son, Robert L. Handy and his offspring Troy and Yolanda Handy and several cousins. Sister Louise leaves to cherish life long memories: two daughters, Rosemary Armstrong (Walter), whom she thought of as a “son” of Wattsville, VA and Sandra J. Whittington of Westover, MD; two sons, Alphonso (Vanessa) Giddens of Sharptown, MD and Antonio Handy, Sr. (grandson whom she raised as her own) of Princess Anne, MD; a brother, John E. Handy of Westover, MD; three sisters-in-law, Frances Smith, Rosie Smith and Elsie Giddens, all of Accomack, VA; thirteen (13) grandchildren; twenty-nine (29) great grandchildren, one of whom, Raleigh Whittington (R.C.) was a faithful caretaker and joy; six (6) adopted children, Virginia P. Bailey and Charles W. Porter, Jr. , both of Westover, MD, Marilyn Jones of Hebron, MD, Daniel Collins, Jr. of Salisbury, MD, Mike Kellam of Pocomoke, MD and Meka Collins whose gift of outer beauty styling kept Mother Louise’s appearance as a gift of God’s glory even through her pain. To further appreciate and love her were three additional adoptees at the Manokin Nursing Facility, Tamika Wise, Debreena Wilson and Jeanne Phillips, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and her church family. Her family proclaims: “WHAT WE HAVE ENJOYED, WE CAN NEVER LOSE. ALL THAT WE LOVE DEEPLY BECOMES A PART OF US.” SORROWFULLY SUBMITTED ~ THE FAMILY

Louise Catherine Giddens

December 5, 1936 - July 30, 2021