JoAnn Gramlich Clifton

JoAnn Clifton, age 79, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, initially raised in Suitland and Hillside/District Heights, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. JoAnn was born on Friday, July 13, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Raymond "Dutch" Robert Gramlich Sr. and Clara Christine (Travers) Gramlich. JoAnn is preceded in death by her mother, Clara, her father, Raymond, her brother, Raymond Robert "Bobby" Gramlich Jr., and her son-in-law, John Richard "Ricky" Goldsmith.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Keith Edward Clifton Sr., her son, Keith Edward “Keithie” Clifton Jr. and his wife Susan of Mechanicsville, her daughter, Christine Lea “Christie” (Clifton) Goldsmith of Upper Marlboro, her grandchildren, Emily Marie (Clifton) Turner (Jeff) of Leonardtown, Patricia Jo “Patti Jo” (Clifton) Windsor (Donald) of King George Va., John Francis Goldsmith of Upper Marlboro, Amy Suzanne (Clifton) Alejandro of Mechanicsville, great-grandchildren, Cheston Shane Windsor, Waylon Philip Windsor, Blake Wrennyn Alejandro, Diana Marie Stump, and Logan Keith Alejandro. 

JoAnn met and married her husband Keith while they were still in middle school, becoming an exceptionally young bride, on March 16, 1957. JoAnn and Keith welcomed their son, Keith Jr., on July 25, 1959. They later moved to Upper Marlboro with her parents on their farm, where they built their home. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed the arrival of their daughter Christie on July 21, 1965.

JoAnn was a dedicated wife, loving mother, homemaker, and business owner/operator with her husband, Keith. An avid animal and wildlife lover, JoAnn was known for her love of birds of all kinds, but she was especially fond of hummingbirds. She faithfully fed and nurtured her birds, including an ever-growing flock of wild turkeys and a herd of white-tailed deer, passionately creating her very own little wildlife preserve in her backyard. She and Keith also raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and horses throughout the years on their farm. They also shared their home and hearts with untold numbers of dogs and cats over the decades, but JoAnn seemed to especially love her dachshunds and her most recent dog, Dora. JoAnn was an affectionate hands-on Grandma and Great Grandmother "GG-Ma" who made all her grandkids appreciate nature and the simple things in life. She had an easy laugh, a kind and caring demeanor, and made everyone feel heard and special. This world is surely a better place for having had JoAnn in it and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

In JoAnn's name donations can be made to All Faith Episcopal Church: PO Box 24, Charlotte Hall MD, 20622.