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Obituary for CORA V. DRUMGO
On Sunday, August 14, 2016, Cora Virginia Brown Drumgo, in her earthly home in Huntingtown, Maryland, surrounded by her immediate family at her bedside, transitioned to a new home where there is neither pain nor sadness. Cora, or “Jay” as she was known to her family, was born in Willows, Maryland on December 25, 1939. She was the oldest of eight children, born to Reverend Howard Jack Brown, Jr. and Roberta Keemer Brown, both of whom preceded her in death. Cora was united with John Wynn Drumgo of Baltimore in holy matrimony on September 24, 1967. Her “husband”, as she so lovingly referred to, preceded her in death a few years after his discharge from the military. A lovely daughter, Jayme Wynnette Drumgo was born from this union. From an early age, Cora was curious and studious, so it was no surprise that after graduating from W.S. Brooks High School she continued her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Coppin State University and eventually completed graduate work at the University of Maryland, George Washington University and Morgan State University, and obtained her master’s degree in Elementary Education. Cora started her teaching career in 1962 in St. Mary’s County. In addition to teaching in St. Mary’s, she was called upon to serve as the helping teacher for student teachers, and participated in helping write curriculum and was a field tester of new educational programs. At White Marsh Elementary, from which she retired, she was “Teacher in Charge” during the principal’s absence. She regularly enhanced her skills through her attendance at workshops and educational conferences. After several decades of teaching in the St. Mary’s Public Schools as a 4th grade and 5th grade teacher, she retired in 1995. Her care and attention to the education of her students endeared her to them. Even after her retirement, various students were still in touch with her. Many remember her for her efforts to help them achieve in Math and Science. Cora was recognized and respected for her skills as an educator—receiving various awards from the school community, including the PTA. As a member of St. Edmonds United Methodist Church in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, since early childhood, Cora gave her heart to the Lord and continuously contributed her time and financial support until she was hospitalized. She headed a variety of educational ministries at St. Edmonds. She was Chair of the Education Committee, was a Sunday School teacher, leader of Vacation Bible School, sponsor of Christmas programs and field trips for children and youth. Additionally, she had served as church treasurer, finance and recordkeeping secretary, Church Historian, member of the United Methodist Women and the Board of Child Care. While fulfilling these roles admirably, Cora also could be depended upon to prepare wonderful coconut cakes, black walnut cakes and gingersnap cookies for special events at the church. Many were recipients of her generous culinary gifts for birthdays or Christmas. The community of Calvert County benefited from Cora’s numerous skills and talents. She volunteered her services to several local organizations. Not only was she a dues-paying member of these community groups, but she was instrumental in seeing that they carried out their missions. Until her illness, she was Treasurer of the Calvert Branch of the NAACP. She saw to it that tickets or flyers for special events were distributed, tax statements were prepared and memberships updated. Her love for history caused her to get involved with the preservation of the Wallville School, a one room African American School dating from 1886. She served on its Board of Directors which oversees the use and maintenance of the school. Cora also organized the docents who assist Calvert 4th graders who visit the school as part of the Calvert Public Schools social studies program. She will be missed at the Calvert County Historical Society where she started as a member and then became one of its Board members. Her research skills at Linden, which houses the Historical Society, were greatly valued as was her knowledge of local history and her great sense of humor. Cora was also a member of the Calvert League of Women Voters, Calvert Congress of African American Women, Maryland Retired School Personnel Association of which she was once the secretary and the Calvert County Minority Health Coalition. She was also a member of her professional associations- the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC), the Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA-now known as MSEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). Cora received a Certificate of Appreciation in 2004 from the Board of Calvert Commissioners of Calvert County for her leadership services to the community. In 2006, she was recognized with 39 other African American women at the Maryland State House. The award states that she was being congratulated in recognition for being one of the “Forty Blossoms From the Bouquet,” an art exhibition on the Freedom Wall celebrating Black History Month. The award continues on to indicate that it was in appreciation for her benevolence, leadership and contribution to Calvert County. When not working with her church or community, Cora could be found relaxing with her family, especially her daughter, Jayme, and her sisters and brothers. She expanded her horizons through travel which included trips to the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Alaska, South Carolina and Florida. Her most recent adventure was this past March when she traveled with her immediate family on her first long train ride. It was a 22- hour trip to Florida. She went to celebrate the 72nd birthday of her sister who lived there. She was an avid reader and a daily news watcher. Though she discontinued it, Cora loved to garden and each year for many years she planted a patch behind her house and from it produced excellent canned items which she shared with others. Cora, with her passion for learning, mentoring and giving was a constant source of inspiration to all with whom she came in contact. Her quiet strength and wonderful sense of humor will be missed.
Cora leaves to mourn her passing, a loving family which includes: daughter: Jayme Drumgo Alston (Kinard) of Glen Burnie, MD; 4 sisters: Sarah Gross (Clifton-deceased) of Huntingtown, Hannah Don Rogers (George-deceased) of Owings Mills, MD, Sadie Syffus of St. Petersburg, FL, Mable Lee Ashong of St. Petersburg, FL; 3 brothers: Howard Jack Brown, III (Judy) of Capitol Heights, MD, Martin Brown of Lusby, MD and Tyrone Brown (Koren) of Huntingtown, MD. She is also mourned by numerous nieces and nephews along with a host of other family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors.
