Angella Dorothea Ferguson was born in Washington, D.C. on February 15, 1925, the fifth of six children born to the late Mary Burden Pettiford Ferguson and George Alonzo Ferguson Sr.

She received her primary and secondary education in the District of Columbia Public School System and was a graduate of Cardozo Senior High School in 1942. A highly motivated student, she excelled in her studies and was very active in various organizations at Cardozo High School, including the National Honor Society, Honor Roll Club, Radio Workshop, and Orchestra. She also participated as Gym Captain, Cheerleader, and Health Representative.

Dr. Ferguson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1945 and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1949. After completing her internship at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., she pursued additional training in pediatrics at Freedmen’s Hospital and at Cornell University–New York Hospital in New York City.

Upon completion of her formal education, Dr. Ferguson began her medical career at Howard University in Pediatrics and conducted research in the growth and development of infants and children, with a particular focus on sickle cell anemia. She joined the faculty of Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, in 1953 and pursued her academic and research interests as author or co-author of numerous publications and scientific exhibits.

In 1970, Dr. Ferguson joined the staff of the Office of the Vice President for Health Affairs at Howard University as Director of Programs and Facilities. Her primary responsibility was the development and evaluation of academic and research programs across the colleges and academic units of the Health Sciences Center, including Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, and the Health Sciences Library. She also provided oversight for the design and construction of the new Howard University Hospital, which replaced Freedmen’s Hospital.

Following completion of the new hospital, Dr. Ferguson, as Associate Vice President for Health Affairs, supervised the design, construction, and development of several additional projects at the Howard University Center for the Health Sciences. These included the Seeley G. Mudd Building of the College of Medicine; the fourth and fifth floor additions to the Russell A. Dixon Building of the College of Dentistry; the Animal Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland; renovation of Freedmen’s Annex I to house the Colleges of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences; the Hospital Ambulatory Care Center located in the Howard University Tower Building; and renovation of research facilities throughout the Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Ferguson retired from her distinguished career at Howard University in June 1991 as Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Vice President for Health Affairs.

Dr. Ferguson married Charles M. Cabaniss, MD, in 1951. From this union were born two daughters, Carla Victoria Cabaniss (1953) and Caryn Cabaniss Mudd (1963). She later married Leonard Altemus, DDS, in 1973. Both marriages ended in divorce.

In preparation for her retirement home several years ago, Dr. Ferguson oversaw the remodeling of a waterfront property located at Columbia Beach, Shadyside, Maryland, along the Chesapeake Bay. She served as Facilities Chairman of the Columbia Beach Association and participated in programs to rehabilitate playground areas and community roads.

The Columbia Beach community has historic roots, including an open-air chapel built to host religious services during the summer months. For many years, Dr. Ferguson graciously accepted responsibility for providing refreshments for the congregation following services. This generosity fostered meaningful connections among neighbors and strengthened community bonds.

If ever there was a person who perfected the art of hosting, it was Angella Fergison. Throughout many years, she was known as the “Hostess with the Mostess” to family, friends, and neighbors alike. Guests fondly anticipated her annual Labor Day weekend gatherings and remained grateful beneficiaries of her love and generosity. Her giving spirit extended year-round as a devoted mother, Ann, Aunt Ann, Aunt GiGi, Grannie Annie, sister, aunt, and friend.

Her surviving sibling is Carole F. Howard of Cheverly, Maryland. Her other siblings were the late Roger W. Ferguson Sr., the late Thelma F. Jordan, the late Mary F. Smith, and the late Dr. George A. Ferguson, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Carla Victoria Cabaniss and Caryn Cabaniss Mudd; son-in-law Richard David Mudd; three grandchildren, Grant David Ward, Jr. (Amy McHale Ward), Natalie Marie Ward, and Charles Cabaniss Ward; two great-grand children, Brooklyn Mudd; and Mason James McHale-Ward, goddaughter Cheryl Davies Jones; godson John Davies Jr. and Bucky, Jr. and many other beloved family members and friends.