Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Our beloved Gisele Murphy Booker of Clinton, Maryland transitioned to "eternal life" during July 2023. She was the loving and devoted wife of Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Booker, the mother of Christine Booker and Danielle Booker, and the grandmother of Danielle G. Booker and Yanni Scott.

Gisele, the second of four siblings, was born to the late Chief Master Sergeant Donald Murphy of Dallas, Texas, and the late Jimmie Ruth Murphy (McCutcheon) of Shreveport, Louisiana. Soon after birth in Shreveport, Gisele and her family moved to London, England as her father continued his Air Force career. In addition to London, Gisele and her family resided in Omaha, Bangkok, Upstate New York, Colorado Springs, and Washington, D.C. She graduated from La Reine High School, Suitland, Maryland in 1973. Gisele and her sisters, DeEarcie, Donna, and Rachel, were later known as "The Murphy Girls".

She met Ronald Booker of Chicago while he was undergoing Marine Corps training at Quantico, Virginia after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Gisele and Ronald were married about a year later during 1978 in the Naval Academy Chapel - they were married for nearly 45 years. As Ronald's Marine Corps service progressed, they lived in South Carolina, Okinawa, Quantico, California, and Washington, D.C.

Gisele overcame many obstacles in continuing her education and establishing a career while moving throughout the world as a wife of a service member. She postponed earning a college degree after completing three years at American University, Washington, D.C., when she married and moved to South Carolina. She resumed her education during the early 1980's. She attended Mary Washington College, Virginia. In California, she attended Monterey Peninsula College, Hartnell College, and Golden Gate University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 1985.

She accepted employment as a store clerk and substitute teacher in South Carolina, an education assistant in Okinawa, a military uniform salesperson in Quantico, and a corporate tax auditor for the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C.

She was a no nonsense, straightforward, and forthright person. Gisele would not hesitate to share her impartial opinion which was "usually" delivered in a nice manner. With an outgoing personality, most people always remembered Gisele Booker or "Miss Gisele" after their first meeting. She easily made friends, and some of her life-long friends included Angela Clark and Kendra Coker (proceeded her in death) whom she first met in California during the mid-1980's, and who all settled down in Maryland.

Gisele always served as an exceptional volunteer and mentor within her community. In the early 1990's, she viewed an Oprah Winfrey Show special about children in foster care. She decided to open up her home to children in need and to become a foster parent. Gisele and Ronald were foster parents of 15 children over 15 years, ranging in age from newborn to five years. She was an active member of the Prince George's County Foster Parent Association. Continuing with her service to children, Gisele was on the staff of two local dance schools, the Christian Dance Academy of Clinton and the OH! Ballet Arts Academy (BAA) of Waldorf. With her compassion for children and her wealth of experience, she "wore many hats" at BAA, customer service representative, secretary, accountant, wardrobe director, costume seamstress, and mentor. Gisele's daughters and granddaughters are avid dancers, both of her daughters were dance instructors.

In addition to her husband, daughters, and granddaughters, Gisele is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, DeEarcie (Michael) Gaddy, Donna (Anthony) Barnes, and Rachel (Antonio) Samuel, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Nina (Victor) Daniels, Shirley Booker, Rita Davis, and Timothy (Lorraine) Booker, seven nephews, Craig, Marcus (Mia), Vincent, Jonathan, Brandon (Dedra), Phillip (Whitney), and Kevin, five nieces, Ashley, Christina, Jasmin, Alexandra (Kevin), and Dominique (Brennan), and many aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A livestream of Gisele's funeral service can be viewed by accessing YouTube (Watch Mass Live) via the church's web site (https://www.holyfamilyparishmd.org ).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ballet Arts Academy online at https://balletartsacademy.wixsite.com/home/donate , CashApp code $ohbaa or checks made payable to Ballet Arts Academy, P.O. Box 352, Brandywine, MD 20613.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Sharon Veronica Curtis-Wilson was born on March, 4, 1951 at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC. She and her twin sister, Rita, were the 6th and 7th of 10 children born to the late Elmer and Roberta Curtis.

The Word of God was paramount in the Curtis household. As such, Sharon was a proud graduate of Holy Comforter and St. Cecelia’s Academy, respectively. As the Lord called all believers to be active “priests”, Sharon channeled her innate desire to serve others through volunteerism as a teen “Candy Striper” at both, Washington Hospital Center and Saint Ann’s Center for Children, Youth & Families. During this time, Sharon became genuinely attached to and greatly concerned for the welfare and prosperity of the children with whom she would interact.

Thus, in further pursuit of her desire to foster spiritual and educational well-being in children, Sharon attended Washington Technical Institute earning an Associates in Applied Science - Educational Technology and a Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education from District of Columbia Teacher College. She went on to serve dutifully for 26 years as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in the District of Columbia Public School system where she gave back to countless generations through the gift of knowledge. For nearly 3 decades, Sharon incorporated a tireless display of energy, support, love and the
anointing to teach many troubled and at-risk youth in the public school system. Her renowned ability to transform the most challenging of students and neighborhood children into productive and respectful individuals was truly her ministry and God given gift. 

Her illustrious and highly decorated teaching career included stints at Ross Elementary, Thaddeus Stevens Elementary, and Myrtilla Minor Elementary Schools.

As a devout Roman Catholic, Sharon became a parishioner at St. Augustine Catholic Church where she remained a supportive member until her death. For 30 years, Sharon served as a “Mighty Alto” in the church choir. From classical to gospel, to neighborhood churches to cathedrals, Sharon sang under the leadership of approximately 10 music directors.

While education was Sharon’s calling, she expressed equal affection and passion for her siblings. She always reached out to them to convey birthday wishes and engage in memorable conversations in which her scholarly demeanor was clearly evident.

Sharon was a proud Washingtonian and advocated for her community through civic activity. Additionally, she took full advantage of all DC had to offer through devoted participation in the city’s signature events, parades, and family-friendly fairs and festivals.

Her interests and hobbies included philanthropy, dancing, gardening, nature, live music and concert halls, air shows, swimming, Greek mythology, traveling the great outdoors, sitting on her porch and conversing with the neighbors, classic card games such as Spades and Bid Whist, and watching documentaries on the Discovery and History Channels. Sharon also had a deep love for professional football. Early on, she was a diehard Washington Commanders enthusiast, faithfully cheering for the likes of Doug Williams, “The Hogs”, and John Riggins. Sharon eventually shifted her allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers and dawned their trademark “Black and Yellow” until her passing.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Roberta Curtis, brothers William and Wayne Curtis, and sisters, Grace Bradley and Dorthea Blake.

Her legacy continues to live on through those whom are left to cherish her memory - children Rosetta Wilson and Wilbourn Wilson (LaChonda); grandchildren Jamia, Kendall, Aniyah, Layton & King; great grandchildren, Zahr and Aidyn, sisters Dolores, Frances (George), Rita, Marcia (Lawrence), Therese, brother Michael (Joyce) and a host of devoted, loving family members, friends, and church family.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on July 21 from 10-11 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered at 11 AM at St. Augustine Catholic Church: 1419 V Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009. Interment will follow in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery: 4001 Suitland Rd Suitland, MD 20746.

Relatives and friends are invited to Merlyn's Life Celebration on Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will be private at a later date. 

Charles J. “ Chuckie” Walsh, Jr., 48, a 27-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Cape Saint Clair, MD, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at the University of Maryland Capital Region Hospital.

Born on September 22, 1974 in Oakland, CA to Carmella and Charles J. Walsh, Sr., he graduated from Broadneck High School and attended Anne Arundel Community College.  Chuckie worked most of his life in the service, healthcare, and recreation industries. He was a long time member of the 12 Steps Fellowships. Chuckie’s interests included playing his guitar, composing music, hiking, weight training, and playing videogames.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two siblings, Dominic Walsh of Jarrettsville, MD and MaryAnn Walsh of New York City, NY. Friends are invited to celebrate Chuckies’ life on Friday, July 21 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, July 22 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD and on Saturday, July 29 at 10:30 am at St. Blaise Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Ave., Midland, PA. Interment will immediately follow the service at The Beaver Cemetery & Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver, PA.

Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on the left.

Elizabeth (Betty) Essex Derwent passed on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at her home in Annapolis, MD at age 95. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Betty was one of 12 children. She graduated from Eastern High School and attended the George Washington University.

Betty was married in 1947 to Allen John Derwent, Jr., who predeceased her in 1988. She leaves behind their five children, Allen Derwent (Claire), Judith Corridon, Susan Calhoun, Anne Derwent (Bob Gray), and Donald Derwent (Michele). She also leaves her 10 grandchildren, Joe Derwent, John Derwent, Ben Tokarz, Carey Woodington, Adam Calhoun, Mac Gray, Ollie Gray, Lane Noe, Elle Ritt, and Francis Derwent, as well as two great grandchildren, Kayla Woodington and Christian Woodington. In addition, she leaves one brother, Richard Essex.  Betty was also predeceased by her other 10 siblings and son-in-law, Charles Calhoun.

Betty loved being with her family and volunteering her time to benefit others. She was extremely active throughout her life in pursuit of her many interests which included traveling, swimming, crocheting sewing, reading, acting, and writing poetry.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.

Betty requested contributions be made to the Maryland Food Bank, 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227 in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Thomas “Tom” Vincent Reilly, 76, died Monday, July 10, 2023 after a long illness.

Tom was born in Orange, NJ, raised in West Milford, NJ, and graduated from St. Leo College in Florida. He was Chief Operating Officer for Trak Auto for many years, and later served in a senior management role at Auto Zone until he retired. Tom’s favorite place to be was the beach house on the Chesapeake Bay where he was an avid fisherman. He loved to play cards.

Tom leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 25 years, Mary Osbourn Reilly, and two daughters from his first marriage, Shannon (Chris) Cox of Davidsonville, MD and Erin (David) Fletcher of Shady Side, MD.

Additionally, he is survived by five grandchildren, Tori (Derrick) Epley, Ryleigh (Wyatt) Johnson, Lauren Cox, Cole McMullen, and Noah Cox, as well as three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Liam, and Graham, and five siblings, Kathleen Hohmann Post of Naples, FL, Eileen Hornbostel of Olney, MD, Brian Reilly of Vernon, NJ, Christine Castronova of West Milford, NJ and Joanne Dieckman of Naples, FL. 

Memorial donations can be made to the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, checks payable to: UMMS Foundation, P.O. Box 64573, Baltimore, MD 21298 (or online <a href="https://www.ummsfoundation.org/site/Donation2?3001.donation=form1&idb=675888124&df_id=3001&mfc_pref=T&3001.donation=root">here</a>).

A Memorial mass will be held on Thursday, August 10 at 1:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. A reception will immediately follow at 216 Autumn Chase Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Linda “Gram” Kammer, 72, and a 51 year resident of Mayo, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023.  Born in Washington, DC on April 24, 1951 to the late Hoyt and Betty Mae Butler, she grew up in Deale-Churchton and graduated from Southern High School in 1970.  She spent many years as a caretaker for family and friends, and her hobbies included photography, fishing and crabbing. She enjoyed butterflies and hummingbirds, gardening and her fish ponds. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren, they were her world. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Janice Burgess and Barbara Beiler, and a son-in-law, Christian Menk.

Gram is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Robert Kammer; her children, Amy (Charles) Sparacino of Mayo and Robert Kammer, III of Mayo; her grandchildren, Tyler (Cady) Menk, Joe Menk (Kailey Anderson), Andrew Menk, Bre Sparacino and Lucas Sparacino; her great granddaughter, Rosie Menk; and her sisters, Beverly (Robert) Damiloski of Denton, MD and Patti Klonitsko of Delaware; nieces and nephews. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gram’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Family and friends are invited to share in Gram's life celebration at Glory Days Grill, 3 Lee Airpark Drive, Edgewater, on Friday, July 14 from 6-9 PM.



Terry Darnell Dillard, Sr., beloved son of LaVonia and the late Kenneth M. Dillard, was born on June 15, 1967 in Washington, D.C. Raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he graduated with honors from Friendly Senior High School and attended the University of Maryland College Park, where he majored in Computer Science.

Terry was a prolific learner. He mastered myriad high-level certifications that allowed him to obtain numerous Systems Analyst and Engineering roles. Whether top-secret clearance positions within various offices of the Federal Government, private industry, or through his own consulting business, ‘Dillard and Associates’, Terry’s technological expertise was incalculable. One notable milestone was his contribution as a computer analyst to the start-up company Quantum Link, later known as America Online (AOL). As friends and family learned of his guru-level skills, he was the “go-to” for all things technology related. Terry merged his technological expertise with his passion for auto mechanics and helped develop several major auto repair operations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Terry was an only child and the only grandson in the family. He was loved and considered the “apple of their eye.” Although affectionately known as “Bonez” and “Sandy Henry” (because of his blonde hair), Terry disliked nicknames. He had a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), and learned to engineer computers, rockets, dirt bikes, and remote control airplanes from his father early on. He enjoyed fishing, calligraphy, camping, and grilling; he was an EXCELLENT cook and could make any dish from scratch. He helped family with home renovation projects, building decks, and yard work. In recent years, Terry devoted his Sundays to his mother and best friend, loving grandmother “Buttercup.” 

On August 26, 1989, Terry married the love of his life, Rhonda Crutchfield, and started his own family. His devoted children T’Nia, Terry Jr. (TJ), and Trent benefited from his larger-than-life personality. His infectious laughter filled any room. He was often the loudest and most involved parent at football games and other sporting events. His kids spent Saturdays cheering him on during adult football and bowling league days. Terry loved competitive Monopoly game night, jet-ski races, helping his kids with research, and family vacations. Terry and his entire family were baptized at Jericho City of Praise. On Sundays, the family would travel to four different corners of the district visiting each set of grandparents after church. 

Terry answered God’s call to rest on July 9, 2023.  He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother LaVonia Dillard; three children T’Nia Crutchfield, Terry Darnell Dillard, Jr., Trent Kenneth Dillard; grandmother Sirlemmer Cooksey,  aunts Diane (Jimmy), Gloria (Rick), uncles Charles Cooksey, Jr., Julius Cooksey (Cindy), life-long love and confidante Rhonda, beloved friend Preston Cobbs, and a host of relatives and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Dillard, grandfather Charlie Cooksey, great-uncle James Mapp “Uncle Boot", cousin Tracy Rogers, and grandson Tyson Kenneth Dillard.


Amanda Lou Stifter, 67, a resident of Annapolis, MD for over 20 years, and previously of Rockville, MD, died at Anne Arundel Medical on Friday, July 7, 2023. Known to family and friends as Mandy, she was born on September 3, 1955, in Washington, D.C. to the late William J. and Alyce Bean Stifter. She graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD, and worked as an aesthetician. Mandy is survived by five siblings, Terry (Cheryl) Stifter of Rockville, MD, Margie Stifter of North Beach, MD, Cindy Stifter of Annapolis, MD, Sheila (Tom) Kling of Annapolis, MD, and Rosemary (Ken) Hadley of Annapolis, MD; a niece, Jenni Stifter; and four nephews, T.J Stifter, Jack Kling, and Ben and Sam Hadley.  A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on the left. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on the left.

Betty Laverne Warfield, lovingly know as “Laverne” by her son, 85, a 43-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Severna Park passed away on July 5, 2023 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Born on September 18, 1937 in Baltimore to the late Raymond J. Murphy, Sr. and Mary Susan Somers-Murphy, Betty completed many post-high school job courses related to healthcare and budget analysis, which led her to explore multiple careers, including managing the medical offices of Drs. Marshall Steele of Annapolis and later budget analysis for the federal government, Navy, Army, and Department of Agriculture. She was married to Donald Ira Schaffer until his passing in 1972.

In the past, Betty was a member of Severna Park United Methodist Church, where she married her husband of 45 years, Lester E. Warfield, Jr. She loved boating, crabbing, fishing, dancing and singing with her sisters, and her family. In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her previous husband, Donald Ira Schaffer, brother, Raymond J. Murphy, Jr. and sisters, Kay Winters and Lila Kluge. She is survived by her husband Lester; children, Donald Steven Schaffer of Colora, MD, Lester Eugene Warfield III of Berlin, MD, Deborah Jean Hiponia of Annapolis, MD, and Kimberly Lynn Aquino of Severn, MD; grandchildren, Nicholas and John Robert Aquino, Ashley Lauren Hayes, Lester E. Warfield IV, Meghan N. Bynum, Jenna B. Skrajewski, and Courtney Knight; five great-grandchildren, and one due in August, and her sister, Lora Denise “Dootsie” Dennison of Fallston, MD.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 10 am until a funeral service begins at 12 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21307. Interment to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 7231 Ritchie Highway Suite E, Glen Burnie, MD 21601. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, checks payable to University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc., 220 N. Arch St, 13th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201 (or <a href="https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/29128/donations/new">online here</a>). 

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, July 11th from 2-4 PM and from 6-8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory: 6160 Oxon Hill road Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 12th at 10 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Kathleen Elizabeth Burcham Land, 94, passed peacefully at the Ginger Cove Health Center in Annapolis, MD on Tuesday, July 4.

Born on December 19, 1928, in Jonesville, NC to the late John Bartlett and Margaret Poplin Burcham, Kathleen attended school there in the schoolhouse that her father had designed and built in 1915. At age nine she moved with her family to the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC where her father reestablished his design and construction business in the Washington metropolitan area. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 1944, requiring Kathleen to work after school to help support the family. Her part time sales job at Kann’s department store in DC eventually became permanent, and promotions followed until in 1953 she became a buyer of women’s clothes. Her stunning beauty also resulted in her employment as a part time model for some of the store’s clothing ads. Married in 1954, she turned her attention to raising her 3 children, standing in for her husband who travelled frequently, caring for her aging parents and keeping in touch with dozens of relatives on a regular basis, in-laws included. Kathleen also found time for her hobbies. She liked working with her hands, whether it be gardening or creating an oil painting or restoring old furniture. And she went into her work with gusto. Once, when she was having difficulty getting the finish off an old oak table, she rented an electric belt sander to facilitate the job. A neighbor came by to see how she was coming with the project and watched as the sander started up and shot across the tabletop with Kathleen hanging on behind it. Her spirit undiminished, she took a lesson in belt sanding and produced a beautiful coffee table as well as other pieces of furniture and works of art that now reside in her children’s and grandchildren’s homes. Later in life she enjoyed traveling, visiting England, Scotland, China and Japan as well as most of the 50 states.

Kathleen is survived by her husband of 68 years, retired NASA executive, E. William Land, Jr.; her children, Gregory (Pamela) and Bradley (Margaret) Land and Karri (Raymond) Haseltine; her six grandchildren: Adaline (Travis) Emery, Jacob (Kelsey) Land, Susan (David) Singleton, Rachel Land, Sarah (Rafael) Terreri, Theodore (Elizabeth) Haseltine; her six great-grandchildren, Andrew, Wesley, Elizabeth and William Emery and Sophia and Michael Land. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruby and her brothers, Robert, James and John Burcham.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kathleen’s life on Saturday, July 15 from 12 to 3pm at the Friendship Hall at Ginger Cove, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Steven William Sutton, 26, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023, in his childhood home with his family by his side after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

Steven was born on August 8, 1996, to David and Lisa Sutton in Annapolis, MD. After Steven graduated from Southern Senior High School, he went on to study Welding Engineering Technology at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, he started working at Fronius as a Welding Applications Engineer, first outside of Dallas, TX, then in Portage, IN, kick-starting a career he loved.
A connoisseur of music, Steven was self-taught in playing the guitar and loved many genres of music and attending concerts; something he continued in full-force even after his cancer diagnosis. He loved the outdoors, riding his dirt bike or mountain biking along the trails. He spent the weekends of his youth drag racing; first in a junior dragster, then, to his mother’s dismay, in her Mustang.

Steven’s inquisitiveness shined through at a young age. His parents knew early on he would end up in an industry that involved figuring out how to make things work, and they weren’t wrong. Even though he was quiet in his early years, he had a great sense of humor which flourished when he set off to college, thanks to his new friends who he remained close to ever since. Even in his last waking days, his humor shined through each and every day. 

Steven is survived by his fiancé, Erika Coonan of Rochester Hills, MI; parents, David and Lisa Sutton of West River, MD; sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Miles Thompson and niece and nephew, Scarlett and Noah Thompson of Jacksonville, FL; grandparents, Bill and Barbara Norrington of Federalsburg, MD, and Steve and Evelyn Sutton of West River, MD; his beloved dog, Axell; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steven’s life on Saturday, July 8 from 10am until his memorial service begins at 11am at Centenary United Methodist Church, 6248 Shady Side Road, Shady Side, MD.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the <a href="https://www.ummsfoundation.org/site/Donation2?idb=2114704048&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=3083&mfc_pref=T&3083.donation=form1&idb=[[S76:idb]]">University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center</a> in memory of Steven Sutton.

Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories tab on the left.

Beverly “Bev” Jean Johnson, 93, a 55-year resident of Edgewater, MD passed away on July 2, 2023. Born on July 23, 1929 in Southern California, Bev was a mother and a homemaker. She took great pride in her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her family, she also attended many local churches throughout Anne Arundel County. She loved God, her family, and Gresham, the historic home she restored with her husband and enjoyed their yearly trips to Cancun. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Leon Charles Johnson; sons, Jeff (Terri) Johnson of Riva, MD and Rocky (Lisa) Johnson of FL; daughters, Lindy (Bob) Hall of Salisbury, MD, Kathy (Danny) Noble of Princess Anne, MD, Johannah (Mike) Rebeckah Donoghue of Stevensville, MD, Jody (Ken) Germershausen of Henderson, MD, and Lory ( Alan)Eng of Tracy’s Landing, MD; and the late Greggory Scott and Stacy Kay Johnson and brother, Rich Montgomery of CA. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. We'd like to thank the Brightview staff & Hospice of Chesapeake for providing wonderful care for her this last year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122


Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Mary Moore Resch, 86, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, peacefully passed on July 2, 2023. She was born in Evanston, Illinois on June 19, 1937. There will be a HUGE void in the many lives she touched. Mary was a faithful wife of the late Anthony Gregory Resch, Sr., mother of Anthony Gregory Resch, Jr (Azi) of Baltimore, MD, the late Jennifer Ann Resch, and Michele Resch Sunderlin of Winchester, VA. A devoted and giving grandmother “Momo” to her six grandchildren, Jacob, Lydia, and Katie Sunderlin and Elizabeth, Graham and Alexander Resch and many nieces and nephews and extended family. Mary is survived by her brother Sheldon H. Moore Jr. (Rosana) of Wilmette, IL and reunited in heaven with her parents Sheldon H. Moore and Naomi O’Malley Moore.

Mary attended St. Mary’s of the Woods in Terre Haute, Indiana and was one of the first women accepted to and then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Northwestern University. She met and married Greg Resch in 1960 and was fulfilled in her Naval wife duties, like moving all the time! She mastered any craft she tried, sewing, knitting (amazing fisherman sweaters), upholstery, furniture restoration, cake decorating and so much more. She was one of the founding members of the Oxon Hill Manor Foundation, saving and preserving this historic landmark, and then sitting on the board for over 20 years as treasurer. Mary’s real hobby was reading; she did so daily. She really, really loved her career and after over 25 years, retired as Chief Financial Officer of the National Academy of Engineering. Her co-workers were some of her best friends, and they were amazingly devoted to her! She was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She liked to keep up on everyone in the family, what they were doing and/or planning to do. She was the keeper of information! She loved to travel and traveled extensively with her special foursome. Despite recent illnesses she maintained these friendships and continued her love of the performing arts until the end, attending a Kennedy Center ballet just weeks ago with two of her grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 27, 2023, 2:30 pm at The Basilica of St. Mary in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. She will be interned with her husband at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kennedy Center.


Robert Lee Zimmerman (80) formerly of Wheeling, WV, and Clarence, NY, passed away at home in Annapolis, MD on July 2, 2023, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Robert received his Ph.D. in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Southern Illinois University in 1970, his MA from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his BA from West Liberty State College and then he had a long career as the Chief of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo, NY. In his early married life, he and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling. He also enjoyed classical music and his four grandchildren. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Sharon (Percosky), his daughter Erica L. Zimmerman Stahrr and her husband John P. Stahrr and his son, Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr. and his wife, Shuan Yang, and four grandchildren, Jessica M. Stahrr, John P. Stahrr, Jr., Jupiter Zimmerman-Yang, and Lotus Zimmerman-Yang.  He is also survived by his three siblings, Thomas Zimmerman, Barbara (Zimmerman) Morris, and Jay Zimmerman. A small family gathering will occur at a later date. Arrangements by Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Arthur "Artie" Campli, 64, a 15-year resident of Chesapeake Beach, MD and previously of Dunkirk, MD, died on Saturday, July 1, 2023, of lung cancer at Anne Arundel Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born May 20, 1959 at Sibley Hospital to the late Arthur and Martha Campli, he worked as a master electrician with Mona Electric.  Artie honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He was a member of Local I.B.E.W. 26,  and St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, MD.  Artie enjoyed cars and motorcycles. He is survived by his partner, Kathy Katz; a son, Brandon Campli of Elkridge, MD; a stepdaughter, Kirra Orescan of Baltimore, MD; and a sister, Donna DeCesaris of Annapolis, MD. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Artie's life on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 10 am until a mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 14908 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD will be on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 10:30am

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the <a href="https://www.dpcancerfoundation.org/donate/">DeCesaris Prout Cancer Foundation</a>

Please use the memories tab on this page to leave Artie's family a message.

Larry "LB" Brannon, 80, passed away peacefully after a long battle with respiratory illness.

Larry was born in Washington, DC on April 15, 1943, to Helen Braun Brannon and Arnold Knupp. He and his sisters were raised by his mother and Jack Brannon. Married for 58 years, Larry and Linda were high school sweethearts. He spent the early part of his marriage in the Marine Corps working as a mechanic on Fighter Jets. After the Marine Corps, he and his partner Larry Rinck went into business as L&L Tools selling automotive tools throughout the metropolitan area. Larry always had a love of old cars. Before he was of age to drive, Larry’s Dad bought him a 55 Ford Convertible and he had to call on his friends to take him for a ride in his own car. He accumulated six more cars over the years and loved keeping them in tip-top shape. Larry enjoyed fishing and crabbing off of his beloved boat, the Irish Lady and he loved sharing his home and having many crab feasts with family and friends.  In addition to his love of being on the water, he enjoyed being part of a Club he and his friends created called the B.A.R., and collectively they purchased a hunting cabin in Pennsylvania where they enjoyed hunting and four-wheeling in the mountains.  This was also a wonderful gathering place for friends and family over the years where so many good memories were made.  He also enjoyed playing golf in a golf league with several of his friends. Once he retired, he helped his wife Linda at her real estate and became known as the sign man in her Bowie office.  He will be dearly missed.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Brannon; three children, Nicole (Sean) Gownley of Annapolis, MD, Shane Brannon of Florence, SC, and Seth (Monica) Brannon of Friendship, MD; two sisters, Charlene Brannon of Port St. Lucie, FL and Robin Brannon of Waynesboro, PA; and 11 grandchildren, Ally (25), Maya (24), Alayna (23), Anthony (21), Nellie (20), Jack (19), Carlie (18), McKenna (17), Elle (13), Hunter (13) and Cole (10).

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Sean Brannon, and a grandchild, Taylor Brannon.  

The family welcomes friends to a Celebration of Life on July 29th at 10:00 am at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD. A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html">St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105</a>.

Online condolences can be made by using the memories link on the left.

Judith Ann Stokes (Gertie), 71 peacefully passed away on June 28, 2023, in the comfort of her Edgewater home surrounded by family.

Judy was preceded in death by her father Grover Caywood Vermillion.

She was a loving wife to Robert Stokes for 34 years. She was a wonderful loving mother to four boys and one daughter, William (Ricky) Stommel (Kate), Charles Stokes, and Kimberly Lucas (Jerry). A wonderful loving Grandmother (Gram) to 8 grandchildren: Felicia Nicolle (Kevin), Kaitlyn Stokes, Delaney Stokes, and Paiton Stommel along with 2 great-granddaughters. Judy is survived by her mother, Margaret Vermillion, and two brothers, Grover Vermillion, Jr and Gregory Vermillion (Anna). Judy had many nieces and nephews who also adored her.

Judy was a member of Chesapeake Christian Fellowship and sang in the praise band serving her Lord and Savior for almost 20 years. Judy also sang with Capital City Sound along her with husband Bobby and numerous friends who were more like family.

Judy loved to garden, football games, watching QVC, and being surrounded by family and friends.  

Judy had the most beautiful, kindest soul. Her smile would light up a room and any person she met would just adore her. She will forever be missed and always loved.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Judy's life on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 pm at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship 377 West Central Ave. Davidsonville, MD 21035.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page. 

Jeanette Amy Irwin Sims, 95, formerly of College Park and Annapolis, MD, peacefully passed from this life to the next on June 27, 2023 while in the company of her family. She was born and raised on her family’s farm– “Major’s Choice” –in Bel Air, MD by her late parents, Maye Hoppers and F.M. Irwin, Sr. along with four sisters and a brother. After graduating from Bel Air High School in 1946 she attended the University of Miami in Florida for two years before transferring to the University of Florida to become a member of the ﬁrst co-educational graduating class. While at the University of Florida she was instrumental in establishing the Chi Omega sorority chapter. After college she moved to Washington, DC and began her career with the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. In 1953 she married Edgar Sims, Jr. and began a 60 year love aﬀair that produced four children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The newly married couple almost immediately ventured into the lodging business in College Park, MD, buying a small motel. Over 30 years of innovation and hard work, the Sims built the business into a sizeable enterprise that currently trades as a publicly listed real estate investment trust, Sotherly Hotels and a national hospitality management company, Chesapeake Hospitality. Jeanette was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Paint Branch Garden Club, the Altar Guild for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., University of Maryland Terrapin Club, Sherwood Forest Club, Columbia Country Club, Annapolis Yacht Club and numerous other civic associations and charities. After retirement, the Sims enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Sherwood Forest and their winter home in Naples, FL, entertaining their family and many friends. Jeanette was the consummate wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ed Sims. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Kim E. (Shaye) Sims of Chevy Chase, MD, Andrew M. (Susan) Sims of Williamsburg, VA, Christopher L. (Christy) Sims of Edgewater, MD, and Amy Sims (Brad) Loisel of Cary, NC; her twelve grandchildren:, Caroline Sims Laﬃte of Savannah, GA, Parker Sims of Silver Spring, MD, Ashley Sims Kirkland of Williamsburg, VA, Brittany Sims Bayly of Chevy Chase, MD, Lauren Sims Risley of Fairﬁeld, CT, Andrew Mack Sims of Williamsburg, VA, Caitlin Sims of Edgewater, MD, Andrew Loisel of Clayton, NC, Courtney Sims Mackay of Ijamsville, MD, Melissa Loisel of Alexandria, VA, Victoria Sims of Annapolis, MD and Lindsey Loisel of Cary, NC as well as twenty great grandchildren. The Sims’ family will receive friends at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, July 10 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A private funeral service will be held at the Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church in Bel Air, MD. Interment Mt. Zion Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by a donation to Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church, PO Box 591, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Delores J. Kane, 94, a 30-year resident of Annapolis, MD, died on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE.  Known as "Dee" to family and friends, she was born on March 16, 1929 in Punxsutawney, PA to the late Emery and Lucille Mc Intrye.  Following her graduation from high school, Dee moved to Washington, DC and, at the age of 16, she worked at the F.B.I.  Shortly after her arrival, she met her beloved husband, the late Manuel E. Kane. Dee was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis and loved playing bridge, bowling, oil painting, playing slot machines, and spending time at the Chesapeake Ranch Club. She is survived by four children, Sharon Kakascik and Linda Gilbert of Millsboro, DE, Patti Turner of Selbyville, DE, and Tim Kane of St. Leonard, MD; eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Dee’s life on Sunday, July 9 from 2 pm until her funeral service begins at 4:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will be on Monday, July 10 at 11 am at Southern Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 10155 Ward Rd., Dunkirk, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dee's name to your favorite charity. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, July 29th from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a funeral service to begin at 12 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 

Joan Marie Knappen Zegalia was born on July 31, 1936, in the sleepy little town of Carbondale, PA to her loving parents, Edward Knappen and Hannah Briggs Knappen. 
 
Joan grew up helping her parents at their family fish market. Eventually, she graduated from St Rose High School in Carbondale, PA. After that, she took a correspondence course in interior decorating. 
 
One night, whilst out sipping Singapore Slings with her best friend, she was spotted by a handsome young man named John Zegalia. John saw her across the bar and was taken by the beautiful Joan. After a period of courting and romance, the two were married at St. Rose of Lima Church in Carbondale, PA. To help pay the rent while John finished his college degree, Joan worked as a jewelry saleswoman at the Globe Department Store in Scranton, PA. The couple then moved to Maryland, where John worked at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt. From there they began growing their family. 
 
Joan and John had four children: Ann Al-Jazrawi, John (J.B.), Michael, and Steven. After raising her four children, she resumed her education, pursuing classes in floral arrangements, child development, and eventually earning her child care certificate and then working in daycare. Joan always loved crafts and painting. She was a proper and feminine lady with her favorite colors being pink and light green. 
 
Even after the nest was empty, her family continued to grow, leaving her with six grandchildren: John Al-Jazrawi, Alexander Al-Jazrawi, Allison Zegalia, Michelle Zegalia, Charles Zegalia, and Rachael Zegalia. She had one great-grandchild, Whelan Robinson.

Friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Monday, July 17 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 18 at 1 pm. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the  Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Quintina Pascual Gaspar, 105 years old, of Clinton, Maryland, received her angel wings on Monday, June 26, 2023.

She was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on October 28, 1917 and one of nine children to Doroteo Pascual and Ines Labuguen. Her parents and all siblings predeceased her.

Quintina studied in the Philippines at Fashion Deluxe School and became an excellent seamstress. She was an amazing, very generous person. She was a caring housewife, loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and a friend. She was a very hard worker. Quintina had a heart of gold. She has her own unique way of uplifting all whom she came into contact with.

She married Francisco Benito Gaspar who predeceased her on November 14, 1970. They have 6 children (2 sons, 4 daughters) 3 of whom predeceased her (Franklin, Jacobo and Cleofe La Morena).

She is survived by three daughters and their spouses: Erlinda G. Alvarado (Sancho), Patria G. Balod (Romulo) and Rosa Maria G. Macaspac (Orlando); Grandchildren: Elena E. Gaspar Ganotisi, Edith E. Gaspar Sarmiento, Roslynn E. Gaspar Fortunato, Rolando C. Gaspar, Richelieu C. Gaspar, Russell C. Gaspar, Reinanee C. Gaspar, Rodolfo G. La Morena, Cleonie G. La Morena Forte, Eileen Gaspar Alvarado, Myrna G. Alvarado Monterrosa, Monica Anne G. Balod Fernandez, Orlando G. Macaspac Jr. &amp; Christina G. Macaspac Dienzo, all her nephews and nieces, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law in the United States and the Philippines.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 12 th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory: 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Memorial service is on Thursday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Piscataway Church: 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s Church Cemetery.

Obituaries

Gisele Booker

Sharon Curtis-Wilson

Merlyn Maynard

Charles Walsh, Jr.

Elizabeth Derwent

Thomas Reilly

Linda Kammer

Terry Dillard, Sr.

Amanda Stifter

Betty Laverne Warfield

Frank Lavorata Jr.

Kathleen Land

Steven Sutton

Beverly Johnson

Mary Resch

Robert Zimmerman

Arthur "Artie" Campli

Larry Brannon

Judith Stokes

Jeanette Sims

Delores "Dee" Kane

Joseph Rivers

Joan Zegalia

Quintina Gaspar