Obituaries October 2002

Joseph Ireland Stevens, 92
Joseph Ireland Stevens, 92, of Hollywood, MD died on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.
He was born on July 29, 1910 in Hollywood, MD the son of the late Joseph A. and Maude Plowden Stevens.
Mr. Stevens married Bertina Somerville on July 25, 1937 at the St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD. They have shared 65 years of marriage. He worked for Dean Lumber Company for 36 years as a truck driver, was a member of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church. His hobbies included baseball and gardening. After his retirement he enjoyed going to the casino in Atlantic City. Mr. Stevens was a people person; he loved children and enjoyed telling stories about family history.
In addition to his wife he is survived by two son’s William Alfred Conkling of Washington, DC and James Vernon Stewart, Sr. of Baltimore MD, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews survive. Six sisters, Rebecca Holley, Margaret Matthews, Annie Stevens, Estelle Barber, Helen Myles and Florence Stevens, two brothers George and Albert Stevens, preceded him in death.
.A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 at 11:00 am at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, MD. The Reverend Msgr. Martin Harris will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers for Mr. Stevens will be Allen, Robert, Douglas and Blaine Somerville, Irving Frederick and Gilbert Barber.
 

Michael Wayne Overstreet, 49
Michael Wayne Overstreet, 49, of Leonardtown, MD died on October 30, 2002 at his residence.
Born on August 13, 1953 in Thaxton, VA, he was the son of Alfred Thomas and Irene Overstreet of Springfield, VA.
Mr. Overstreet moved to Leonardtown in 1983, he was a Master Plummer and Contractor.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Overstreet is survived by his wife Freida Rose Clarke Overstreet of Rawlins, WY two son’s Buffalo Latham of West Palm Beach, FL, Dylan Overstreet of Washington, DC, one daughter Brandi Overstreet of Leonardtown, MD and two sister’s Anita Happoldt and Wanda Overstreet both of Woodbridge, VA.
A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, November 2, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. in Virginia Memorial Gardens, Forest VA.
James Allenby Ashcraft, 80, of La Plata
James Allenby Ashcraft, 80, of La Plata died Oct. 29, 2002, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata. He had retired from active duty in the U.S. Air Force and subsequent civilian employment with Air Force Systems Command at the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base. During World War II he served in the South Pacfic as a B-29 pilot in weather reconnaissance. In the late 1940's his crew was one of the first to experiment with seeding hurricanes with dry ice in order to change the direction. After retiring and moving to La Plata, he enjoyed gardening and community service. He was a member of Good Samaritan Church. Born Jan. 5, 1922, in Prattsville, Ark., he was the son of the late James Maston Ashcraft and the late Cozy Joanna Ashcraft. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maralyn Miller Ashcraft; son, James Kent Ashcraft; daughter, Karen Ashcraft Grossman; two brothers; and one sister. Burial took place at 11 a.m. Nov. 1 at Maryland Veteran Cemetery, Cheltenham, followed by a memorial service at noon at Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, Waldorf. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 925, Waldorf, Md. 20604.

Margaret Emma Miles, 88, of Waldorf
Margaret Emma Miles, 88, of Waldorf died October 27, 2002, at her home. She was a computer operator for the Federal Government. She was a member of the Catholic faith. Born January 21, 1914, in Virginia. She was the daughter of the late George Washington Duncan and the late Mary Dean Duncan. In addition to her parents she is also preceded in death by her husband William A. Miles; brother, Benny Duncan; and sister, Ollie Malcolm. She is survived by her sons, Richard J. Miles of Florida, Charles N. Miles of Indian Head; daughter Barbara Miles Collins, of Waldorf. Twelve grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be Thursday Oct. 31 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home where a service will follow at 11:30. Rev. Matthew Siekierski and Rev. Peter Alliata will officate. Burial will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Md. Arrangements are being handled by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.

Theresa Palmer Cather, 75
Theresa Palmer Cather, 75 of Hughesville, MD died on Sunday, October 27, 2002 at her residence.
Born on March 13, 1927 in Capitol Heights, MD, she was the daughter of the late Joseph John Palmer, Sr. and Olive Ruth Padgett Palmer. She was employed with the Federal Government as a Transportation Specialist and retired in March of 1982 after 37 years of service. She played in numerous duckpin-bowling leagues and also was a member of National Duck Pin Association. Some of her other enjoyments were, playing bingo, camping, playing slot machines and cards.
She was the beloved wife of the late Arden Eugene Cather. She was the loving mother of Vicki Lynn Gullixon and Carol Jo Downs. Mother-in-law of Barry Eugene Gullixon and Ralph Wilbur Downs, Jr. Sister of Betty White, Anna Milburn, Nellie Downs, Lawrence, Revelle and Joseph Palmer. Grandmother of Katrina Lynn Miller, Michael Shaun and Jessica Danielle Downs, Michelle Stephanie and John Anthony Mycka. Great-grandmother of Cassidy Michelle Miller, Christopher Michael Miller, and Michael Shaun Downs, Jr. Numerous relatives and friends also survive her. A sister, Ruth Van Sickle, two brothers, Ralph and Carl Palmer, preceded her in death.
Family received friends October 30 with prayers recited at 7:30PM A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 31 in St. Mary’s Catholic church, Bryantown, MD. Father Joseph J. Kleinstuber was the celebrant. Interment followed at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Roy Hertz, MD, PHD, 93
Roy Hertz, MD, PHD, 93 of Hollywood, MD died on Monday October 28, 2002 at his residence.
He was born on June 19, 1909 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Hertz moved to St. Mary’s County 25 years ago from Bethesda, MD. He was a pioneer in medical science and world authority on Hormonal Cancer and Reproductive Biology. He developed the first and still most successful cure for cancer. Dr. Hertz was one of the most active researchers in the development of the birth control pill, and has received worldwide recognition and numerous medical awards.
Dr. Hertz was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Dorothy Oberdorfer Hertz on October 17, 2002. He is survived by a daughter Margaret Brodkin of San Francisco, CA and a son Jerry Hertz of Sebastopol, CA, two step-children, Barbara Verdin of Chesapeake Beach, MD and Michael Oberdorfer of Dickerson, MD. 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.
Interment will be private.
Mary Katherine Bowling
Mary Katherine Bowling, 84, of Faulkner died Oct. 27, 2002 at Civista Medical Center, in La Plata. She was a homemaker and a member of the Jehovah Witness. Born, May 11, 1918 in Mechanicsville, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Ford Farrell and the late Agnes Farrell. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She is survived by her husband George Washington Bowling, Faulkner, Md., sons, George T. Bowling, Charles H. Bowling, Douglas M. Bowling, all of Faulkner and Joseph A. Bowling, of West River, Md.; daughter Katherine Bowling Jones, Waldorf, Md.; daughters-in-laws, Joan Bowling, Patricia Bowling, and Ruth Bowling; sisters, Maude, and Martha. 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchilden, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were William Bowling, George Bowling, Jr., James A. Bowling, Robert Bowling, Joseph Bowling, Jr., and Richard Bowling. Memorial contributions may be made to Kingdom Hall, in care of Brother James Dockett, 6575 Mason Springs Road, La Plata, Md. 20646.

Catherine Marie Papson
Catherine Marie Papson, 84 of Leonardtown, MD died on September 30, 2002 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD.
She was born on May 5, 1918 in Derry, PA the daughter of the late George and Helen Yakopovich.
Mrs. Papson enjoyed baking and playing cards. She was also a member of the Senior Singing Group "Vibes" of St. Mary’s County.
She was married to the late John M. Papson, Sr. of PA. Her four children, Carol Mattuicci, John M. Papson, Jr., Jerry and Charles Papson survive her. Eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren also survive.
A funeral service was held on October 4, 2002 at Shelman Bluff Baptist Church in GA.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday October 16, 2002 at 1:00 pm at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church 44078 St. Andrews Church Road, California, MD with the Reverend Paula Halliday officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Outreach of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, P.O Box 600, California, MD 20619.

Joseph Carroll Curtis
Joseph Carroll Curtis, 82, of Oxon Hill, MD died on October 9, 2002 at the Bayside Nursing Center.
He was born on December 16, 1919 in Helen, MD the son of the late Joseph Norman and Ellen Nelson Curtis.
Mr. Curtis was of the Catholic Faith and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, MD.
A sister, Eliza Catherine Mason, of Leonardtown, MD and a brother James Roscoe Curtis of Maddox, MD, survives him. Two sisters, Mary Madeline Young and Marie Curtis, preceded him in death.
Friends may call on Monday October 14, 2002 from 9:00 – 10:00 am at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday October 14, 2002 at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 23080 Maddox Road, Bushwood, MD. The Reverend Francis Early will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers for Mr. Curtis will be his nephews.


Charles Burton Foley
Charles Burton Foley, 64, of Lexington Park, MD died on October 9, 2002 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD.
He was born on June 29, 1938 in Greensboro, AL the son of the late Edwin Francis and Katie Mills Foley.
Mr. Foley joined the US Air Force after graduating from high school. Moving to St. Mary’s County in 1991 from Pensacola, FL. He than worked as an Insurance Agent. At the time of his death he was the District Sales Manager for Baltimore Life Insurance. He was a member of the Elks Club, Lexington Park, MD and Son of the American Legion, Ridge, MD Post # 255.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Teresa Schaffer Foley whom he married on May 12, 1990 in Pensacola, FL, four children, Donna Cooper and husband Richard, of Pensacola, FL, Edward Foley of Pensacola, FL, Victor Leudeman, of Plano, TX and Craig Luedeman, of Cedar Rapids, IW, a sister Nina Rogers, Montgomery, AL, mother-in –law, Teresa Schaffer, of Lexington Park, MD and daughter-in-law Jackie Luedeman, Pensacola, FL. six grandchildren also survive. Two sisters, Elizabeth Chester and Frances Hoague and a brother Riley Foley, preceded him in death.
Friends may call on Monday, October 14, 2002 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD; a funeral service will be celebrated at 7:00 pm with the Reverend Thomas Gude as the celebrant. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glenn Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Carrie Adelaide Bailey Russell
Carrie Adelaide Bailey Russell, 87, of Colton Point, MD died on October 10, 2002 at her grandson’s home in Mechanicsville, MD. She was born on April 27, 1914 in Colton Point, MD the daughter of the late Joseph Fenwick and Mazie Cheseldine Bailey. Mrs. Russell was a life long resident of St. Mary’s County and a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD.
A daughter Helen M. Hynson of Hollywood, MD and one grandson, Chuck Hynson, of Mechanicsville, MD, survives her. She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Francis Russell on May 5, 2002, six sisters, Mary Evangeline Norris, Marie Lawrence, Dorothy Banagan, Mary Wood, Helen Bailey and Bessie Bailey, three brothers, Elmer Bailey, Dave Bailey and Mac Bailey.
Friends may call on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00pm at the Brinsfield funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD, Deacon Bill Kemp will recite prayers at 4:00 pm.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday October 14, 2002 at 12:00 noon at Holy Angel’s Catholic Church, 21340 Colton’s Point Road, Avenue, MD with the Reverend Msgr. John Brady as the celebrant. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.

Thomas "Tom" Arthur Nash
Thomas "Tom" Arthur Nash, 62 of Washington, DC died on October 9, 2002 at Genesis Eldercare Center, LaPlata, MD.
He was born on February 4, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio the son of Robert Allen and Carroll Anne Underwood Nash.
Mr. Nash attended St. Charles Prep College and Ohio State University. His hobbies included Music, Photography, his CB Radio, and Coin Collecting. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Forestville, MD. He retired as an Accounting Clerk from the Bureau of the Census.. A mass of Christian burial was Celebrated on Saturday, October 12, 2002 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, MD. The Reverend Thomas Gude wase the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1032 Lexington Park, MD 20653 and/or the American Diabetes Association, 3120 Timanus Lane, Suite 106, Baltimore, MD 21244-2883.
Stephen Jenkins, 55, of Waldorf
Stephen Jenkins, 55, of Waldorf died Oct. 8, 2002, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata. Born Oct. 21, 1946, in Cheverly, he was the son of the late James William Jenkins and the late Bertha Mae Jenkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James W. Jenkins Jr. He is survived by his brother, Michael S. Jenkins; sister-in-law, Darlene Jenkins; and cousins, John Prince and Dorothy Ann Fliz. Services will be held at. Oct. 12 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Issue. The Rev. Karl Chimiak officiated. Burial was at the church cemetery.
Lillian Faye Simon
Lillian Faye Simon, 73 of California, MD died on Saturday October 5, 2002 at her residence.
She was born on August 19, 1929 in Cayce, Kentucky the daughter of the late George and Lara Nell Sharpe.
Mrs. Simon moved to St. Mary’s County in 1983 from Virginia Beach, VA. She loved crabbing the waters of the county. She was an avid Gardener and also enjoyed arts and crafts.
Her husband Earl Robert Simon whom she married on September 6, 1971 in Puerto Rico survives her. She was preceded in death by a sister June Irvine and a brother Elvin Sharpe.
A memorial service will be held, with the Reverend Phil Ayers of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or American Cancer
Joan Patricia Pumphrey
Joan Patricia Pumphrey, 67 of Mechanicsville, MD formerly of New Carrollton, MD died on Sunday, October 6, 2002 at Prince Georges Hospital, Cheverly, MD.
Born on August 17, 1935 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late John Patrick and Pearl Anna Phillips O’Neill. She was a homemaker.
She was the beloved wife of Edward James Pumphrey, Jr., loving mother of Suzanne Blocker, Edward M. and Timothy P. Pumphrey, sister of Margaret Battle, Herbert, Francis, and Eugene O’Neill. Seven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews also survive her. A sister, Catherine Cook predeceases her.
Funeral service were held on Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 12:00 PM with Reverend Maret H. Dinsmore officiating. Interment followed at Maryland Veterans Cemetery at 2PM in Cheltenham, MD.
Walter Vianney Jenkins
Walter Vianney Jenkins, 69, of Charlotte Hall died Oct. 7, 2002, at his home. He held a Bachelor of Science degree from Notre Dame, Baltimore. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a lector at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Newport. He enjoyed his church, traveling and loved continually learning and teaching. Born April 12, 1933, in Leonardtown, he was the son of the late Joseph S. Jenkins and the late Mary Delores Jenkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Lee Jenkins. Services were held Oct. 10 at St. Mary's, Newport. The Rev. Frederick MacIntyre officiated. Burial took place at the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Wathen, Rick Wathen, Chris Wathen, Thomas Wathen, Richard Wheatley and Allison Clements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's, Newport Church Building Fund, 11555 St. Mary's Church Road, Charlotte Hall, Md. 20622.
Emery Thomas Wilt
Emery Thomas Wilt, 77 of Hollywood, MD died on October 6, 2002 at his residence.
He was born on May 6, 1925 in Roanoke, WV the son of the late Claude and Laura Brewer Wilt.
On February 26, 1943 he married the former Irene Heath. He retired from Columbia Gas Systems in Buckhannon, WV after 39 years of service.
In addition to his wife, two daughters Sharon Ferris, Leonardtown, MD and Sandra Overman of Newport News, VA survive him. Three sisters Naomi Ramsey, Almeda Pumphrey and Elizabeth Waugh all of Weston, WV, one brother Claude Wilt, Jr. of West Union, WV. Five grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survive. Interment was private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Samuel F. Morgan, 80
Samuel F. Morgan, 80, of Lexington Park, MD, died on October 3, 2002 at his residence.
He was born on March 24, 1922 in Drayden, MD the son of the late Nora and Annie Somerville Morgan.
Mr. Morgan was of the Methodist Episcopal faith and was a member of St. Mark’s UAME in Valley Lee, MD.
He is survived by a sister Annie Johnson, of Baltimore, MD.
Funeral service was held at St. Mark's UAME with the Reverend Dr. Rudy Brooks officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Linda J. Fean
Linda J. Fean of Mechanicsville, MD passed away on October 1, 2002 at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She was 54 years of age.
Linda was bon in Bridgeport, West Virginia and came to the Washington DC area after graduating from West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Applied Medicine. She was a registered Physical Therapist and worked at the former Cafritz Memorial Hospital, Dr. G. Sanchez’s office, and Civista Hospital in La Plata, Maryland.
She was an active member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Mechanicsville, Maryland, where she sang in the church choir, directed the hand bell choir, and taught Sunday school. She also participated in Christmas in April and volunteered at Mechanicsville Elementary School for several years.
Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Dennis Fean, son, Jason Fean of Lusby, MD, daughter, Laura Fean of Towson, MD, her parents, Ruth and Isaac Suarez of Bridgeport, WV, sister, Kathy Mika, Mechanicsville, MD, brother, Timothy Suarez, Knoxville, TN, future daughter-in-law, Michelle Bean of Lusby, MD and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral service was held on Saturday, October 5, 2002 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at Laurel Grove with Reverend Phil Ayers will be officiating. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
Donations of sympathy may be made to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Bldg Fund, P.O. Box 1060, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.