Annie Estelle Batchelor (McCready), 86, of Dowell, MD passed away peacefully at her residence on May 8, 2013. She was born on April 1, 1927 in Friendship, MD to the late John Edward McCready and Grace Violet Humphreys McCready.

Annie graduated from Calvert County High School in 1945. Annie was employed as a faithful and dedicated civil servant with the U. S. Postal Dept. for over 30 years. She worked in the Lusby post office and in 1992 retired as Post Mistress of the Dowell Post Office to care for her beloved Henry. She knew everyone in the area and most knew her too. Annie was most comfortable perched at her kitchen window ensuring the neighborhood was well policed. This was the birth of Community Watch movement.

It was common if not a rule for any who stepped in her door to sit and have a bite. If that wasn't enough she gladly provided 'Doggie Bags' for the return trip. Annie was a devoted and generous mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as to anyone in need.

On a lighter note, I would characterize Annie as spirited and quite the comedienne. She had the grit of Margaret Thatcher and the quip of Erma Bombeck. Annie would provide advice free of charge and opinions were slightly higher, the only expectation was that all were expected to take it. All would agree that Annie always had the last & final word.

Annie is survived by her children, Sharon Anne Smith (Batchelor) and husband Flexy of Solomon's, MD and Dean Edward Batchelor and wife Diana of Prince Frederick, MD; Grandchildren, Michelle Anne Graves (Smith) and husband Lindsay of Richmond, VA, James Wesley Smith of Huntingtown, MD, Crystal Lynn Batchelor of Lusby, MD and Jennifer Anne Batchelor of Prince Frederick, MD; Great Grandchildren, Brittany Michelle Graves of Virginia Beach, VA, Justin Lindsay Graves of Richmond, VA, Kaylee Anne Smith of Lusby, MD, Hailey Alise Batchelor of Prince Frederick, MD and arriving soon Kaynyn Batchelor; Brothers, Donas H. McCready Sr. of St. Leonard, MD, Harold Lee McCready of Friendly, MD; Sisters, Marie Lyons-Hardesty (McCready) of Lusby, MD, Vivian Lynette Ward (McCready) of Lusby, MD and Eunice Mae Habig (McCready) of St. Leonard, MD; and her Caregivers, Paula Taylor, Elizabeth Johnson, Bertha Hunt, Alexis Summers, Cheryl Jetmore, Anita Lenne and her neighbor in crime Merle Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry Cleveland Batchelor, Sisters, Ethel Louise Grover (McCready) and Erma Lee Breeden (McCready); Brothers, James Edward McCready, John Berkley McCready and Charles Dudley McCready.

The family received friends on Friday, May 10, 2013 from 5– 8 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD 20657. A service celebrating her life was held on Saturday May 11, 3:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 11000 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD with Pastor David Graves and Rev. Charles Harrell officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pall bearers were J. Arlen Blaylock, Dale J. Breeden, Ronald S. Jetmore, Donas H. McCready Jr., J. Christian McCready and Renee L. Ward; Honorary Pallbearers C. O. 'Bucky' Dowell and Jim Franklin.

The family wishes in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made in Annie's memory to Solomon's Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department, Inc., P. O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.