Olive Fitzmaurice passed away on March 1, 2017 at LaPlata Nursing Center in LaPlata, Md. She was 91 years. Olive was born on April 27, 1925 in Newport, South Wales, England. Her Parents were Albert & Kate King. She had 2 older brothers, 2 older sisters & 1 younger brother. Olive liked to knit, sew & crochet & was also a good cook. She liked reading romance novels & going to the movies with her daughter. She was of the Presbyterian faith. She also was a Washington Redskins fan & she loved her Siamese cat, “Beauty” who has been living with her daughter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Vincent Fitzmaurice, a native Washingtonian who she met when he was in the U.S Army & stationed in England towards the end of World War II. Olive is also preceded in death by several nieces & nephews in England as well as her beloved nephew Jeffery King of Accokeek, Md. & all of her brothers & sisters except one. She is survived by her daughter Carol Graham & husband Al, son Jimmy Fitzmaurice & wife Marsha, all of Accokeek, beloved niece Barbara Havener […]

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Maryellen’s Journey She started her life as MaryEllen Lee. Jack calls her Merellen. Ann, Mary, Perry, Robert, Artie, Cely, Nancy, Danny call her Mom. I call her Grandma and, all our babies call her GG. We all called her on Mother’s Day. MaryEllen is survived by….no wait, all of us are INSPIRED by MaryEllen. MaryEllen enjoyed spending time with her Red Hat ladies whenever she had a chance. She knew how to help things grow. She enjoyed caring for her many houseplants and outside flowerbeds. Her passion for growth stretched beyond the garden to her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She lived a life full of trials and fortification. The strength that she built over the course of her life courses through three generations. We were all taught to be strong; and guided through life by firm, wise hands. Countless teenagers found refuge in the homes of the Simms clan. Acceptance and guidance ran through our homes like streams through natures meadows. We can’t imagine our lives without our matriarch, but we are well prepared to carry on the tradition of Love and support she bestowed upon us. 10/07/1936 – 03/06/2017 Her legacy continues… Family and friends are welcomed […]

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Terri Jean Rich, 55 of Waldorf, MD passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2017 at her home. Terri was born in Easthampton, MA on February 8, 1962 to Naomi Spindle and the late Russell Ulm. She is survived by her husband, Robert Rich; sons, Andrew Marquis and Adam Rich; daughters, Shannon Czesak and Caitlin Rich; sister, Wendy Rubek; and grandchildren, Riley Czesak and Mykayla Darline Brown. Terri was a member of the Eastern Star and the Rainbow Girls. She enjoyed traveling, needle point and being with her cats in her spare time. Terri had a kind heart and was always doing for others. Her greatest joy came from being with her grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 5PM-8PM at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 St. Mary’s Ave., LaPlata, MD; where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2PM. Interment will be private.

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Mary Boyd was born in Anderson, SC on Sept. 26, 1932 to Melvie Staley. Col. Mary Boyd entered active duty with the U.S Air Force on October 1958 and served in various positions from Staff Nurse to Chief Nurse in the U.S and overseas including North Africa, Japan, England and the Philippines. Her outstanding military career included a 3 year tour with Headquarters USAF Inspection and Safety Center, Norton AFB, CA where she was the first nurse to serve as Interim Chief of a Medical Inspection Team. Following her tour with the Inspection Team, Col. Boyd was selected as Chair, Dept. of Nursing, Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center, Andrews AFB. Col. Boyd earned a Diploma in Nursing from the Medical College of VA,. BSN from the University of Nebraska and MSN from the University of California, San Francisco. She received numerous awards and recognitions, most notable the Legion of Merit; three Meritorious Service Medals; and Air Force Commendation Medal. Col. Boyd is featured in Dr. Mary Carnegie’s The Path We Thread- a book recognizing the contributions of black nurses from 1854-1984. Within the state and community she served on numerous boards;including former President George Bush’s appointment to the Advisory Committee […]

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On March 3, 2017, Walter Christopher traded his earthly body for his glorious wings after battling a long illness. He never complained through his illness and embraced each day with a smile. As the eldest son of the late Wiley Christopher and Rebecca Watson Christopher his siblings survive him: Johnnie (Charlene) Christopher (Detroit, MI); Willie James (Mattie) Christopher (Greenwood, SC); and Mary Christopher (Curtis) Anderson (Rentz, GA). Walter was a graduate of Brewer High School and at a young age he enlisted in the Air Force. He specialized in communications serving his country for 25 years. After leaving the military, he became a supervisor for Montgomery County Public School Systems being diligent in his duties for an additional 25 years; along with many other trades and was a faithful member of Riverdale Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD. He was married to the late Ingeborg LM Christopher in Germany on September 29, 1956. From their union they had one child Walter T. (Lois) Christopher, and one step-daughter Marianna R. Christopher. He leaves to mourn five grandchildren Nikola L. Christopher, Fanchon R. Christopher (Scott), of Upper Marlboro, Maryland: Walter J. Christopher of Jacksonville Florida, William M. Leak, III (Ashley), Hyattsville, Maryland, […]

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Patricia “Tricia” Anne Bond of North Beach, MD, formerly of Forestville, MD, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the age of 52. Tricia was born in Washington, DC, on July 12, 1964, to Erma (Hines) and George H. Bond. She moved to North Beach over 30 years ago and loved summertime, the beach, and swimming at the pool. She enjoyed music, spending time with friends, reading and most recently her tiny Chihuahua “Blue”. Family was always very important to Tricia. She cherished her father dearly and took special care of him. Tricia was the loving and devoted daughter of George and the late Erma Bond. She was the sister of Christine Brentzel and her husband Bob and Denise Baugh and her husband Tom. She was the special aunt to Bob Brentzel, Jr., Kenny Brentzel and Catee Shultzaberger. She loved them as if they were her own children. Tricia’s bright smile and loving heart will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 MD Rt. 3 North, Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

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On Monday March 6, 2017 of Washington, DC. Reverend Monsignor Richard A. Hughes passed away at The Sacred Heart Nursing Home. Monsignor Hughes was born on October 10, 1928 in Washington, DC. His seminary studies were at St. Charles College, Catonsville, MD. St. Mary’s Seminary Paca Street Baltimore and The North American College in Rome with classes at The Gregorian University. He was ordained to The Priesthood on December 20, 1952 at The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The Vigil will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 3:00-7:00pm at St. Mary of The Assumption Parish, Upper Marlboro, MD. The Vigil Mass will be held at 7:30pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of The Assumption Parish at 10:30am on Friday, March 10, 2017

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Sandy Anderson of St. Leonard, MD passed away on March 4, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Charlie; daughters Ashley Kangas of Seattle, WA and Kate Anderson of Charlotte, NC; and grandsons Anderson and Hunter Kangas.  Born November 6, 1942, Sandy dedicated her life to learning and education having spent her career at D.C Public Schools.  She received her B.A. from Arizona State, her M.A. at Antioch College and her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.  Following retirement, she has been actively involved in Arkadaslar, a Turkish Peace Corps alumni group.  Sandy spent two years in Turkey teaching English at an all-girls school.  She also was constantly writing; many of her articles were published in the Bay Weekly Newspaper.  Most recently, she had been writing a historical fiction novel based on her ancestors who lived in the Appalachian Mountains during the Civil War.  Sandy lived a full life and touched many people.  She will be dearly missed by her friends and family. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Patuxent Presbyterian Church.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Chestnut Land Trust. […]

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Thomas Hillary Dean, Jr. “Tommy”, 53, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on March 5, 2017 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on August 19, 1963 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Frances Cecilia Wible Dean and Thomas Hillary Dean, Sr. Tommy is survived by his friend/companion Helen Barnett of Leonardtown, MD. He was preceded in death by his sister Ella Mae Dean. He was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD. He graduated from Leonardtown High School in 1981, and earned an Associate’s Degree from the College of Southern Maryland. Tommy worked as a Project Manager for Calvert County Government and was a realtor for O’Brian Realty. Tommy was a member of the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad, Hollywood Moose Lodge, and enjoyed singing, traveling and spending time with friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM followed by rescue prayers at 7:15PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown.MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Father Ray Schmidt officiating in St. John’s Catholic Church Hollywood, MD. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial […]

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Deborah Maureen “Debbie” McHugh, 62, of Valley Lee, MD passed away March 5, 2017 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born October 30, 1954 in Springville, NY to the late Carl Michael Szucs and Elaine Ruth Keller. Debbie graduated in 1972 from Holland Central High School in New York and Buffalo State College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from George Washington University. On August 6, 1977 she married her beloved husband, Brian Francis McHugh, in Holland, NY. Together they celebrated over 31 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in July 2009. She began her teaching career at Margaret Brent Middle School and later transferred to Leonardtown High School when it opened. She was the Chair of the Special Education Department until her retirement in 2009, with over 30 years of dedication to the students. After retirement she continued to volunteer, advise other teachers and substitute teach until 2016 at Leonardtown High School. Debbie was an excellent cook and made many delicious meals. She enjoyed hosting her son and his friends. She also enjoyed going to the […]

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On March 6, 2017 Beverly Stearns, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home after a year-long battle with cancer. Beverly was born in 1933 in Portland, Oregon to Evelyn and Fred Kalmbach. Beverly Stearns was a special events volunteer at the White House for over 30 years, specializing in floral design. Whether it was the Christmas season or a visit by foreign dignitaries, Beverly helped insure that the White House was both stately and beautiful for all occasions. Beverly earned her Master Judge credentials and judged floral competitions throughout the mid-Atlantic area. Her professional eye was in high demand at state and county fairs as well as various Garden Club events including the National Capitol Area Garden Club. However, the White House was always her first love, where her trained eye and years of working with natural decorative materials made her a valuable team member. During her time as a White House volunteer Beverly met and served presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Clinton. Along with other volunteers she received numerous letters of appreciation and several personal letters from the First Ladies. Mrs. Stearns was born and raised in Portland Oregon. Her life-long fascination with flowers began early […]

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James Alvin “Sonny” Bowles, Jr., 82, of Charlotte Hall, Maryland passed away on March 6, 2017 in Charlotte Hall. Born on August 23, 1934, he was the son of the late James Alvin Bowles, Sr. and the late Catherine MacFarland Bowles. Sonny was spontaneous: he loved golfing, singing, a good steak and baked potato as well as the finer things in life. He served his country in the Air Force and was a Sales Manager in the auto sales industry. Preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Barbara Bowles Neilson and Patsy Bowles Conway, Sonny is survived by 7 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There will be a Memorial Mass on Monday, March, 13, 2017 at 11AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD 20617. Interment is private.

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Brenda Faye Bennett, 62, of Hollywood, MD passed away March 6, 2017 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, MD. She was born May 20, 1954 in Leonardtown, MD to the late Jack Hardin and Mary Alice Cryer Brynteson. Brenda was loved, respected, and admired by so many people. She was a lady full of class and grace. Brenda married her beloved husband, Paul Bennett, on Oct. 25th 1986, and together they celebrated over 30 years of marriage. She held many job titles. During her high school years, she maintained a job at the Rex All Pharmacy in Leonardtown. She then held her cosmetology license after graduating from high school in 1973, and worked at Emily’s Salon in Mechanicsville. She was a bartender at Dukes Bar in Leonardtown for roughly ten years. Brenda and her husband also ran Bennett’s Market and Pub as well as Captain Joe Hazel’s Harbor View Inn, both located in Leonardtown. She retired from the United States Postal Service in Hollywood, MD as a rural carrier after 16 years of service. Brenda took great pride in each of her jobs, and she always went the extra mile to make sure things were done properly. One […]

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Walter Francis “Pop” Duke, 70, of Leonardtown, MD passed away suddenly on Monday, March 6, 2017 at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC. He was born on August 13, 1946 in Leonardtown, Md. to the late Benedict Drury Duke Sr. and the late Virginia Blackistone Duke. Pop was a lifetime resident of Leonardtown, MD. He was named after his uncle and World War II hero, Captain Walter Francis Duke. Pop attended Father Andrew White School and Leonardtown High School. He was a bartender in the family’s business, Duke’s Bar in Leonardtown, Md., for 30 years. Before becoming a bartender, Pop worked at Clark’s Farm for “Pop” Clark (from whom he derived his nickname). After retiring from the bar, he worked for Minitec and Reliable Contracting Company. Pop was an avid reader who also enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing. He was a member of the BuckSnorts, where he held number “154” proudly. In his earlier years, Pop was a weekend warrior; “Party at Pop’s” was often heard at closing time. During his retirement years, at the family home in Medley’s Neck, Pop enjoyed reading, gardening and working in his yard, as well as visiting with friends (especially his lady friends). […]

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Herbert Earl Bailey, 82, of Lexington Park, MD passed away March 6, 2017 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born July 4, 1934 in Angola, West Africa to the late Albert William and Metha Peterson Dickinson Bailey. In 1952, Herbert graduated high school from Faith Bible Academy. Then he attended LeTourneau Technical Institute from 1952 to 1955. In 1956, he proudly entered the United States Navy and served his country for over 23 years until his retirement in 1979. He began his second career as a dedicated contractor for Dyncorp/CSC with another 25 years of support and service. His hobbies included softball, NASCAR, and going to the races at Maryland International Raceway at Budd’s Creek. He was an active volunteer with Vacations for Vets and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. He was celebrated as the Volunteer of the Year by the College of Southern Maryland’s Non-Profit Institute. Herbert is survived by his children: Mark Bailey of Lexington Park, MD, David Bailey of Carlie, PA, Jeff Bailey (Michele Boward) of Tamarac, FL and Debbie Bailey of Leonardtown, MD; his brother, Lowell A. Bailey (Kathy) of Alphretta, GA; his grandchildren, Shane Bailey, Aidan Bailey, and Christin Bailey; and extended family […]

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Janis Ann Combs Tennyson, 90, of Great Mills, MD passed away March 8, 2017 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, MD. She was born September 26, 1926 in Great Mills, MD to the late Lawrence Benjamin and Mary Catherine Abell Combs. On July 29, 1946, she married James Rodman Tennyson. Together they celebrated over 66 wonderful years of marriage before his death in July 2012. She was a devoted wife and mother and raised her family on Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills, MD. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Janis is survived by her children: Barbara T. Ostrander of Lexington Park, MD; J. Melvin Tennyson (Judy) of Lexington Park, MD; Jane R. Tennyson of California, MD; Thomas B. Tennyson (Becky) of Great Mills, MD; David M. Tennyson of Great Mills, MD and J. Donald Tennyson (Barbara) of Hollywood, MD; 6 grandchildren:  Mike, Jenny, Krystle, Mark, Nellie and Scott; 8 great grandchildren: Kevin, Emma Ethan, Connor, Jake, Evan Logan and Austin. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, Emerick B. Combs and grandson, Kevin Tennyson. Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from […]

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Aaron McKinley “Tex” Madewell, 85, of Leonardtown, MD (formerly of Fort Worth, TX) passed away March 9, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 24, 1931 in Paoli, OK to the late Delbert and Winnie Combs Madewell. Aaron moved to Fort Worth, TX when he was four years old. He graduated from Trimble Technical School and immediately began working for Forth Worth Rubber Stamp Company in the production of rubber stamps, seals and dies. On January 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served about the USS Lake Champlain as a Gunner in the Korean War until his Honorable Discharge in November 1954. During his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. On August 25, 1952, he married his beloved wife, Virginia Lee “Ginny” Madewell at Calvary United Methodist Church. Together they celebrated over 63 wonderful years of marriage until her death in April 2016. He returned to his job at Fort Worth Rubber Stamp Company for 41 years of dedicated service. He then worked for over 20 more years at Mulholland Rubber Stamp Company until his retirement […]

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Rev. Stephen Paul Merki, age 59, of Quailwood Parkway, La Plata, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017, at home following a 7-year battle with ALS “Lou Gehrig’s disease”. Steve Merki was an extraordinary example of faith, service and love to all who knew him. He was born on September 13, 1957 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and went home with his parents to Nazareth, Pennsylvania (true story). He and his three younger siblings learned their passion for serving God, community and family from their parents, Paul and Mary Ellen Merki. His father was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, to which he devoted his life’s work, serving as Pastor in churches from Alaska to Maryland, and Steve followed in his Dad’s footsteps. After receiving his Masters in Divinity from the Nazarene Theological Seminary, he accepted a position as Pastor of the Sunnyvale Church of the Nazarene, in Sunnyvale, California, where he served for ten years. In 1992 he moved with his wife Diane and four children to Waldorf, Maryland after accepting the position of Pastor at the St. Charles Church of the Nazarene – now Lifestream Church of the Nazarene. He did not limit his service to his […]

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Robert Allen “Bob” Jewett, age 68 of Waldorf, Maryland died March 7, 2017 suddenly at his residence. Bob was an Area Superintendent with the dry wall division of Pillar Construction, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. Prior to his employment with them, he worked with Copley Construction and he founded his own company of R & J Painting Company, totaling 50 plus years of service. He was a Commissioner for the Upper Marlboro Boys and Girls Club. He served as a coach on multiple levels with many different sports and was active with Cub Scouts. He did Down Markers for Westlake High School football for many years and was a member of the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club. His favorite hobbies were boating and fishing. He was the son of Monroe Allen Jewett and Mary Sullina Thomas Jewett. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Mark A. Jewett. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty Brown Jewett; his sons, Charles E. Jewett and Douglas A. Jewett; his brother, George E. Jewett and wife Mary Jane; his sisters, Joyce Jewett Floyd, Betty Joe Dudzik, and Brenda Faye Rogalski; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Jewett. Friends […]

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Nana Dr. Kofi Abayie Kokroko (AKA Charlay Van Esquire Hart) passed away peacefully on March 7, 2017. He was born in England, Arkansas and had lived in La Plata, Maryland since 2010. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, who was known for his intellect, love of history, passion for human rights, sense of humor and worldwide travels. He proudly served with honor in the U. S. Navy. He earned a Bachelors Degree, two Masters Degrees, and a Ph.D., and he worked tirelessly in the federal service for 35 years until his retirement in 1995. Nana Dr. Kokroko was enstooled as an Asante King on August 14, 1996 in Danase, Ghana West Africa with the stool name of Nkosuohene. The enstoolment ceremony satisfied his life-long dream to reconnect with his ancestral home. He leaves a host of friends and relatives. Private services.

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