Joseph Criner 

Joseph Coleman Criner, 73, a resident of Annapolis for over 54 years, died of cancer Sept. 4 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore after an 11-month illness.

Mr. Criner was born Feb. 26, 1935, in Kentucky to the late Joseph Christopher and Gladys Petit Criner. He attended the Swannee Military Academy, NAPS and the Naval Academy, and he earned a bachelor's degree from John Hopkins University and a master's degree from George Washington University.

He worked in the Westinghouse Defense Department in Linthicum for 40 years, and more recently as the director of corporate travel.

He was a member of the American Legion in Severna Park and an active member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, where he volunteered for everything.

He enjoyed dancing, travel, photography and spending time with family and friends. He also loved attending Class of '58 activities, including posting class colors at the Navy home football games.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Maria Aparcio-Criner; two sons, Joseph C. Criner of Annapolis and Ruark Paxton Criner of Arizona; three daughters, Cathleen Criner Morris and Tiffany Criner-Klim of Annapolis and Heather Criner Watson of Arizona; his stepmother, Irene Criner; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N., Building 1A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

Anita Jacob

Anita Anna Jacob, 84, of Annapolis for 26 years and previously of Linthicum, died Sept. 9 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness.

Mrs. Jacob was born May 14, 1924, in Baltimore, where she attended Western High School.

She worked for Loyola Federal Bank in Glen Burnie from 1960 to 1980.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland Jacob.

Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Sweeney of Indianapolis, Ind., and Gail Higginbotham of Annapolis; and three grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St. Funeral services will follow at noon. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Online condolences may be made at www.johnmtaylor funeralhome.com.

James Mitchell Jr.

James P. "Mitch" Mitchell Jr., 82, of Edgewater for over 30 years, died of natural causes Sept. 9 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

Mr. Mitchell was born April 10, 1926, in Washington, D.C.

He was a diesel engine mechanic and supervisor with Trailways Bus Co. for most of his life. After retiring, he worked for several years as a driver for Whitmore Printing Co. in Annapolis.

He served with the armed guard unit in the Navy during World War II.

He was a member of American Legion Post 226 in Mayo, and enjoyed reading, watching John Wayne movies, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Minnie Sophronia Mitchell.

Survivors include three sons, James P. Mitchell III of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., Patrick B. Mitchell of Princess Anne and Philip W. Mitchell of Chestertown; two daughters, Marilyn G. Kissling of Pittsburgh and Donna Samples of Pasadena; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1:45 p.m. tomorrow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. Arrangements are by Kalas Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Owensville Primary Care, 134 Owensville Road, West River, MD 20778.

Online condolences may be made at www.kalasfuneral homes.com.

Alvina Spriggs

Alvina E. "Beana" Spriggs, 93, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, died of a heart attack Sept. 7 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Mrs. Spriggs was born Oct. 15, 1914, in Annapolis to the late William and Ella Carr and attended county schools.

A domestic worker, she was a member of Asbury-Broadneck United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed playing the harmonica, singing Gospel music and playing dominoes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Spriggs; one brother, Pearly Carr; and four sisters, Margretta Johnson, Carrie Walker, Florine Thompson and Martha Carr.

Survivors include her foster daughter, Brenda Summers of New Jersey; and her nephew who cared for her, Michael Johnson of Annapolis.

Family and friends may visit at 9 a.m. Saturday at Asbury-Broadneck United Methodist Church, 657 Broadneck Road. A funeral service will follow at noon, and interment will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are by Reese and Sons Mortuary.

Edith Ventresca

Edith "Eddie" Ventresca, 88, a resident of Annapolis for eight years and previously of Florida, died of natural causes Sept. 9 at Baywoods of Annapolis.

Ms. Ventresca was born Oct. 30, 1919, in Tampa, Fla., and attended high school in New York.

A homemaker, she volunteered for a hospice organization for seven years. She enjoyed many card games, especially bridge.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald Ventresca of Pasadena and John Ventresca of Gambrills; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Family and friends may visit from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road in Bowie. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, and interment will be in Lakemont Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the hospice of one's choice.