Obituaries
February 2004
Louise Cullins Russell, 82
Louise Cullins Russell, 82, of Leonardtown, MD, died on Saturday, February 28,
2004, at St. Marys Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD.
Born on March 7, 1921, in Clements, MD, she was the daughter of the late William Russell
Cullins and Margaret Mary Hayden Cullins. She attended Nativity High School in Washington,
DC through her Junior year and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Washington, DC.
Louise volunteered at the Association for Retarded Citizens in Silver Spring, MD and
served as Eucharistic and Care Minister at St. John the Evangelist Church in Silver
Spring. Louise was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, James E. Russell, Sr., whom she married on October 21,
1944, at Our Lady of the Wayside in Chaptico, MD, three daughters, Brenda R. Dunn of
Lufkin, TX, Beverly R. Hester of Sarasota, FL, Betti L. Russell of Leonardtown, MD and a
son, James E. Russell, Jr. of Clements, MD, eleven grandchildren and five great
grandchildren and a brother, William Russell Cullins, II of Clements, MD. In addition to
her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie M. Russell, and two sisters,
Elizabeth Betty Cullins and Dorothy Dot Cheseldine.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00
p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will be recited at
7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 4, 2004, at
11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, MD. The Reverend Francis J. Early
will be the celebrant with Reverend John Barry, Reverend Rory Conley and Reverend George
Wilkinson as con-celebrants. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Dunn, Brett Russell, Bill Cullins, David Cullins,
Tim Cullins, Chris Cullins. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Cheseldine, Ken
Cheseldine, Frid, Peg and Rich Roussin, Bill and Olga Russell and Bob and Ella Mae
Russell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O.
Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.
Robert Carl Hatton, 69
U.S.
Navy Veteran
Robert Carl Hatton, 69, of Dameron, MD, died on Saturday, February 28, 2004
at the St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown, Md.
Born on August 24, 1934 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late John Hatton and
Margaret Louise Harding Hatton, of Dameron, MD.
Mr. Hatton served his country in the United States Navy, receiving an honorable discharge.
He moved to St. Marys County in 1995 from St. Petersburg, FL. He enjoyed shooting
pool and crabbing.
He is survived by his wife Delores Henrietta Adams Hatton, whom he married on July 14,
1990 in St. Petersburg, FL, three daughters, Bonnie Hatton of Temple Hills, MD, Sandy
McDonald, of Suitland, MD and Tonie Saar, of Lusby, MD, one son, Robert Lucky
Hatton, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, two stepsons, Joseph Reid and Warren Reid both of Falls
Church, Va., one sister, Betty Turner of Harrisonburg, VA, one brother, James Taylor, St.
Petersburg, FL, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survive. In addition
to his father two brothers, Jerry Ramey and William Wayne Taylor, preceded him in death.
Friends may call on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at the Brinsfield
funeral home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held
at 7:00 pm. Mr. Hattons cousin James Merritt, Lay Minister will officiate. Interment
will be private.
George S. Fox Johnson, 71,
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran
of Mechanicsville, MD, died on
Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at his residence.
Born on February 22, 1932 in Oraville, MD, he was the son of the late Francis Vernon and
Annie Myrtle Williams Johnson. Mr. Johnson served his country in the US Army from 1951 to
1954 during the Korean War. He served in the 82nd Airborne and the 45th Infantry Division
receiving the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, United Nations
Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged with the
rank of sergeant. Mr. Johnson worked as a propane gas technician for Pyrofax Gas, Pargas
and Suburban Propane retiring after 45 years of service. He was a member of the VFW Post
#2632 in California, MD, a past member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and
a charter member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad. He enjoyed squirrel hunting
and turkey hunting in the mountains where he was the camp caretaker.
He is survived by his long time companion, Audrey C. Stokes and her family, a daughter,
Diane A. Johnson of Mechanicsville, MD and her fiancé Ricky Buckler, Jr., a son Garry
Richard Johnson and his wife Sandie of Waldorf, MD, a granddaughter, Jessica Johnson and 2
step grandchildren, a sister, Anna Myrtle Lyon of Mechanicsville, MD, 4 brothers, Elmer A.
Johnson, Raymond V. Johnson, William J. Johnson of Mechanicsville, MD and Joseph Floyd
Johnson of Ft. Walton Beach, FL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a
sister, Elizabeth Aileen Dotson and a 2 brother, Francis E. Johnson and James H. Johnson.
He is also survived by his cat BABY.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2004 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00
p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will be recited at
4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 23, 2004 at
10:00 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Morganza, MD. The Reverend David
Werning will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Joey Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Donnie Johnson, Gerry Johnson,
Charles Dotson, Jr. and Bobby Johnson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Leonard
Morgan, Ambrose Morgan, Wayne Dotson and Ray Johnson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box
15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 or the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard
Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.
Roland Leroy Purnell, Viet Nam War Veteran
Roland Leroy Purnell, 69 of Great Mills, MD died on Saturday,
February 21, 2004 at his residence.
Born on October 21, 1934 in Scotland, MD, he was the son of the late George S. Purnell,
Sr. and Rosetta Shuebrooks Purnell.
Mr. Purnell served his country in the United States Army retiring after 27 years of
service. He received the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge and the European Occupational
Medal. He was a member of the St. Lukes United Methodist Church, Scotland, MD, and a
Masonic Member of the St. Lukes United Methodist Mens Group. He was an avid
fisherman.
He is survived by his wife Ottilie Purnell whom he married on April 3, 1981, a son, Ricky
Edward Purnell, Sr. of Charlestown, WV, two sisters, Marie Young of St. Inigoes, MD and
Henrietta Menchion of Lexington Park, MD, five brothers, George Purnell, William Purnell
and John Purnell all of Baltimore, MD, Charles Purnell of Yorktown, VA and Robert Purnell,
of Scotland, MD, three grandchildren and one great grandchild survive. In addition to his
parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Bernice Williams, and a brother, Louis
Purnell.
Friends may call on Saturday, February 28, 2004 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the St.
Lukes United Methodist Church, Scotland, MD. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00
am. The Reverend Leroy Boldley will officiate. Interment will follow in the church
cemetery.
Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road,
Leonardtown, MD.
James Bond
James Mathews Bond, 62, of Lexington Park, MD, died on Thursday,
February 19, 2004 at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, MD.
Born on April 7, 1941 in Mechanicsville, MD, he was the son of John H. Bond and Mary C.
Spears Bond. He was a construction worker.
He is survived by his son, Brian U. Woodland of Mechanicsville, MD, four grandchildren,
five sisters, Agnes C. Jackson, Ann Chase Jenkins, Catherine C. Briscoe, Linda Thomas of
Lexington Park, MD, Jackie Rhone of Germany, six brothers, John Bond of Leonardtown, MD,
Joseph Thomas of Indian Head, MD, Arthur Thomas and Rodney Thomas of Lexington Park, MD,
Raymond Thomas of Toms River, NJ and Kenny Thomas of Jacksonville, NC. He was preceded in
death by a sister, Bernice Bond and a brother, Francis Thomas.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 27, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00
a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lexington Park, MD. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Mike Dolan will be the
celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD.
Irvin Joseph Miller, Sr.,
69, of Newburg
Irvin Joseph Miller, Sr., 69, of Newburg died February 22, 2004 at his home. He was a
Power Plant Maintance working for B. Frank Joy a Pepco Contractor. Mr. Miller has lived
here since 1964. He was a merchant Marine in the 1950's. He enjoyed reading, TV and
watching Westerns, taking care of car's, spending time with his family
especially at the
Holidays. Born July 18, 1934 in Baltimore to the late Morris Miller and the late Sadie
Gollin Miller. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother,
Gordon
Miller; sisters, Lillian Goldstein, Adele Miller and Isadora Miller; mother-in-law,
Lillian Welch. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Welch Miller, of Newburg; sons,
Irvin Joseph Miller, Jr. of Newburg, James L. Miller and his wife, Darlene of Lexington
Park, MD, and George Morris Miller and his wife, Charlotte of Newburg; grandchildren, J.L.
Miller, Mark Miller, Tony MIller, Adrian Strohm, Kelly Miller, Autumn Miller, Ginny
Miller, and Belinda Miller; great-grandchildren, Bryan Hodge and Kayla Miller and Kyle
Miller. Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Arehart-Echols
Funeral Home, 211 St. Mary's Ave., La Plata, MD. prayers will be at 7 p.m. Mass will be
held Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Issue, MD. The Rev.
David W. Beaubien will officiate. Burial will take place at the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be J.L. Miller, Mark Miller, Tony Miller, Andy Coulby, Ben Welch, and
Chuck Welch. Memorial contributions may be made to Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department
and Rescue Squad, P.O. 156, Cobb Island, MD 20625 or Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box
1703, La Plata, MD 20646. Arrangements are being handled by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home,
La Plata.



Bernard Sonny Kerwin, 82,
of Valley Lee, MD, died on Sunday, February 15, 2004 at Washington Hospital Center,
Washington, DC.
Born on June 29, 1921 in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose Emerick
Kerwin. Mr. Kerwin served his country in the US Army during World War II receiving the
American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines
Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He moved to St. Marys County
in 1946 from Astoria, NY. He was a carpenter. Mr. Kerwin was a member of the Second
District Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus, VFW Post # 2632 in
California, MD and did volunteer work at St. George Catholic Church. His hobby was
traveling. He enjoyed being with his family, his wife and his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Zita Taroni Kerwin, whom he married on April 21, 1941 at St.
George Catholic Church in Valley Lee, MD, four daughters, Joann Lacey of Loveville, MD,
Anita Gerek of St. Marys City, MD, Violet Edwards of Tall Timbers, MD and Vicky
Estevez of Lexington Park, MD, 9 grandchildren, Kim Lacey, Jeff Gerek, Terri Gerek, Andrew
Gerek, Denton Edwards, Ryan Edwards, Ashley Estevez, Rachel Estevez and Corey Estevez,
three sisters, Alice Clyde, Mimi Carleo and Joan Polo of NY. In addition to his parents,
he was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Scigliano and a brother John Kerwin.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00
p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will be recited at
7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2004 at
11:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee, MD. The Reverend Mark W. Ervin
will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box
1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.
Edwin Henry Neville Sr.,70, of Waldorf
Edwin Henry Neville Sr., 70, of Waldorf died Feb. 5, 2004 at Charles County Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center, La Plata. Mr. Nevelle was born in Washington, D.C., but lived in
Waldorf for over 30 years. He was an Army veteran. Mr. Neville was a manager at Hechingers
fro 20 years and worked nights at the Bannister 7-11 for the past 12 years. His two
passions were fishing and Lionel model trains. He was cremated at the Arehart-Echols
Funeral Home and a memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Piney
Parish of Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. Mr. Neville is survived by his wife, Mary Joyce Neville;
daughter, Helene Gundepudi; son, Ed Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made online at www.cancer.org or
call 1-800-227-2345 and ACS will send a card acknowledging your gift to 26 Mooncoin
Circle, Waldorf, MD 20602.
Elizabeth "Jackie" Josephine Hyde,72, of Aquasco
Elizabeth "Jackie" Josephine Hyde, 72, of Aquasco died Feb. 13, 2004 at Southern
Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton. Mrs. Hyde was a cafeteria worker for Prince George's
County Board of Education. She was married March 28, 1952. She was a cafeteria worker at
Gwynn Park, Surrattsville, as Schmidth Outdoor Education Center. She owned and operated
"The Little Store" in Aquasco. She enjoyed gardening, farming, yard sales, the
water, crabbing, fishing and going to play the slots, and playing cards.
Born March 28, 1931, she was the daughter of the late, George Goldsmith and the late
Arlene Goldsmith. She is survived by her husband, William P. Hyde of Aquasco; daughters,
Debbie Richards and her husband, Benson, of Waldorf, and Terrie Starr and her husband,
Gregory, of Aquasco; sister, Boots Bankowski; six grandchildren, William Richards, Ben
Richards, Danielle Starr, Megan Starr, Justin Starr, and Garrett Starr. Services were held
Feb. 17 at the Immanuel Methodist Church, Aquasco. The Rev. James Hunt officiated. Burial
took place at Trinity Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to American
Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA. 23058. Arrangements are being handled by
Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata.