John Alfriend Mapp OBITUARY
John Alfriend Mapp OBITUARY
Beloved family doctor, John Alfriend Mapp, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on July 18, 2024 at age 91.
Johnny was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on December 8, 1932 to Richard Custis Mapp and Virginia Blair Alfriend Mapp. He grew up in Norfolk with his twin sister, Virginia “Jinsy” Mapp Richardson, sister Anne “Nancy” Mapp Ketner, and brother Richard Custis Mapp, Jr., all of whom have pre-deceased him.
Johnny graduated from Granby High School in 1950, Virginia Military Institute in 1954, and the University of Virginia Medical School in 1958. A natural athlete, “the Norfolk Flyer” excelled in track and football throughout high school and college, winning many awards and setting many records. He was inducted into the Granby High School Hall of Fame, VMI Hall of Fame, and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Johnny married the love of his life, Betty England Fox, in 1956. After he graduated from medical school, Johnny and Betty moved to Virginia Beach, where he started his professional medical career and they started their family. He opened First Colonial Family Practice with Drs. Mayo, Charlton, Stallings and Burt in 1970. Under the guidance of the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Mapp and his associates helped train and graduate 75 young physicians in Family Practice. Dr. Mapp received the prestigious Physician Recognition Award of the American Medical Association and was named Virginia Beach General Hospital Physician of the Year. For many years, Dr. Mapp volunteered at the Free Health Clinic in Virginia Beach and served as Team Physician for First Colonial High School athletes. He was also a member of the Galilee Church Vestry from 1967-1970 and served on the Virginia Beach School Board from 1973-1978.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty, his son John “Jay” Alfriend Mapp, Jr. and wife Cindy, son Thomas Fox Mapp, daughter Ashby Mapp Moss, four grandsons, Jared and John Mapp and Warren and Trent Moss, many nieces and nephews, and devoted family friend, Delores Whitehurst.
Johnny treasured the lifelong friendships he made at VMI. Never one to sit still, when he was not at the office or making house calls, he could be found working in the yard or playing golf. In addition to his many achievements in sports and the medical field, Johnny Mapp’s greatest legacy is the impression he made on so many patients, colleagues, students, coaches. friends, and of course his loving family. He was the quintessential Virginia Gentleman, always kind, comforting, calm, with an easy laugh and warm smile.
The family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to his many loving caregivers: Laurie, Tracy, Christine, Daniel, KeShara, Nurse Megan and Nurse Laurie.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 23 at 2:00 pm at Galilee Episcopal Church. Memorial donations may be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
