Joyce Lynn Metzger's Obituary
Joyce Lynn Metzger (née Rippert), 82, of Annapolis, Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 24, 1943, in Annapolis, Maryland, to Anna May (née Meade) and Francis E. Rippert. Also, she was the sister of Sharon (née Rippert) Whitney of Glenville, PA and brothers, Robert Rippert (Patricia Givens) of Crownsville, MD, and the predeceased James Edward Rippert.
In October 1962, Joyce married Richard Metzger, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, faith, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord. Together, they built a life centered on family, devotion, and quiet acts of care for those around them.
Joyce graduated from Annapolis Senior High School and went on to attend Washington Bible College. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted Christian who faithfully attended South River Bible Church in Davidsonville, MD, and she lived out her beliefs daily through kindness, compassion, and service to others.
She was a devoted mother to Joel Metzger, Judith Robertson, and Leah Foy, and a deeply cherished grandmother to Joel Metzger Jr., Harrison Foy, Lauren Foy Berndt, Kayla Robertson Hewitt, Emily Foy Beard, Jennifer Metzger, and Spencer Gervase. Also, she was blessed with five great-grandchildren—Blakely Beard, Ireland Berndt, Levi Berndt, Sage Hewitt, and Dax Beard—who brought her immense joy and pride.
Joyce had a gentle, creative, and nurturing spirit. She found joy in porcelain doll making, collecting miniatures, quilting, crocheting, knitting, gardening, baking, and cooking. She loved reading and studying the Bible, and she shared her faith through music, singing at church. She adored animals, especially her dogs and cats, and had a deep love for all of God’s creatures.
Her faith gave her both purpose and peace, and she found immense comfort in the promise of her eternal home with the Lord. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. The date for the celebration of life service will be announced later.
In her own words, Joyce wanted to leave us with a question that reflected both her heart and her faith: “Do you know for sure your eternal home?”
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?