Robert Lawrence “Bob” Fowler, 71, of Owings passed away March 7, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. He was born December 29, 1946 in Washington, D.C. to Emory L. and Betty Jo (Baker) Fowler. Bob was raised in Clinton and graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1964, where he played football, wrestled and participated in track and field. He married Louise Marie Walker January 7, 1969 and they lived in Clinton until moving to Owings in 1975. He was employed with Prince George’s County Public Works as an administrator, retiring in the mid 1990’s. Bob was a member of Mt. Harmony U.M. Church, where he served on different councils, sang in the adult choir and men’s quartet, was a part of the men’s fellowship and loved being a part of the men’s softball team. He loved sports, especially basketball and coached Parks & Rec basketball and softball in the county. Bob also enjoyed yard sales, collecting antique toys, bird watching and music. Most of all, Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren…and extended children. He is survived by his loving wife Louise Marie Fowler and children Jeffrey Fowler of Owings, Sarah Taylor and husband […]

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Phyllis Lorraine Cristarella, 77, of Huntingtown passed away March 8, 2018. She was born October 22, 1940 in Washington, D.C. to James W. and Katherine Annie (Helwig) Brooke. Phyllis was raised in Southeast D.C. and graduated from Anacostia High School. She was a devoted stay at home mom for many years. She later became a school bus driver for Charles County Public Schools, known to her students as Ms. Cris, retiring after 32 years of service. Phyllis loved spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Philip Cristarella. She is survived by her children Donna R. Madden and husband Marty of Huntingtown, Dean M. Cristarella of Pomfret, MD and Noelle B. Pierceall of Huntingtown, grandchildren Shane and Mia Madden and Jacob and Joshua Pierceall, great-grandchildren Reagan, Scarlett, Braelynn, Agatha and Lincoln, brother James W. Brooke and wife Jeanie, sisters Debora Brooke and brother in law Gregory Cristarella and wife Angela

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James D. Haynes, Sr., 88 passed away on March 9, 2018 at the Charles County Hospice House. Haynes was born on December 30, 1929 in Washington, DC to the late Delbert and Ella Haynes. Haynes was also preceded in death by siblings: Jerome Haynes, Paul Haynes, Jacqueline Huffman, and granddaughter Kimberly Haynes. Haynes was a carpenter and builder by trade. Haynes was a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed time with family and friends. He was a member of Holy Ghost Church and the Knights of Columbus in Issue, MD. He was a loving husband, father and Papi. Haynes is survived by his wife of 43 years Doris Jean Haynes; two siblings: Geraldine Jeness and Robert Haynes; eight children: George D. Haynes (Barbie), Ruth Hillberry (John), James W. Haynes (Mary Kaye), Richard D. Haynes (Laurie), Bonnie L. Haynes, Ronald J. Haynes (Stephanie), George E. Simms, and James D. Haynes, Jr., along with 15 grandchildren, several beloved great and great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday March 13, 2018 at the Holy Ghost Church, Issue, MD. from 9 until Mass time at 11AM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the […]

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On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Alice L. Gumbs, daughter, niece, sister, aunt, friend, leader, and mentor, passed away suddenly at the age of 51 years. Alice was the eldest daughter of Clarence L. Gumbs, Jr. (deceased) and Ellery Gumbs. She is survived by her siblings Claire (Andre, Sr.), Collette, Dacyl, Dawn (David, Sr.) and Clarence (Rashida). She will forever be remembered by her nieces and nephews, Korsha (Cory), Danielle, Erica, David, Lauren, Alicia, Andre, Jr., Isaiah and Giovanni as a loving and supportive presence in their lives. She holds a dear place in the hearts of her close friends and an extended family of aunts and cousins. She worked for over thirty years at the DOJ-ATF and she was also a recent Masters graduate of the University of Phoenix. Visitation will be at the Trinity Moravian Church, 7011 Good Luck Rd. in New Carrolton, MD from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, March 14,2018. Services will begin at 11:00am. She will be laid to rest at the New Herrnhut Moravian Church Cemetery in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Memorial donations in memory of Alice may be made to Trinity Moravian Church, 7011 Good Luck Rd., New Carrolton, Md.

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Frank James “Pronk” Gatton, 62, of Lusby, MD and formerly of Suitland, MD passed away on March 7, 2018 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Born January 25, 1956 in Washington, DC, he was the son of Margaret J. Gatton and the late Frank S. Gatton. Frank graduated from Chopticon High School. He was a technician for DynCorp for over fifteen years. Frank was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener. He loved the beach, spending time with family and friends, and giving everyone nicknames. Frank is survived by his mother, Margaret J. Gatton of Hollywood, MD; his wife, Mabel “Gene” Gatton; his children, Jason (Jen) of Sedalia, MO and Jessica (Matt) of Prince Frederick, MD; and siblings, Marvin Gatton of Lusby, MD, and Janet Norton of White Plains, MD. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank S. Gatton and his brothers, Michael Gatton, John Gatton and Christopher Gatton.

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Ronald Edward Thornburg of Dunkirk, MD, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the age of 76. He was born in Washington, DC on September 2, 1941, to Irma (Gaither) and Marvin Thornburg. He graduated from Suitland High School in 1959 and attended Prince George’s Community College, where he was on its first basketball team. Ron had an abiding interest in fishing, youth and high school basketball, (serving for several years as a boys’ club coach and a scout for the Catholic High School League), and was a devoted University of Maryland Basketball, Redskins and Nationals fan. Ron proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was the husband of Claudia [Miller] Thornburg, the father of Chad (Stacey), Jeffrey (Lisa), and Christian (Paula) Thornburg. He is also survived by grandchildren: Zachary, Nicholas, Holly, Fiorella, and Maristella Thornburg; sisters Donna (John) Ratti, Shirley (Robert) Clark; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and family members. Ron was beloved by all! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department: 3170 W Ward Rd, Dunkirk, MD 20754 ~ https://www.dunkirk5.com/

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Katherine “Kathy” Elsie Rathbone, 80, of Leonardtown, MD, formerly of Reston VA passed away on March 9, 2018 at her residence. Born on August 2, 1937 in Washington, DC she was the daughter of the late Elsie Dempsey and Thomas Dempsey. Kathy was the loving wife of her first husband Lawrence Edward O’Rourke who preceded her in death on October 16, 2010. She was also the loving wife of her second husband Deforest Rathbone whom she married on November 20, 2013 in St. Johns Anglican Church Mechanicsville, MD. Kathy is survived by her children; James Patrick O’Rourke of Manassas, VA, John Thomas Jones of Claysville, PA, Mark O’Rourke of San Diego, CA, Jay O’Rourke of Los Angeles, CA and John O’Rourke, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brother Robert Dempsey. Kathy moved from Reston, VA to St. Mary’s County in 1990. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 PM in Callaway Baptist Church in Callaway, MD. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Dan Moore officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to Callaway Baptist Church Building Fund 20960 Point […]

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Thomas “Tucker” Franklin Fowler, Sr., 81, of Mechanicsville, MD passed away on March 10, 2018 in Washington, DC. Born on January 20, 1937, he was the son of the late Cecelia Trice Fowler and Holmes Love Fowler. Tucker was the loving husband of Catherine Fowler, whom he married in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Mechanicsville, MD on November 21, 1959. Tucker is survived by their children; Tommy Fowler (Gail) of Mechanicsville, MD, David Fowler (Stephanie) of Mechanicsville, MD, Nancy Fowler of Marathon, FL 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. As well as brothers, Joe Fowler and John (Ronnie) Fowler. He was preceded in death by his brother Gene Fowler. He graduated from Charlotte Hall Military Academy in 1956. Tucker served in the United States Army from December 6, 1956 to December 4, 1958. He served in Korea, and was stationed at Fort Meade, MD. Tucker’s biggest pride was his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, cutting grass and taking his motor home to NASCAR races. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, […]

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Chinita Jones departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Family and friends will unite on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian burial 11:00 am at St Luke’s Catholic Church, 4925 East Capitol St SE, Washington, DC. Interment will be on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:15 am at MD Veteran Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

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Raymond Louis Holt, Sr., 80 of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Family and friends will unite on Friday, March 23, 2018 for visitation at 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 28297 Old Village Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Interment to follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

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On Thursday, March 15, 2018, Harriet C. Hilton, passed away in Newburg, MD. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 22, from 12 noon until time of Life Celebration Service at 1 p.m. at the BRISCOE-TONIC FUNERAL HOME located at 2294 Old Washington Road in Waldorf, MD. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, MD.

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Peacefully on March 15, 2018, Oliver went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Elena Butler; 4 loving children, Tracy Miles, Leah Hertel, Brandon(Shari) and Eric (Michell) Butler; three sisters, Lowlita Butler, Nadine Shaw and Tawana Evans; 9 grandchildren, Jordan, Kaiah, Tyeson, Mason, Lantz, Leila, David, Brooklynn and Ava. Visitation Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 10:00 am until time of service 11 am at BRISCOE-TONIC FUNERAL HOME 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Md. Interment Private.

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Geraldine Elizabeth Brown, 85 of Temple Hills, MD (formerly of Bushwood, MD), born on January 22, 1933 in Bushwood City, MD to the late Phillip and Catherine Tyer, departed this life on March 14, 2018. Geraldine was raised and educated in St. Mary’s County public school system, graduating from Banneker High School in June of 1951. Geraldine had a wealth of passion and talents which led to her achieving a Bachelors degree from the University of the District of Columbia, Certificate in clothing from M.M. Washington Vocational School, Certificate from Atlantic Business College and training to become a Certified licensed daycare provider. During her educational endeavors Geraldine became a member of ETA Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Alpha Beta chapter. Geraldine worked for the Federal Government for 34 years at the US Department of Education. After her retirement, she pursued her second career as a daycare provider, starting her own daycare business. At the end of her journey as a business owner, her unveiling love and affection for children continued, as she worked with the Christ Church for Children several years thereafter. Her wealth of affection for children moved her to become a foster care provider opening her home up to […]

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Dorothy Ann Blackwell, lovingly known as Dottie and Sadie, was born on January 11, 1942 in Chaptico, Maryland to the late, Agnes “Honey” Belton-Queen and Harry Wilson Thomas. God in loving and tender compassion called her home on March 11, 2018 on the “Blackwell Ranch” on St. George’s Island. In 1972, Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert Henderson Blackwell. God blessed the loving couple with twelve beautiful children. She joined St. George’s Catholic Church where she remained a devoted member instilling the love of Christ in all of her children and grandchildren. Dottie attended St. Joseph School and later graduated in 1960 from Banneker High School. After graduating high school she was employed in various positions: Southern Maryland Mobile Homes, Piney Point Aquatic Plant, and Minitec Corporation from which she later retired. She later accepted a position at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship where she remained employed until the time of her passing. Although she held several positions outside of her home, her most notable jobs (all full-time) were that of a proud caretaker for her grandchildren, the head cook for all the infamous Blackwell Sunday dinners and cookouts, and being the peacemaker and counselor which […]

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Perry Gray Bowen, Jr., age 90, retired judge of the Circuit Court in Calvert County, died on March 9, 2018, at Spotsylvania Medical Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Judge Bowen was born at home on Warren Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 27, 1927, to Melba Hutchins Bowen and Perry G. Bowen, Sr., and moved with his family to a farm at Sheridan Point on the Patuxent River at age one. He grew up fishing, crabbing, trapping and hunting on the Patuxent River and working on the family farm raising tobacco, wheat and corn. Following high school in Calvert County, Judge Bowen completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland in College Park and received his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore. He enlisted in the United States Army and served four years in the Judge Advocate General Corps. While on assignment in Columbia, South Carolina, he was introduced to Virginia Elizabeth Woodruff by his commanding officer. The two married on November 24, 1951, at Trinity Cathedral in Columbia. After spending their newlywed years in the military, the young couple returned to Calvert County, living first in Dares Beach and then in Scientist’s Cliffs. […]

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M. Gisela Victoria “Meema” Rowe, 93, returned to her heavenly home on March 9, 2018. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her during her life and ultimately gave her peace. Gisela was born in Tulua, Colombia, South America. She was the youngest of seven children. She is predeceased by her parents, Francisco and Bernarda, sisters Nubia, Yolanda, Mireya, Jania, brothers Teoflio, Guillermo and her husband of 51 years Ret. Cmdr Donald E. Rowe. She is survived by her daughters; Rita I. Leclerc, Gisela M. Victoria, and Gigi M. Bellucci; her son Donald E. Rowe II; her grandchildren; Philip, Denny, and Danielle Leclerc; Gabrielle and Victoria Bellucci; Noah Victoria, and Samantha, Alexander and Isabelle Rowe; great grandchildren; Zachary, Joshua, Jean-Luc, and Chantel Leclerc; and great great grandchildren, Marc Andre Leclerc and Orion Kirkner. She traveled accompanied by her brother, who was an Admiral in the Colombian navy, to Monterey, CA, where she fell in love and married Ltd. Donald Rowe in 1955 in a grand wedding in Tulua. She followed him to the US Naval Academy and finally settling in Bowie, MD. She was a professional water colorist, painting landscapes and flowers. She sold several […]

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Margie Kay Pruitt, 74 of Indian Head, Maryland, died March 10, 2018. Margie was the owner/operator of Margie Kay’s Garden Center in Waldorf, Maryland for 25 plus years. She attended First Baptist Church of La Plata. She enjoyed crocheting, running her Garden Center and taking care of her flowers, and being with family (especially at holiday times). She was the daughter of Fred Buchholz and ruby Alice Cochran Buchholz. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband, Jerry E. Pruitt Sr. and her brother, Wendell Buchholz. She is survived by her sons, Jerry E. “Jay” Pruitt Jr. (Sally) and Jack P. Pruitt; her daughters, Shellayne L. “Shelley” Henson (Shaw) and Mary Elizabeth Pruitt; her sisters, Annarose White, Kathryne Miller, Cora Lee Weis, and Laura Louise Panko. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Friends received on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 10AM until time of Funeral Service at 11AM at First Baptist Church of La Plata. Interment to follow in Sumerduck, Virginia.

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Joan McGill Kocen, 69, of Solomons, MD, passed away suddenly on March 12, 2018 in Sunderland, MD. Born March 13, 1948 in Concord, NC, she was the daughter of the late Neil McGill and Anne (Lovett) McGill. Joan graduated from Grimsley High School in 1966 and from East Carolina University in 1970. Joan married the late Elliot Kocen on February 13, 1979 in Alexandria, VA. She and Elliot moved to Calvert County from Chevy Chase, MD in 1986. Joan was an artist and was a member of the Yacht Club, Calvert Historic Society, Hospice, Calvert Garden Club, Calvert Showcase and the Solomons River Walk. Joan is survived by her sisters, Tina Propper of Sunset, SC and Anne Sklar of Murrells Inlet, SC.

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Elliot Donald Kocen, 82, of Solomons, MD, passed away suddenly on March 12, 2018 in Sunderland, MD. Born August 18, 1935 in Richmond, VA, he was the son of the late Louis Kocen and Mina Janet (Scher) Kocen. Elliot married his late wife, Joan McGill Kocen on February 13, 1979 in Alexandria, VA. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1958 and from The American University in 1983. Elliot was a Mortgage Broker for Jefferson Mortgage Group LLC, Washington, DC. He was a member of the Solomons Island Yacht Club, Calvert Historical Society, and the Solomons River Walk to name a few. Elliot loved boats and was a long time member of the Solomons Island Yacht Club which he joined in 1992. He served as treasurer and was on the audit committee for a few years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Cuban missile crisis. He has been a strong supporter of many community charities. He also wrote a book, “A History of Rousby Hall”, which is available at the Calvert Historical Society. He and his wife lived at Rousby Hall for many years. A few years ago, they moved to their final […]

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Mary Beth “Beth” Kennett, 93, of Dowell, MD passed away on March 14, 2018 at her residence. Born June 29, 1924 in Dayton, OH, she was the daughter of the late William Seekamp and Minne A. (Glanders) Seekamp. Beth moved to Calvert County from LaPlata, MD in January 2015. She was an accountant for the United Way of the National Capitol Area for over twenty years, retiring in 1991. She enjoyed traveling, working crossword puzzles and playing Dominoes. Beth is survived by her children, Bruce Kennett of Silver Spring, MD and Gail Schultz of Dowell, MD; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Luther Kennett; her children, Kurt and Kevin Kennett; and her sisters, Pauline Seekamp and Kathryn Moore.

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