Our beloved Mrs. Asalee Rippy (Felder), departed this life on Saturday, July 20, 2024. She was born on November 12, 1934, in Bowman, South Carolina to the late Sallie and Cleon Felder. She was the 9th child of 9 children who have all preceded in death. At an early age, she was baptizerd and received Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bowman, South Carolina. According to family history, she was educated at Jenkins Rosenwald School in Bowman, South Carolina. She departed Orangeburg, South Carolina as a teenage gril to attend and graduate high school from Burdick Vocational High School in Washington, D.C.

In 1951 she married her first husband the late June Branch Sr., and from this union blossomed her three beautiful children June ( Butch) Branch Jr. (deceased). Patricia Ann Branch (Pat), and Deborah Pauline Branch Irving (Debbie). This marriage ended in divorce in 1960. She later married her second husband Robert Rippy which ended in divorce yet they remained good friends until his death in December of 1998. Asalee was a loving and adored stepmom to her three stepchildren: Pamela, Sherry, and Andre.

Asalee was a Licensed Charge Nurse at the Washington Center for the Aging, where she served dutifully for nearly fifty years until she retired in 1987. In addition to her nursing profession, she also owned and managed the S&S Variety store located at 14th and Park Road. N.W. for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed volunteer work, and gardening at the community garden. She was a very kind and giving lady who always gave family and friends food and gifts. She enjoyed traveling and was always very proud to mention that she had covered all 50 states in America except two states. Sister Rippy enjoyed helping others and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great -great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Rippy actively involved herself in many Christian activities. She was a devoted memeber of Rock Creek Baptist Church under the leadership of both Rev. Gerald Grandison and Rev. Jeffrey L. Mitchell for many years, where she served as the President of the Nurses Union and a member of the Senior Ministry. In 2023, Mrs. Rippy joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. In addition to her church responsibilities. Asalee was a longtime member and heavily involved in the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and the Ladies First Nurses Aid Union of Churches Inc. for over forty five years. She received the ABWA Woman of the Year Award in 2000. Mrs. Rippy had countless hours of volunteer services at various organizations such as Central Union Mission, the DC Food Share Program, and the Pantry Kitchen. She was a Ward 5 Community ANC supporter and also the longest living resident on her block in her Bloomingdale community. Mrs. Rippy received sveral certificates and plaques for her outstanding participation in various organizations.

Cherishing her memories are her devoted daughter Patricia Ann Branch and Deborah Branch Irving (Anthony), three grandsons Patrick, Derrick and Tony Branch; James McNeal ( deceased) of Washington, DC; Two granddaughters Vanisha and Vantoria McCullough of Washington, DC; six great-grandchildren James Whiting Sr., Shadee' Whiting, Derrick Branch Jr., Patrick Branch Jr., Jade McNeal, and Lila McCullough, Three great-great grandchildren Santana, James Jr. and Savannah. Host of nieces and nephews. Special long-time best friend Joan Bowman from Wilson, NC. Special thanks and acknowledgments to our extended family the Letman Family (Juanita, Carlos, and Tanya). Janice and Alan Simmons. In addition to Ms. Zenobia Jackson and Rosslyn Green. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Doris and Carla Chambers.