Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Richard A. Owens, III, 71, a resident of Davidsonville, MD, died at his home on December 31, 2022.  Born June 14, 1951, in Annapolis, MD, Richard was a graduate of Annapolis High School and was the owner of Richard Owens Plumbing.  He served in the Air Force Reserves and enjoyed trains, western culture, and spending time with his dogs.  Richard is survived by two sons, Richard A. Owens, IV of Cibolo, TX, and Andrew T. Owens of Harwood, MD; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Owens; a brother, Leroy Owens of Mt. Jackson, VA; a sister, Betty Anne Schultz of Annapolis, MD; two grandsons, Zachary P. Owens and Brantley C. Owens; and his beloved dogs, Amber and Sadie.  Friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. 

Please take a moment and leave a condolence message by using the memories tab on the left.

James W. Fling, beloved son of Jean C. Fling, passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 59, due to cardiac arrest. He was a long-time resident of Bethesda, MD. Jimmy was employed in the commercial construction industry and was skilled in all areas of home improvement. His caring personality and heart of gold led him to always freely help others. He treasured his time spent with his much-loved dogs and adventures on the boat “Jean’s Fling’’ in the Chesapeake Bay. Jimmy enjoyed cars, sports, music, dancing, and vacations in Ocean City, MD.

He is survived by his mother, Jean C. Fling, his brother Mark S. Fling and his wife Paola, her son Sebastian, niece Alexa N. Fling, aunt Mary Heath, uncle Arthur (Butch) Heath, and cousins; Eileen Zaenger (Dennis), Julie Troxler (Kelly), Carrie Mitchell (Jim), and Andrew Vitali III (Erika). He was preceded in death by his cousin Jack Heath. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 637 Washington Grove, Maryland 20880 or online <a href="http://www.mcspca.org/donate.asp">Here</a> Interment will be private.

You can leave a condolence for Jimmy's family by using the memories tab on the left.

Michael Eugene Deshields, 62, of Fort Washington, Maryland, passed away on Fri, Dec 30, 2022 due to transplant complications.

Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Deshields, and his wife, Tari Deshields.  He is also survived by his 5 sisters, Linda (Reginald) Beachum, Andrea (Derrick) Miller, Linita (Timothy) Williams, Loretta (Corey) Henry, Leikita (Avon) Paul; his 3 children, Ashley (Kumasi) Barnett, Michael (Tiera) Deshields II, and Jennifer (Ethan) Bradley; and his 5 grandchildren, Aya Marie Barnett, Ian Michael Deshields, Benedict Bradley, Effie Bradley, and Noah Rose Bradley.

Michael was born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 2, 1960. Michael and Tari were first married in a civil ceremony on August 24, 1983 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  They also had a vow renewal ceremony in the Church on May 14, 1993 at Bolling AFB in Washington, DC.

Michael was a fan of football, as his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys.  He also enjoyed taking cruises with his wife.  But his greatest passions in life were his relationship with God, as well as being with his grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to Michael's Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian of Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Church Cemetery of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735 On Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11am. Interment St. Mary's Piscataway Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in his name to “Have Faith Haiti Mission”.

Website: <a href="https://havefaithhaiti.org/move">https://havefaithhaiti.org/</a>

 
Donate by Mail

Make your check payable to “Have Faith Haiti Mission” and send to:

Have Faith Haiti Mission
c/o A Hole in the Roof Foundation
29836 Telegraph Road
Southfield, Michigan 48034

Have Faith Haiti is operated by the A Hole in the Roof Foundation, a 501(c)(3) org (TAX ID# 27-0609504). Donations are tax-deductible.

 

An obituary will be posted upon completion.

Carolyn (Dudy) L. Turgeon passed away at the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. She was eighty-one years young. Born on March 19, 1941, in Providence RI, to the late Harry A. Turgeon and Emily J. Hilbert, she graduated high school in Providence, RI, and spent one year in the Army. Following her Army discharge, Carolyn worked several jobs and ended her career working for the Navy as a civilian, a job she was very proud of and spoke of often. She spent most of her adult life in Edgewater, MD where she was surrounded by a close group of neighbors and friends.

Carolyn loved to read and had a large collection of Stephen King novels. She enjoyed her home by the water and spent many hours fixing, repairing, and building with her hands. She had a great love for animals and always had dogs, cats, and birds as pets, always spoiling them. Carolyn was a strong, independent woman who knew what she wanted and how she wanted things done but was always willing to help out a friend or neighbor without hesitation. She will be greatly missed. 

Carolyn is survived by a brother, Robert Turgeon; a sister, Beatrice Turgeon; three nieces, Barbara Thibault, Cheryl Pratte, and Ann Marie Millard; two nephews, Joey Thibault and Kenneth Mendenhall; and several great-grandnieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, James Turgeon and Joyce Mendenhall. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Carolyn’s life on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carolyn’s name to an animal support organization of your choosing. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Hazel W. Chumley, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, with Terri and Danny at her side. 

Hazel was born in the coal mines of West Virginia on March 4, 1935, to Naomi Pickett and George Washington Williams, Sr. After high school graduation, she came to Washington, DC to work for the FBI, where she met her husband, James C. (Jim) Chumley, who preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister, 5 brothers, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, and her sweet daughter-in-law Patricia Ann (Pat). She is survived by 2 sisters-in-law, Bettie Williams and Phyllis Wagner, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a daughter, Terri Jane and her husband Michael Hicks; son, James Daniel (Danny); grandchildren Chuck and his wife Kimberly Chumley; David Talbert; Valerie and her husband Thomas Marshall; 1 sweet great-granddaughter and 7 rambunctious great-grandsons. 

In her earlier years Hazel spent many hours volunteering at the kid’s schools, where she made many friends, but one very special friend, Dee Rockwell. They were not only lifelong friends, but bowling buddies. Duckpin Bowling was Hazel’s passion for more than 40 years. During that time she coached many years of Youth and Adult-Youth bowling leagues, which she especially enjoyed.

Hazel was a fantastic cook. There wasn’t a dish she cooked that people didn’t LOVE. Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Roast, Pinto Beans with Fried Potatoes and Cornbread, and especially her Peanut Butter Fudge! Thankfully Danny has followed in her culinary footsteps. She also loved watching football but REALLY loved to watch Tennis.

Relatives and friends are invited to Hazel's Life Celebration on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm and again on Saturday, January 7 from 10 am until the start of the funeral service at 11 am at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment following at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, Maryland.

Following the cemetery, all are invited for a short gathering at Suitland Bowl, 4811 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland. The snack bar will be open for the purchase of food and drinks. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and uplifting thoughts. The family truly appreciates you all!

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.






On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, Lois Jean Noe passed away at her residence in Clinton, MD. 

Lois Jean was born on December 12, 1938, in Cleveland, OH to Anthony and Fannie Del Pizzo. 

Lois Jean was a member of Southern Prince George's County Business & Professional Women's Club and Xi BetaAlpha/Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was the Past President of Malcom Grow Medical Center Officers Wives Club on Andrews Air Force Base and was on the Board of Directors for Family Crisis Center. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard Del Pizzo. 

She is survived by many friends.

Friends are invited to Lois Jean's Life Celebration on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735 immediately following the Mass at approximately 12:20 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, Thomas J. Barnes passed away in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Thomas' Life Celebration on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 10:15 a.m. until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20020. Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THE MEMORIAL MASS ON WEDNESDAY IN PERSON, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF THE SERVICE.

<a href="https://www.holyfamilychurch.com/live-stream.html"> Holy Family Live Stream</a>



Patricia Ann “Patty” Rocker, 56, a 3-year resident of Glen Burnie and previously of Edgewater, MD, passed away on December 25, 2022 surrounded by family.  Born on May 21, 1966 in Bedford, PA to the late Nancy and William Fyfe Sr., Patty earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown.  She worked at the Maryland Municipal League in Annapolis then changed paths and devoted her career as school secretary for the Anne Arundel Public Schools at Central Elementary in Edgewater.  Patty was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville.  She was an avid reader who also enjoyed collecting nutcrackers and blown-glass art.  
Patty is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, James Rocker; her son, Steven Rocker of Glen Burnie; her daughter, Amanda Rocker of Wichita, KS; and three brothers, William Fyfe, Jr. and Lorne Fyfe, Sr., both of Bedford, PA and Brian Fyfe of Manns Choice, PA.
Friends are invited to celebrate Patty’s life with her family from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.  Memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 7500 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770 (please include Patricia Rocker on the memo line) or online <a href="https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BB%5D+American+Cancer+Society+-+Exact&utm_term=american%20cancer%20society&utm_id=go_cmp-11361949398_adg-117026193771_ad-626977562116_kwd-52581190_dev-c_ext-62177376193_prd-_mca-_sig-CjwKCAiAqaWdBhAvEiwAGAQltsHFVtaH6mMKmGnl3Bh1bST1wCoTdpE5UxYhSs14f51X1NlmDA3jDxoC1ugQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAiAqaWdBhAvEiwAGAQltsHFVtaH6mMKmGnl3Bh1bST1wCoTdpE5UxYhSs14f51X1NlmDA3jDxoC1ugQAvD_BwE&nclid=Cygb4QanT6yJhxbH-bW3ax3MrimOw-SFpFmcoIXzk-1IfDlcBlEftWd6aC6jq9ML">HERE</a>

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.



Mrs. Lakshmi Jayaprakash passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland surrounded by her family. She had just celebrated her 69th birthday two days prior. Although born and raised in Karnataka, India, Mrs. Jayaprakash spent the majority of her adulthood in Anne Arundel County, Maryland raising her three children and two granddaughters.  Mrs. Jayaprakash is survived by her three loving children, two caring granddaughters, four siblings, and many other dear family members throughout USA and India. Mrs. Jayaprakash was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, an elder brother, her parents-in-law, two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, and a niece. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Funeral services for Mrs. Jayaprakash will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 1:00 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment will be private.


All services for Joyce will be private at this time. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for her family by using the memories tab on the left side of this page.

Jamar Brake, 42 a resident of Washington, DC, died on December 23, 2022. Born March 4, 1980, in Charleston, South Carolina. Jamar was a graduate of Ballou STAY high school. Jamar's past work history included telemarketing in Washington, DC. His positive attitude, curiosity, problem solving skills, and love of people brought fulfillment to Jamar. 

Jamar was a military dependent from birth to adolescent years. He had wonderful memories while living with his family at Menriv Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, SC to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC.

Jamar was a gifted Chess player and was a part of a Northwest Washington DC Chess Club where he competed in tournaments. 

Jamar's baptismal was Catholic and his faith was steadfast. He enjoyed reading and discussing the Bible with family and friends. Jamar was a lover of music, his headphones and playlist were always ready. Fishing was relaxing but being by the water brought peace of mind.  Jamar was an animal whisperer. He was a Pet Parent to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier "Sugar Ray Ray". Traveling was an adventure for Jamar and he enjoyed it with great passion!  Going to the movies was a must and netflix was never neglected. In Jamar's youth he enjoyed running track and field and playing basketball-He had game!

Jamar was a victim to gun violence which paralyzed him in his adolescent years, he transitioned from participating in sports to watching sports. His resilience had no boundaries.

Jamar was a New York Giants fan and he loved the comradery it brought! Good luck was magical for Jamar, because he seem to always have an amazing story of winning at local Casinos. 

Jamar was known for his contagious smile. He was a free spirit, entertaining and certainly had the gift of gab. 

Jamar loved his Family. He valued his role with the highest regard as a Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, Brother in law, Nephew, and Cousin. Within each relationship was a true friendship from Jamar. 

SURVIVORS

Mother- Josephine Wave Caprietta Brake
Father - Joe Rufus Brake Jr. (the late Regina)
1 Sister Nowana (Joey); 2 brothers Malory and Nigel (Miyada); 1 Grandmother Dorthy Brake(the late Joseph).

2 nieces Jazmine and Iset; 5 nephews Micah, Joel, Noah, Khalin, Mazin.
  
A host of Aunties, Uncles, Godparents, Godsisters, Godbrother, Family, and Friends. 

Jamar Brake was proceeded in passing by 1 brother, Kalin Ernest Brake; 2 grandparents Oncimus Caprietta & Theodore Baptiste.

     Joyce Smither Rinehart, 80, a resident of Edgewater, MD and Farnham, VA, died on December 22, 2022 after a 7-month battle with cancer.
     Joyce was born in Riverdale, MD on November 7, 1942 to the late Carlie and Ruth Smither.  She grew up in Hyattsville, MD and spent her holidays and summers with her grandparents in the Northern Neck of Virginia where both her parents were from.  Joyce graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville in 1960 and started her career at the National Bureau of Standards, Radiation Physics Division, in Washington, DC.  After marrying the love of her life, Kenneth C. Rinehart, she became a full-time mom raising her children.  In 1969, Joyce and her husband started a business, General Machine Shop, Inc. where she was officially the secretary/treasurer but performed all types of duties.  She retired from the family business in 1996 to take care of her granddaughter full time while her husband and grown children continued to run the family business which is still in operation today. 
     Joyce traveled extensively yet was most happy at home in her garden, pulling weeds, digging in the dirt, and planting flowers.  When she wasn’t in her garden she was taking care of her lawn on her John Deere Tractor with a huge smile on her face.  She loved to shop and go antiquing but her greatest treasure was her family.  Joyce and her husband were long-time members of the Chesapeake Bay Powerboat Association in which they were very active and made many friends.  Her favorite boating trips were riding across the Chesapeake Bay to St. Michaels for the weekend or cruising down to the Tides Inn in Irvington, VA. 
     Joyce is survived by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth C. Rinehart; two sons, Robert and Keith (Lori), both of Edgewater; daughter, Cynthia Norris (John) of Harwood, MD; and four grandchildren, Jacob (Colleen) and Carly Rinehart and Sarah and Kenny Norris.  She is also survived by her niece, Maggie Smither Johnson (Andrew) and great-niece, Julia, all of Riverdale and life-long friend Mally King of Farnham, VA.
     In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Smither (Julia) and nephew, Jonathan Roy Smither.
     Friends are invited to celebrate Joyce’s life on Thursday, December 29, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, at 10 am. Interment at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. 
     Condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 29 at 10 am at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 900 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022; the beloved husband of Elsa Aquino; father of Randy and Glen Aquino.  He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Paul's Life Celebration on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 3 p.m. Please meet at the Administration with one's own transportation and Government issued ID for anyone over the age of 16 at 2:15 p.m.

Robert "Bobby" Allen Simmons, 71, a 27-year resident of Edgewater, MD, and previously of Laurel, MD, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 20, 2022.

Born October 27, 1951, in Wytheville, VA, to the late Geneva and Brock Simmons, he worked as a painter for over 50 years.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an avid golfer, and diehard Washington Redskins fan.  He loved working in the yard and taking his dog “Bo Diddley” for rides on the golf cart down to the neighborhood beach. He loved telling jokes and stories and spending time with his family. Bobby also enjoyed reminiscing about his band days, music, and playing the drums.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years and the love of his life, Joan M. Simmons; a daughter, Kelly R. Bartholomew and her husband, Marc of Charlotte Hall, MD; three grandchildren, Russell Bradshaw of Harwood, MD, Peyton Hall of Charlotte Hall, MD, and Rylea Hall of Charlotte Hall, MD; four brothers, Tommy of Edgewater, MD, Jimmy of Catonsville, MD, Johnny of Westminister, MD, and Rickie of Wilmington, NC; and a large extended family to include tons of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by a grandson, Dustin Bradshaw, and five siblings, Harry, Charles, Mike, Brockie, and Shelby.

A celebration of Bobby's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for Bobby's family by using the memories tab on the left of this page.

Cheryl “Cheri” Kay Cook, 64, a 40-year resident of Mayo, Maryland and previously of Bay Ridge in Annapolis, passed away on Tuesday, December 20 in Pasadena, surrounded by her family.

Cheri was born on March 1, 1958 in Annapolis, MD to the late Norman, II and Evelyn Bell. She was a graduate of Martin Spaulding High School. She was self employed and a member of Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church.

Her interests included boating and crabbing, gardening and Ravens football. She also loved spending time with her family and riding on the Harley.

Cheri is survived by her beloved companion of 26 ½ years, Philip J. Cook, to whom she had been married for the last 18 years; her children, Peter M. White of Mayo, MD, Courtney R. Click of Arnold, MD and Amanda M. Wiseman of Wye Mills, MD. She is also survived by her siblings, Ridgely Bell and Dawn Siegert, both of Kent Island, MD, and her grandchildren: Dillon, Otto and Lillian Click and Aaliyah Wiseman.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cheri’s life on Thursday, December 29 from 6-8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037, where a funeral service will be held on Friday December 30 at 1pm. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Annapolis, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 


DONALD EUGENE YOUNG (Age 100)  
Born in Newton, MA on May 5, 1922; died on Monday, December 19, 2022 in Temple Hills, MD. Dear husband of Carmina F. Young (predeceased); loving father of Donna Marie and Paul Eugene (Mary Ann); adoring grandfather of Ashley, Kyle, and Matthew; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Graduate of Malden High; Boston University. Served US Army in WWII (1942- 1946).  Statistician at U.S. Census Bureau (1950-1985), statistical advisor and consultant to Governments of the Philippines, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. He was awarded the Silver Medal for Meritorious Service and the Bronze Medal from the Department of Commerce.  Member of American Statistical Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars Clinton Post #9376; American Legion, Clinton Post #259.  Prior Post Adjutant of Post 45 DC Department of Commerce of the American Legion. The family will receive friends at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Monday, December 26, 2022 from 2 to 4 pm and Tuesday, December 27 from 10 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial 11 am at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 






Thomas R. “Whitey” Murray, 85, of Germantown, MD died on Sunday, December 18 at Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, MD. Born on November 5, 1937 in Washington, DC, Tom was very active in sports. He attended St. Francis Xavier elementary school where he enjoyed the camaraderie at the Buckley Club and where he met Rosemary Monte. Tom graduated from Gonzaga High School where he played baseball, was the quarterback on the football team and continued dating Rosemary. After graduating he served in the US Air Force and married Rosemary in 1957. They had 6 kids in eleven years and he eagerly attended many school and sporting activities for all of his children. In the late 1960’s, after working for a period of time in the carpet business, Thomas decided that he did not want to work for anyone else so he decided to take a risk and open his own retail carpet business. He was tenacious at developing business relationships in the custom home building sector, as well as the interior design community. His extreme focus and professional quality work and integrity led him to be awarded several contracts with the US State Department. As a result, he had several international projects, three of which led to extensive travel to carpet the US Embassies in Russia and Sudan. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing tennis and gardening. He was a volunteer at St. Martin’s Soup Kitchen for many years and he competed in the Senior Olympics where he placed in 5 events. Tom enjoyed each and every one of his children and was most happy when they were all gathered together at the dinner table. He will certainly be missed and remembered for his intelligence, sense of humor and grit. His many one-on-one relationships will be forever etched in our hearts. Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosemary Murray; his children, Robert, Danny, Tommy and Kristin Murray and Patty Burke; his sister, Suzan Stafford; his grandchildren, TJ, Christopher, Christina, Chrissy, Kelly, Kara and Ashley and his great-grandchildren, Karlee, Violet, King, Milleigh, Susanna, Joey and Braxton. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Murray and his granddaughter, Aleshia.  Friends are invited to celebrate Tom's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, December 26 from 12 noon until his memorial service begins at 1 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.
 



Debra Collette “Debbie” Oliver, 65, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, died December 17, 2022, after an eight-month battle with cancer. Born in Annapolis on March 2, 1957, to Robert and Elsie Oliver, she grew up in the Greenacres neighborhood and graduated from Annapolis High School, and took classes at the University of Maryland. She worked for 21 years as the Director of Communications at VHC-Health, Virginia Hospital Center, and for 16 years as the Communications Manager at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Debbie was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis. She was totally devoted to her family and enjoyed spending vacations and holidays with them, especially enjoying their time together at the beach.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Caitlyn C. Oliver-Sard (and her husband Vincent) of Annapolis; her grandchildren, Garrett A. Sard and Rilynn F. Sard; her brother, Robert E. Oliver, Jr. of Annapolis, and her sister-in-law, Dorothy A. Oliver. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two siblings, Kelly C. Oliver and Tracy L. Oliver.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, where her funeral will be held on Friday, December 23 at noon. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis. 

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Joan B. Coleman was born January 7, 1941, in Parker, Virginia, Spotsylvania County, to the late Albert Stewart Jr. and Mary Corbin Stewart. She fell asleep in death on December 17, 2022.

Joan graduated from John J. Wright School in Spotsylvania, VA, and went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. She then moved to Washington, DC, where she began her career as a secretary at the US Department of Labor.  During her career, Joan held various teaching positions in DC Public Schools, PG County Public Schools, and USDA Graduate School.  Later she returned to the federal government, retiring in 1999 from National Endowment for Humanities as a Grants Program Specialist.  

Being raised by a Christian mother, Joan finally accepted Bible truths, and was baptized on March 22, 1963. With much love for people, she enjoyed her ministry, teaching Bible truths to others. Joan believed in the resurrection to everlasting life here on earth with no more sickness or death. She remained faithful until her death. 
Joan was a loving and caring person. She raised two daughters with her husband James Stewart Coleman. Being the youngest of twelve children, she valued the time she spent with family. She enjoyed working in the yard, taking care of her flower garden, watching nature documentaries, traveling, and baking.  She will always be remembered for her hospitable spirit, and cooking meals for family and friends.  

Joan was preceded in death by six sisters, Marjorie Stewart, Lucille R. Wright, Mattie L. Wright, Dorothy T. Williams, Mary E. Stewart, and Mollie V. Stewart; three brothers, Archie B. Stewart, Julian K. Stewart, and John N. Stewart.  She is survived by one sister, Gladys L. Broadus of Spotsylvania, VA; 2 daughters, Karen Coleman of Waldorf, MD and Theresa Coleman of Upper Marlboro, MD; and two grandsons, Antaun Coleman of Alexandria, VA and Andre Coleman of Silver Spring, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral will be held on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 12 noon at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Oxon Hill, MD.

Obituaries

Gregorine Colicchio

Richard Owens, III

James Fling

Michael Deshields

Mee Ja Hayden

Carolyn Turgeon

Hazel Chumley

Lois Jean Noe

Thomas Barnes

Christa Mensch

Patricia Rocker "Patty"

Lakshmi Jayaprakash

Joyce Calabro

Jamar Brake

Joyce Rinehart

Danny Bibbee

CPO Paul Aquino, Jr., USN(Ret.)

Bobby Simmons

Cheryl Cook

Delores Cole

Donald Young

Thomas Murray

Debra Oliver

Joan Coleman