Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 12 noon on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745.  The burial will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  
<a href="https://www.pgspca.org/">SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County</a>

Donna Ann “Dukes” Griffith, 72, a lifelong resident of Edgewater, died June 20, 2025 at Autumn Lakes in Crofton.  Born November 25, 1952 in Bethesda, MD to the late Robert R. Belt, Sr. and Roselee Hinkle, she worked for many years as an esthetician in various Washington DC area stores and as a bus driver for Anne Arundel County.  In her spare time she enjoyed cooking and making crafts with her nieces and nephews.

Donna is survived by her son, Charles M. “Chad” Griffith of Pasadena; her life partner, Bill McDonald of Edgewater; her siblings, Edward T. “Ed” Blowe (Denise) of Edgewater, Vicki L. Thiel (Claude) of Port Charlotte, FL, Edith P. “Edie” Squires of Edgewater, Robert R. “Bobby” Belt, Jr. (Bonnie) of Edgewater, Stacey L. Belt Coyle (Greg) of Davidsonville and Roselee Blowe of Edgewater.  

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by siblings William T. “Tom” Blowe, III, (Carolyn) and William F. “Billy” Belt and her step parents William T. Blowe, Jr. and Arlene E. Belt. 

Family and friends are invited to Donna’s life celebration on Friday, June 27 from 2-3 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3, at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  

 Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the memories link on the left of this page,  

A full obituary will be posted soon.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


John Robert Whipple, 72, of Camp Springs, MD, passed away in the early hours of June 17, 2025, after a long illness. He was born on March 16, 1953, in Washington, DC, the youngest child of Gertrude (McCabe) and Irving Whipple. He attended St. Francis Xavier school in Southeast Washington, DC, and was an altar server in the parish church there. He graduated from St. John’s College High School in 1971, where he attained the rank of First Sergeant in the Cadet Corp. Following graduation, he briefly attended the University of Maryland. He took a job at PEPCO as a surveyor in 1974 and retired in 2022 as a design engineer. In the summer of 1970, he met Dineen Franclemont while they were both working at the Sears on Alabama Avenue. They were married in 1975 and have 6 children.

From a young age, John was interested in music. He first trained as a classical guitarist, then took up drums in the high school marching band to avoid duties related to rifle drills. Starting in the mid-1960’s, he performed professionally in a succession of bands in the DC area, including Truck, HapyJack, Medulla, Swamp Rats, and Four of a Kind, as well as making guest appearances with many other local groups. Although his main instruments were his voice, acoustic guitar, and electric bass, his talent for music was such that he could get a decent sound out of any instrument – or piece of silverware – he touched.

In the mid-1980’s, he joined the folk group at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Camp Springs, MD, eventually rising to become its director, a position he held until his death. He was much in demand as a liturgical musician, regularly playing services of various types at St. Joseph’s in Pomfret, MD, in the early 2000’s and St. Joseph’s in Beltsville, MD, from 2008-2020, as well as providing music at many church events throughout the DC area, including weddings, funerals, First Communions, Confirmations, parish missions, and retreats. On many of these occasions, he was accompanied by one or more of his children, all of whom have followed in his musical footsteps to some degree.

A cradle Catholic, John was an active member of St. Philip’s parish since 1979. He served in various volunteer roles, including assisting with the youth group, where he planned and
supervised the annual teen camping trip, which was the highlight of the summer. Both John and Dineen became professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order in the early 1990’s. 

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, archery, target shooting, hiking, and camping, and he reveled in passing that love on to new generations, both within his family and as an instructor in the Maryland Hunter Safety Education Program.

Throughout his life, John was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, first as a youth when he achieved the rank of Life, then from 2007 to 2012 as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 253 where his son Joseph earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

He loved history, especially the American Civil War and World War II eras, and would spend hours watching documentaries and then passing on interesting tidbits to anyone who would listen.

He was the master of the “Dad Joke,” and he never met a pun that he didn’t like. His dry, yet often bizarre, sense of humor was well known to both family and friends alike.

John’s life revolved around 3 things: his family, his faith, and his music. In all three areas, he will be sorely missed.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lewis A. Whipple, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dineen (Franclemont) Whipple; his sisters Alicia Downs and Catherine Dodds; his 6 children: Jennifer Marciano (John Marciano) of College Station, TX, John M. Whipple (Nichole Clagett) of Alexandria, VA, Juliette Whipple of Arlington, VA, James Whipple (Zettie Whipple) of Baltimore, MD, Jacqueline Beverstock (Brooks Beverstock) of Herndon, VA, and Joseph Whipple (Mykalia Tooles) of Great Mills, MD; and his 5 grandchildren: Felicity Beverstock, Cora Whipple, Anastasia Beverstock, Caitriona Whipple, and soon to be born, Alistair Whipple.

Services will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Viewing at 10am, Funeral Mass at 11am.

Interment to follow at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Rd., Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746. Repast to follow at St. Philip’s Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family kindly asks that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: https://lls.org


Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church,  5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Interment to follow at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Rd, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746.

Florence Brookman, beloved mother to four children, of Edgewater, MD peacefully passed away on June 17, 2025. She will certainly be missed.

Florence was born in Upper Marlboro, MD to the late Elsie Oakley Arnold and Robert Arnold, Sr. She married the late James Brookman, Jr. and they lived in old Bowie until 1973, subsequently moving to Edgewater. 

Florence worked at Rips Country Inn and motel in Bowie for 25 years both as hostess in the restaurant and guest clerk in the motel. She also took a special joy in rescuing small dogs and cats over the years and she loved being outdoors.

She was a devoted mother to her children, Sandra Jean Harris-Anderson (James), Larry James Brookman (Dianna) and the late Raymond James and Wayne Kevin Brookman. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeanne Nelson and Stephen and Matthew Brookman; her great-grandchildren, Julia Nelson, Cameron, Jude and Andrew Brookman and her sisters, Winnie (Alan) Colby, Thelma Wayson and her children, Karen and Kenneth Wayson.  

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Florence’s life on Thursday, June 26 from 5 to 6 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Friday, June 27 at 10 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her favorite charity  <a href="https://secure.alleycat.org/page/68062/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=a1oxxxwdbcn&utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_campaign=donate_cpa&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1742975982&gbraid=0AAAAAD41gx1uxMyZ0KaN0OWUgFrfuHoYy&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckkq3SVoheQ1jw_PMr3Ca90xkWTNvw4PixXjHR_2in5zD1B79cuEzoxoC9CQQAvD_BwE">Ally Cat Allies</a> in her memory are greatly appreciated.

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kevin's life on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 10 am until 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 West Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD 21035. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.


We kindly invite you to share your memories and condolences with Kevin's family. You can do so by using the "Memories" tab located on this page.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

John Jacob Clementson, 81, a resident of Edgewater, MD for seventy-five years, died on Monday, June 16 at his home. Born on April 10, 1944 in Washington, DC to the lateGeorge H. and Agnes S. Clementson, John graduated high school and served in the DC National Guard. He owned and operated South River Framing and Art for twenty five years. In his spare time, John enjoyed going to yard sales. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nikki Clementson; his sons, John and Steve Clementson both of Edgewater and his grandchildren, Trevor and Morgan Clementson. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Mike Clementson.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page. 

Celebrating the Life of Thomasine Gaskins Gentry

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith..." – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

On June 15, 2025, our hearts bowed in humble surrender as our beloved Thomasine Gaskins Gentry was called home to be with the Lord. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, free from pain, and resting in the promise of everlasting life.

Born on April 6, 1943, Thomasine—affectionately known to many as Tommie—was the second oldest of eight children born to Thomas A. and Mary E. Gaskins. Raised in the heart of Washington, D.C., she was a proud product of the District’s public schools and a graduate of Eastern Senior High. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Prince George’s Community College, where she earned her Associates of Arts degree at the age of 66 years old.

In 1961, she married the love of her life, William B. Gentry III. Their union of 29 years was blessed with four children: LaTonja, Allison, Kevin, and Dwayne. Thomasine was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and faithful friend.

Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life. Thomasine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and never stopped growing in her faith. Her gentle spirit and loving heart touched everyone she met. Whether ministering to others, supporting missions, or serving through her church, Thomasine’s light shone brightly. Her journey even took her to Guatemala on a mission trip—just one example of how far her compassion reached.

A true entrepreneur at heart, Thomasine was a licensed Senior cosmetologist and the proud owner of Elohim Hair Designs. She brought beauty not only to her clients’ outer appearance but also into their lives through her kindness and care.

She found joy in serving others, volunteering with Hospice of the Chesapeake and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital. Her hobbies included cooking, traveling, and diving deep into God’s Word. Her life was a testament to grace, love, and strength.

Thomasine was known for her unwavering faith and big heart. She gave freely, loved deeply, and lived a life filled with purpose. To know her was to be blessed by her generosity, her wisdom, and her quiet strength. Family meant everything to her—and she meant everything to her family.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: LaTonja (Aaron), Allison, Kevin, and Dwayne (Stacie); fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her devoted sister Corlis (Ricky); and three cherished brothers, Thomas (Charlene), Paul (Deborah), and Donald (Wendy). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends join us in remembering a woman whose light will forever shine in our hearts.                 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Thomasine's Life Celebration on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at Scripture Cathedral,  7610 Central Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20785. Internment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery,  4001 Suitland Rd, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746. 

In Loving Memory of Ralph Edmond Conley
May 23, 1939 – June 13, 2025
Ralph Edmond Conley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born to Harley Jackson Conley and Mabel Conley, he was one of nine children and is survived by his youngest brother, Robert Conley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ira Conley, Agnes Conley, Ruby Conley Ferrington, Wannetta Conley Scherich, Melvin Conley, Darlene Conley Smith, and Eugene Conley. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son, David Keith Conley.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Diane Conley, daughters Lara and DonnaConley, stepchildren Lisa Connor and her husband Bill Connor, and Chris McVay and his wife Carolyn McVay and his cherished grandchildren: David Michael Conley, Jacob Wood, Brandon Griffin, Christina Griffin, Nicole McVay, Kyle McVay, Ashley Connor, and Billy Connor.
Ralph’s life was marked by service. He proudly served in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam era, stationed in Korea and Germany. After returning home, he ventured into several businesses but ultimately found his true calling in real estate. As a Realtor, he developed a unique and meaningful niche, selling over 100 churches. His hobbies included boating and golf.
He was known by many as a gifted storyteller, captivating his audience with tales from his youth, a memory from his adventures, or a joke to lighten the moment. He always had something to say that would make you smile—or double over in laughter. Some said he “remembered big”, but more often than not, those incredible stories were true.
At his core, he was a gentle soul. He had a way of making you feel seen, safe, and loved. Even in his final days, he offered laughter, light, and love—cracking jokes and praising Jesus until his voice could no longer carry his words.
He was a man of deep faith who loved God with all his heart. Today we take comfort in knowing he is in the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father, reunited with his son, his siblings, and so many others who went before him. For them, there are no more sad goodbyes, no more sorrow or pain, only peace forevermore. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ralph's life on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 10 am until his funeral service begins at 11 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd.., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab in this page.

Emily Alessi Tierney, 100, a resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Camp Springs, MD for over 60 years, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Annapolis. Born on October 3, 1924, in Springfield, MA to the late Emilio Alessi and Theresa Tornadu, she graduated from West Springfield High School before establishing a career with the World Bank. After taking time to raise her five children, she continued her career with the US Federal Government at the Census Bureau. Emily was a parishioner at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Camp Springs for 60+ years, where she was a member of the Sodality of Our Lady and a Eucharistic Minister, focusing on serving the sick and homebound. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking and sewing, and most of all, spending time with her beloved family. Emily was the proud grandmother of nine, with each of whom she shared treasured moments. Every holiday was marked by special gatherings at the Camp Springs home, including her annual Easter egg hunt. Even as her grandchildren grew into adulthood, she continued to celebrate every milestone and holiday by sending them cards (small bills and savings bonds often included). Emily’s generosity and warmth extended beyond her family. She was able to easily befriend strangers. On one memorable occasion, a New York City cab driver was so taken with her kindness that he stepped out of his cab and gave her a hug. In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, John L. Tierney, Sr. and her sister, Virginia Platenik. She is survived by her children, Mary (Tim Good) Saxe, Kathleen (John) Antonelli, Ann (Patrick) Scheele, Margaret (Peter) Beling, and John (Caroline) Tierney, Jr.; her sister, Rosalie Derby; and her grandchildren, Matthew (Caroline Casey) Antonelli, Kaitlyn Antonelli, Joseph (Blakely Collier) Scheele, Emily Scheele, Andrew Beling, Elizabeth Beling, Rachel Beling, Cara Tierney, and Marley Tierney. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Emily's life from 11 am to 12 pm at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, on Wednesday, June 18, where Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=58700008005633531&sc_cid=kwp&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681679263&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN4cvDUXT6onBS2MXSE0WVqrD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiqbBBhCAARIsAJSfZkbDQlvIkEL8pfo3DOxYy0nIxwGc5wd4yTozsuhOx-T6j0bbvMiobwMaAuH6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">online here</a>) or to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. 

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

September 22, 1952 – June 12, 2025

After a short three-month battle with cancer, we said goodbye to Thomas Michael Murphy on June 12, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home in Lothian, MD, surrounded by his family. It all happened far too quickly, leaving us heartbroken — but profoundly grateful for every moment we shared with him.

Tom was 72. He was born in Cheverly, MD, and raised in southern Maryland. A graduate of Great Mills High School, he spent most of his career as a maintenance engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 99. He and his wife, Cathy, built a warm, welcoming life together — first in Glenn Dale, and for the past fourteen years in Lothian, recently celebrating 50 years of Marriage. 

Tom never met a stranger. With a quick smile and an open heart, he had a rare gift for making everyone feel like they belonged. He lived with sincerity, humor, and deep love. Whether sharing a story in his garage, playing a round of golf, or simply enjoying the moment, he was the kind of person people naturally gathered around.

But his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband, devoted dad, and the ultimate “Pops.” He cherished life’s simple pleasures — summer weekends on St. George Island, garage hangouts, golf cart rides with his grandson, and cheering on Washington’s sports teams. Those memories, filled with laughter and love, will stay with us forever.

He is deeply missed by his wife, Cathy; his daughter, Morgan; his son-in-law, Sean; his grandson, Woods; and a granddaughter he was so excited to meet in just a few short weeks. Though he won’t be here to hold her, we know his spirit will always be with her.

Tom is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, John J. Murphy and Lillian Gerry, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Murphy.

We already miss his voice, his laugh, and presence. The ache is deep — but so is the love. He gave us more than we could ever put into words.

In his honor, we’ll keep showing up for each other, keep the garage door open, and keep living with the same heart he gave so freely to everyone he met.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or <a href="https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&lang=en">online here</a>). Services for Thomas will be private. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

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Celebrating the Life of...

Martha Ann Fuller

Donna Griffith

Barbara Hayes

John Whipple

Florence Brookman

Kevin O'Connor

John Clementson

Thomasine Gentry

Ralph Conley

Emily Tierney

Janice Hinch

Thomas Murphy

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