Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

John R. James, Sr., 99, a resident of Davidsonville, MD and formerly of College Park, MD for fifty years, died on Wednesday, March 31 at home. Born on July 26, 1921 in Jessup, PA to the late Benjamin and Mary Elizabeth James, John was a Corporal in the US Army during World War II. He was a D-Day survivor and served with the 3704th Quartermaster Truck Company attached to the 471st Quartermaster Battalion. After being honorably discharged from the service, he worked as a supervisor/ superintendent in road construction. John was a member of the College Park VFW and the Chesapeake Beach American Legion. In his spare time he liked to read, do puzzles and help at the farmers market. He is survived by his wife of more than 74 years, Frances R. James; his children, John R. James, Jr. of College Park, MD, Francis B. James of Carbondale, PA, Wayne M. James of Berlin, MD, Barbara A. Davis of Davidsonville, MD and Jennifer J. Diatz of Frederick, MD; his brother, Edward James of Blakely, PA; his grandchildren, Christopher, Robert and John James, Raymond Davis, IV, David and Kathleen Diatz, Shelly Griffith, Jennifer Hudson and Annie Zelechowski and 14 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Wednesday, April 7 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 8 at 12:30 pm. Interment is at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

All arrangements and services for Mrs. Smith are private.  Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

June Lucille Schaffner, “June Bug”, a resident of Stevensville, MD for over 20 years and previously of Annapolis, MD, died on March 31, 2021 in Arnold, MD following 14-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born June 8, 1943 in Annapolis, MD to the late David Merrill and Norma Hartge, June graduated from Annapolis High School.  She enjoyed anything art-related, such as stained glass, crafts, and painting, so much so that June made a career as a stained glass artist and opened her own shop.  She also enjoyed motorcycles and specially spending time with her family.

June is survived by her husband of 50 years, Vernon “Reds” Schaffner; five children, David (Mary) Picco of Bowie, MD, Michelle Picco of Stevensville, MD, Ronald (Jodi Ongert) Picco of Annapolis, MD, Danielle Picco of Ridgely, MD, and Dorene (Robbie) Purnell of Annapolis, MD; a brother, Tom Parran of St. Leonard, MD; 12 grandchildren, Robbie, Anthony, Jackson, Natalie, Nick, Adrian, and Joseph Picco, Nichole Manasala, Josh, Bryan, and Donny Turner, and Kenny Purnell; and ten great-grandchildren.

A celebration of June’s life will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 2 pm at the Cape St. Claire ClubHouse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association: Hope in Progress <a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/0000d4l/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAjwx6WDBhBQEiwA_dP8rSYKP-80HB21s1yvoB5O0wgIQRlox0l2CgTQsBkuvUv09GTPDSDtfRoCqPMQAvD_BwE"> Click Here</a>


Surrounded by her family, Carolyn Gronlund Waesche, 82, of Annapolis, MD, went home to be with the Lord, on March 30, 2021, ending her courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Born on January 17, 1939 in Washington, DC to the late Gustav and Margaret Gronlund, Carolyn attended high school in Suitland, MD, where she grew up. She married her high school sweetheart, Earl M. Waesche, on February 28, 1959.  They were married for 62 years and were godparents to their nephew, Thomas C. Waesche and niece, Elizabeth Waesche Garner. Carolyn worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the United States Census Bureau.  Carolyn and Earl lived in Clinton, MD, before moving to Annapolis, MD in 1993.  Carolyn was a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Annapolis, MD. Carolyn enjoyed sewing as well as traveling and boating with Earl.  They traveled all over the world but her favorite place to visit was Cancun, Mexico. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 12:30pm at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Dave Oravec. It was Carolyn’s wishes to be cremated and after the service she will be interred in to the columbarium at St. Martin’s.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children (lovetotherescue.org). Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

George Gordon Liddy, husband of the late Frances Purcell Liddy, entered eternal life on March 30, 2021.  He was predeceased by Frances, his father Sylvester J. Liddy, R.V.O., K.N.O., his mother Maria  Abbaticchio Liddy of West Caldwell, NJ. He is survived his sister Margaret McDermott of Short Hills, NJ, his five children Alexandra Liddy Bourne of Alexandria, VA, Grace Alfarata Liddy of Fort Washington, MD, James Gordon Liddy of Virginia Beach, VA, Thomas Purcell Liddy of Scottsdale, AZ and Raymond Joseph Liddy of Coronado, CA, twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 


Gordon was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Hoboken and West Caldwell, NJ.  He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in nearby Newark and earned a BA at Fordham University, graduating in 1952.  After serving two years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, he returned to Fordham to study Law.  He graduated as a member of the Fordham Law Review in 1957.

 
In September of 1957, he was sworn in as a Special Agent of the F.B.I. In November, Gordon and Frances married in St. Mary’s Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. Gordon served under J. Edgar Hoover and, at age 29, became the youngest Special Agent in Charge in the history of the Bureau. As Gordon and Frances’ family grew, he left the F.B.I. to practice law in Manhattan. It was not long before the urge for government service took him to Dutchess County, NY as a prosecutor. In 1966, he arrested Timothy Leary, the famed “counter-culture” guru (the two later became friends.)


Gordon ran for Congress in 1968, lost a very close primary, but drew the attention of House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, who recommended him to the Nixon campaign.  Nixon’s victory brought Gordon and Frances to Washington, D.C. He served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury and later as a White House Aide.  In November, 1971, the White House Counsel asked Liddy to design and run an intelligence operation for the 1972 Re-election campaign. To do so, Liddy would have to leave the government. He took a position at the Committee to Re-Elect the President . . . the result was what has come to be known as “Watergate.”  Gordon refused to cooperate with prosecutors. . He remained silent throughout the investigations and many trials, infuriating the prosecutors and Judge Sirica.  They all thought they could make him talk by sentencing him to a total of 21 ½ years in prison.  He laughed at them.  In 1977, President Jimmy Carter ended the stand-off by ordering clemency, commuting Liddy’s sentence.  In September, he was reunited with his family. Gordon had no regrets and took responsibility for his own actions.  


Unsure of his professional future, he was surprised, and blessed, to learn how many Americans admired his strength and determination to live by his principles, even as many disagreed with him. For the next 32 years, Gordon was omnipresent in America' political and cultural conversation.  His autobiography was the bestselling book in the world in 1980.  As an author and lecturer he relished the opportunity to share his experiences and ideas with America’s college students.


Gordon had the greatest respect for the men and women who choose to serve in America’s armed forces and insisted that his public speaking contract had a clause, when he was asked to speak at West Point, The Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy there would be no fee; he paid the agency fee out of his own pocket. In the 1990’s he launched a nationally syndicated radio show, providing him with the privilege of sharing ideas, stories and lessons with Americans for an additional 21 years on over 300 radio stations.  As an author, lecturer, actor and radio talk show host, he again served his country, made a handsome living and had a lot of fun, often “agreeing to disagree”.  For that opportunity, he was deeply grateful to the People of the greatest country on earth, the United States of America.  


Family and friends are invited to Gordon’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD.  Another viewing will be held April 8, from 4 to 7pm at the Darrow Funeral Home, 39 South Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY and Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on April 9 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church at 231 Church Street in Poughkeepsie.  Burial service to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 147 Salt Point Road, Poughkeespie, NY.  COVID protocols will be followed at all venues. 


Gwynne D. Davis passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 28, 2021 after a brief illness.  He was a life long resident of Oxon Hill, MD until five years ago when he moved to Crownsville, MD.  

Gwynne was born to Percy and Margaret Davis on August 27, 1931 in Washington, DC.  He was the youngest of ten children.  

He is survived by his daughter, Karen and her husband Bob, his daughter Terri and her husband Mark, his sister, Vivian, and grandchildren Scott, Chris, Amber, Mark, Brad, and Zacerry.  He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Norine, and granddaughter, Laci. He is survived by many other nieces and nephews and friends.

Gwynne was proud of his time in the Marine Corp after graduating from Anacostia High School.  After the Marines, he worked at the Clothes Mart clothing store in Marlow Heights, MD.  He then joined the US Postal Service as a letter carrier-a job he loved until an injury forced him to retire.  Gwynne was also a member of the Anacostia Masonic Lodge.

Gwynne loved the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals and watching Nascar races.  He loved spending time with family especially during the holidays.  He loved camping and spending summers with family in Myrtle Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Crossing at southerncrossingmd.org. or to Mid Atlantic Community Church, 2485 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills, MD  20154.

Graveside service and interment will be held at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Rd., Suitland, MD on Saturday, April 3 at 12 Noon. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.

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

CPO James E. Ercole, USN(Ret.) passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born on December 18, 1935 to the late Victor and Sara Ercole in Youngstown, OH. After graduating high school Jim enlisted in the US Navy. He retired from the Navy in 1974 and then went to work for the US Postal Service. He retired in 1994. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jane Dimauro and his grandsons, Preston and Frankie. He is survived by his wife, Kathe Ercole, his children, Patricia Ercole, Christine (Benjamin) Coates and James (LaToya) Ercole, his grandchildren, Weston, Parker, Jenny, Anthony, Mary and David. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Independent Baptist Church, 9255 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following the service at Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

The Rev. Kenneth Alexis Polglase, 89, most recently of Heritage Harbour, Annapolis died March 26, 2021. He was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY on September 10, 1931, and graduated from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY in 1953 and from The General Theological Seminary, New York City in 1956. He was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1957 and began his forty-year active ministry as an assistant at two churches on Long Island, NY. Fr. Polglase then moved to northern New Jersey where he was Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Maywood for four years and then Rector of Church of the Epiphany (now Trinity Episcopal Church), Allendale, NJ for twenty years. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Family Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ. In 1984 the family relocated to Long Valley, NJ and Fr. Polglase cut back to part-time ministry. Fr. Polglase and his wife, Carolyn, relocated to Maryland in 1998 where he continued to do part-time supply ministry until health problems made that no longer possible. Fr. Polglase enjoyed caring for his tropical and Koi fish, refinishing old furniture, crabbing, and photography.

In addition to his parents, Alexis Talmadge Polglase and Hazel Ruth Griesemer Polglase, Fr. Polglase was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Carolyn Honeycutt Polglase, and his brother, Donald Lloyd Polglase. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Donna and Stephen (Randy) Haselton of Glenn Dale, MD; Christopher and Mary Margaret Polglase of Frederick, MD; Geoffrey and Paula Polglase of Harrisonburg, VA; and Andrew and Carolyn (Carrie) Polglase of Long Valley, NJ; plus grandchildren Hannah Polglase and Colin Pinkham, David and Stephen Haselton, and Timothy, Zachary, Matthew, Benjamin, and Samuel Polglase. 

Arrangements for a joint service celebrating the lives of both Fr. Polglase and Carolyn Polglase will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Fr. Polglase's name to The General Theological Seminary or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Nancy Ann Garner Horkan of Odenton, MD, passed away in her home on March 26, 2021 at the age of 70. She was raised in Forest Heights, MD with her four siblings and attended high school at the Immaculate Conception Academy in Washington, DC. She then graduated from the University of Maryland and pursued a career in the Federal Government, working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice.  She was admired and respected by her colleagues and received many awards throughout her career. She retired after 43 years of service.
Nancy and her husband, Tim, married in 1980 and moved to Harwood, MD where they raised their two children, Allison and Michael, and lived there for 37 years. They attended St. James Episcopal Parish in Lothian and became an integral part of the church family. Nancy was an ardent supporter of the St. James youth program and enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as Senior Warden, and participating in numerous committees. She was also active in the Maryland Episcopal Cursillo and served on the Episcopal Diocesan Council. She was truly devoted to the church and was known for always having the perfect prayer or blessing for any occasion.
Nancy’s warm, loving nature could connect with anyone instantly and make them feel welcome. She was the life of the party, and nothing brought her more joy than singing and dancing to old songs with loved ones. She treasured her family and friends and loved hosting and baking for family gatherings, spending summer family vacations in Rehoboth Beach, seeing Broadway musicals and concerts with her sisters, participating in her book club and Bible study group, and spending time with her children. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother in 2019 and cherished her time with her precious granddaughter, Livie. She touched so many peoples’ lives and her positive spirit made everyone feel better just by being around her.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 41 years, Tim Horkan, daughter Allison Rowsome (Rob, granddaughter Olivia), son Michael Horkan, siblings Jimmy Garner (Colleen), Kathy McGowan, Patty Garner, and Bob Garner, as well as countless family members and friends who love her dearly. 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nancy’s life on Thursday, April 1 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. A Memorial Service will be held outdoors on Monday, April 5 at 11 am at St. James Episcopal Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711.  Please bring your own chair. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to St. James Parish will be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com.



Nancie Roop Kennedy, 81, a resident of Annapolis for more than 25 years and formerly of Rochester, NY, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on March 25 at her home in Annapolis.

Born July 24, 1939, in Christiansburg, VA, the daughter of the late Vivian Inez Graybeal and Ralph Goodwin Roop, Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Randolph-Macon Women’s College in 1963 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. A consummate performer and artist, she sang professionally for nearly 5 decades in operas, musical theater, and stage shows with the London Symphony Orchestra Chorus, ArtPark in upstate New York, Opera Theater of Rochester, and many other arts groups in the U.S. and Europe. 

In 1979 she received her master’s degree in Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Her immense love of classical music led her to become a voice teacher at the Eastman School of Music’s Community School, Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore, and at Peabody’s Annapolis campus at Maryland Hall. After her teaching days, she enjoyed sharing her immense knowledge about opera and the performing arts with fellow patrons at pre-concert lectures to provide insight and context for each upcoming performance.

She sang as both a featured solo artist and lead choral soprano on multiple recordings with the LSO Chorus and while at the Eastman School of Music. Her passion for turn of the century musical repertoire led her to perform with fellow Eastman faculty member, pianist Howard Spindler, as “Kennedy & Spindler” across the country for nearly 20 years and release a series of popular recordings of period Americana music.

Nancie met her late husband, Duncan C. Kennedy III, while at Randolph-Macon in Lynchburg, VA and they were married in 1963. They moved to London in 1969 while Duncan was working for General Electric, before returning to the U.S. in 1975 to Rochester, NY. The couple then moved to Annapolis in 1995. Both were members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis and the Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester. 

Mrs. Kennedy was an ardent supporter of the arts and many community organizations including Annapolis Opera Company, Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis Horticultural Society, Unity Gardens, and many local women’s groups. An avid gardener, she took great pleasure is cultivating each season’s blossoms and blooms to the delight of her neighbors. A proud resident of Rugby Hall and then Heritage Harbor, Mrs. Kennedy took many local initiatives to heart and supported her community with great energy and commitment.

Surviving are her two sons; Duncan C. Kennedy IV of Greenville, SC and Scott C. Kennedy of San Diego, CA; sister Patterson Roop Webster of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada; and granddaughter McKayla, who is happily continuing in the footsteps of Mrs. Kennedy as an aspiring singer and musical theater performer.

Due to the difficulties of travel and various restrictions in place during the pandemic, the family will be holding a virtual memorial service and online celebration of life. Mrs. Kennedy will join her husband at the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA where they started dating while singing in the choir together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Annapolis Opera Company (www.annapolisopera.org) or the cultural arts organization of your choice within your own community. SUPPORT THE ARTS!!!

An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

The Annapolis Fire Department regretfully shares the news of the passing of Retired Captain Leonard A. Clark, Jr. on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Captain Clark was hired as a firefighter with the Annapolis Fire Department in 1966.  He worked his way up through the ranks to Captain, receiving accolades from citizens, assisting as the Emergency Medical Officer and Public Information Officer, serving as the Chairperson on the EMS Subcommittee of the FIre Chiefs Council and the Officer in Charge of the Honor Guard for 14 of the 18 years he was a member.  He retired on December 1, 2006 after 40 years of career service to the AFD and City of Annapolis.

His brothers, Battalion Chief C. Richard Clark, who predeceased him, was retired from the Annapolis Fire Department and Captain Thomas Clark is retired from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. 

Retired AFD Captain Robert J. Daywalt is the liaison for the family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Leonard's life on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 10 am until his service begins at 11 am at the  Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.

Interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville 

Please keep Captain Clark's family and friends in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Condolence may be left by using the memory tab on this page..

Dorothy C. Baker, 94, of Sherwood Forest, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 25, 2021, after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 12, 1927, in Takoma Park, MD, where she grew up with her parents, the late May Perkins and Russell B. Cole. Dottie graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where she earned a BS in Physics and met her husband of 73 years, Jim.  The University of Maryland College of Science and Engineering honored Dottie and Jim with the publication of an article, which was also posted on the college’s Facebook page, acknowledging Dottie and Jim as being their oldest living married couple. Dottie and Jim lived in Bethesda, MD for 25 years and after visiting her Linthicum relatives in Sherwood Forest, they built a cottage in 1954 where they began spending their summers. In 1975 they rebuilt the summer cottage into their permanent and current year round residence. They later became “snow birds” spending winters in Indialantic, FL. As a member of the Sherwood Forest Club, Dottie enjoyed swimming, tennis and bowling. She loved to travel by way of cruises to Europe and South America along with cruising in the Virgin Islands on chartered sailboats. They enjoyed many trips on their sailboat, Tandem, heading down the Intracoastal Waterway into Florida and continuing on to explore the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Dottie also enjoyed attending antique auctions but spending time with her beloved family brought her the most joy. She was successful tracing her roots back on her mother’s side, Perkins/Thomas, to the year 1680 in Kent County, MD and to the 1620 landing of the Mayflower in Plymouth. She worked in the offices of Congressman Newton Steers in the late 70’s and in 1981 on the Republican National Election Committee and in the Annapolis offices of Senator Howard Denis of Montgomery County, MD. Dottie is survived by her husband, James L. Baker; her children, Dolly E. Baker of Chestertown, MD and J. Russell (Laura) Baker of Sherwood Forest, MD;  her 5 grandchildren, Dr. Brian R. Baker, M. D. and his fiancé Heather O’Neill, Nicholas C. (Lency), Brendan R. (Katie), Robin L. and Dr. Patricia B. Baker, D. O.; her 10 great-grandchildren, Molly, Megan, Brian, II, James (Jake), Natalie, Benjamin, Brody, Banx, Teagan and Remi Baker; her 2 step great-grandchildren, Emma (Cameron) Bailey and Chloe Matheu. Additionally, Dottie received wonderful care for the past four and a half years from her caregiver, Mercy Addo. Burial will be private in the Historic Baker Cemetery in Aberdeen, MD.  A memorial service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sherwood Forest Boys & Girls Camp Program, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405. Condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Julian “Jay” Russell Tucker, 68, of Edgewater, MD passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at his home after a lengthy battle with Leukemia.

Jay was born to Polly and Page Tucker at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC on October 30, 1952.  He worked for Tucker’s Market (his father’s store), Sheehy Ford, Brandywine Auto Parts, as well as owning his own fire gear fit testing company, Emergency Education, during his lifetime.  

Jay joined the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department in 1970 and was one of the original members of Company 45.  He moved to Cedarville in 1976 and joined the Baden Volunteer Fire Department.  In 1980, he moved to Brandywine and joined the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department.  When he returned to Maryland in 1991 after being in Florida for his job, he rejoined the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department.  He has held the positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Vice President and President. He also was elected to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire Commission and he was currently serving as President of the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department. 

Jay truly loved being a fireman but always loved his family first.  He met his wife Debbe at the PGCVFRA convention in 2001 and they married in 2004.  As a loving family man, he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his wife, his daughter, Leslee, son, Keith, son, Guy, his wife Michelle and his five grandchildren, Ashleigh, Bethany, Madison, Guy V and AJ.  

Jay was one of the most selfless and funniest men around and changed the lives of everyone who met him.  He will always serve as a great example of how to live your life to the fullest and to take example of every moment.


A visitation will be held for Jay on Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 1 to 3 pm at:

Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department
14815 Pratt Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Fire Department Service by Invitation Only
 	Saturday, April 3, 2021 3:00pm
	Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department

Masks are mandated and social distance protocols are in place.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society <a href="https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate">donate here</a> 
or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation <a href="https://www.firehero.org">donate here</a>


On line condolences may be left by using the memory tab on this page.

Janet M. Adkins of Annapolis, MD passed away on March 24, 2021 at the age of 77. 

Born in Mt. Vernon, IL, Janet graduated from Collinsville High School. After moving to Maryland, she worked at Sealy briefly but spent nearly 27 years of her career at Nevamar in Odenton. Making her way up the ranks in marketing, Jan was proud to be promoted to Vice President – Advertising / Merchandising in 1987, becoming the first female to achieve a VP title. In 1990, the company became a division of International Paper which later provided the opportunity to create a new position for herself, Manager, Cultural Change and Communications, which she held until retiring from IP in 1999. Jan transitioned the role to a Consultant position with Rapid Change Technology. When she decided to step away from corporate life, Jan joined Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat and was thrilled to be surrounded by an ever-changing abundance of dogs. Being an avid reader, she also worked part time at Anne Arundel County Public Library. Other hobbies included sewing, skiing, crafting, traveling and volunteering.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Eva (Garrison) Borland; her brother, Jerry Borland and her sister M. JoAnn Mayo. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Adkins of Ellicott City, MD, as well as her niece, nephews and extended family across the country.

A private burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis.

Donations can be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County where she adopted several faithful companions.

Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the link on this page.

Geraldine L. Bonnette, 92, of Annapolis, MD and previously a 35-year resident of Holiday, FL, passed away at her home on March 23, 2021, surrounded by her family.  Born on October 7, 1928 in Norfolk, VA to the late Claude W. and Jessie F. Whitehurst, Geraldine graduated in 1946 from Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, VA and retired as a switchboard operator from Bell Telephone.  Until last year, when Geraldine moved to Annapolis to be closer to her family, she was a charter member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Holiday.

Geraldine is survived by two sons, Richard (Lynda) Bonnette of Annapolis, MD and Rodney (Pamela) Bonnette of Herndon, VA.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marshall and George Whitehurst.

Inurnment will be scheduled in the fall at Meadow Lane Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey, FL.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above



Marie Null Sims, a 6-year resident of Brightview South River in Edgewater, MD, passed away on March 23, 2021 at the grand age of 100.  Born on June 8, 1920 in Byron, IL to the late Robert and Agnes Null, Marie graduated high school and went on to attend business college.  

A World War II veteran, Marie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942.  She rose to the rank of 2nd lieutenant and was assigned to lead the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) Recruiting Office in Richmond, KY and then statewide in Indiana.  After her discharge in 1944, Marie married and pursued her life’s vocation as wife and mother.  She worked in a variety of administrative positions including serving as the church secretary at several churches and volunteered at many charitable organizations including the Annapolis Senior Center. Marie was a charter member of the Women in Military Service Foundation in Washington, DC.  In addition to volunteering, Marie loved to sew; however, her greatest joy came from simply spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, John Granville Sims, Jr. who passed away in 1985; a grandson, Joshua W.S. Dale who passed away in 2007; infant granddaughter, Jennifer M. Sims who passed away in 1976; and by her sister and both of her brothers.  She is survived by her son, John G. “Skip” Sims III of Front Royal, VA and her daughter, Jo Carol “Jody” Sims Dale of Davidsonville, MD; two grandsons, John G. Sims IV and Alexander Hawthorne Dale; three granddaughters, Amanda Sims Finstad, Parry Kristin Dale Kaufmann and Courtney Kathrine Dale Kremer.  She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

Inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastport United Methodist Church, 926 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.


Paul Littleton Herring of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, died peacefully at the age of 99 on March 23, 2021 at Ginger Cove Retirement Community in Annapolis, Maryland. He was born in Washington, DC on November 19, 1921 to Dr. Paul Supplee Herring and Margaret Welsh Herring. He lived until the age of 3 with his parents and grandparents, Charles Henry Welsh and Fannie Barker Turner, in Hyattsville until his parents built a house on 42nd Avenue. He attended the local elementary school through 7th grade, then went on to Hyattsville High School, the Peddie School, and graduated from McKinley Tech in 1939. He enrolled at the University of Maryland in the fall of 1939. In the spring of 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps already having received a pilot license at the College Park Airport. He trained as a B-17 pilot until September 1944 when he flew a new plane to England to join the bombing missions over Germany. He flew 8 missions until he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Gerolstein on Christmas Eve 1944. Lt. Herring was captured and taken prisoner on Christmas Day and spent most of his captivity in Germany and Poland until the Russians invaded and liberated him. He returned home in May of 1945 and enrolled at the University of Maryland in September.  He graduated from Maryland in May of 1946 and married Aline Naisby Waller of Princess Anne, Maryland in September of that year. He then attended George Washington University Law School, graduating in 1949. Upon graduation from law school, they bought an historic house in the Town of Upper Marlboro where they raised their two children. Mr. Herring was a partner in the law firm of Lancaster, Bland, Eisele & Herring where he worked until January 1979 when he retired to enjoy his many hobbies.

Mr. Herring was active in his community, an avid and very talented golfer, hunter, fisherman, crabber and builder. He always had a project to do for himself or a friend. He served as a town commissioner for the Town of Upper Marlboro. He was one of the founders of Queen Anne School and a member of the board of the Marlboro Swimming Pool for years. In his later years, his passion was fox hunting. He was a very active member and past Master of the Marlborough Hunt Club where he spent many hours clearing trails, working with fox hounds and fox hunting with his many friends.

Mr. Herring was predeceased by two wives, Naisby Waller Herring and Mary “Mousie” Purdon Herring and is survived by his blessed friend Edith “Gibby” Edson. Mr. Herring was a devoted father to Paula Herring Sothoron (Richard) and Peter Naisby Herring (Josephine). He was blessed with six grandchildren, Benjamin Naisby Herring (Cara), Tilghman Rice Herring (Krysta), Sarah Bowie Herring, Naisby Wallop Camponeschi (Eric), Turner Harrison Sothoron (Elizabeth), Carling Naisby Sothoron and seven great-grandchildren, Katherine Naisby Herring, Emory Edward Herring, Charlotte Anne Herring, Harrison Cash Sothoron, Hadley Denison Sothoron, Bennett Wallop Herring, and Margaret Rea Herring.  

Mr. Herring will be remembered by his family and many friends as a true Southern Maryland gentleman of the highest integrity. A very small, private family service and burial will be held. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, any memorial donations may be given to the Marlborough Hunt Preservation Foundation, 621 Traveller Court, Lothian, MD 20711.

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Paul Herring