Published on: Thursday, January 13, 2011

Joann Steely Holbrook

Joann (Jody) Steely Holbrook was born May 24, 1929 in London, Kentucky.  Although a Kentucky native, Jody has spent most of her life in Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland.  As a young girl, Jody’s mother and father relocated their family to College Park, where later she would attend the local college, the University of Maryland (class of 1950), and met her husband of 58 years, Harold (Doc) Hamilton Holbrook.  Doc and Jody would marry at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, August 23, 1952 just blocks from their childhood homes.  After their marriage they would become more than a married couple sharing each other’s love and beliefs, they would become partners in business, creating Town and Country Animal Clinic, Doc the veterinarian, Jody the boss.  Jody always keeping her plate full- managed the clinic and a family of three children, Kathryn, Ann and Harold (Buster).

In 2007, Jody was diagnosed with cancer, and as a true fighter she battled through treatments for four years before succumbing to the disease.  This beloved mother, grandmother, and friend is survived by: her husband, three children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on January 13, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.  Both shall be held at the Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville, Maryland 20882.  In lieu of flowers, the Holbrook family asks that donations be made in honor of Joann Holbrook to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue to benefit The Holbrook Critical Care Unit at P.O. Box 309, Lisbon, Maryland 21765.