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Obituary for JEROLENE R. GAITHER
Jerolene Rice-Gaither, born October 24, 1946, in Plum Point, Maryland to the late John Joseph and Myrtle Louise Rice. On October 2, 2014, she departed peacefully from this life, at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.
Jerolene was a graduate of the Calvert County Public School system. Following graduation , she worked briefly for the Hecht Company and later began a career with the U.S. Government. During her tenure at the Veterans Administration she received recognition by many service awards and achieved distinction in her job as Decision Review Officer (GS-13). After 32 years of service she retired in 2002.
Inspired by her father in his love of baseball; during her teen years, Jerolene developed an interest in sports and joined W.S. Brooks High School Girls' basketball team. Her passion for basketball, baseball and football remained throughout her lifetime.
In 1965, Jerolene was joined in holy matrimony to Dewitt Gaither (deceased) in Washington, D.C. To this union they were blessed with a son (Rodney) and goddaughter (Dona). Residing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, they shared the joys of marriage for 37 years.
Jerolene was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in June, 1973 and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in November, 1973. A faithful member of Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ The Lord, Inc., she sang with the senior choir; was first-ever elected President of Helping Hands Committee; and joined her sisters (Rice Sisters) in singing praises to The Lord. In 2007, Jerolene attained the distinguished tide of "Mother " through Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ The Lord, Inc.
Mother Jerolene was very hospitable and known for her excellent cooking. Many were guests in her home to enjoy her famous dishes . . .macaroni and cheese, potato salad, fried chicken, turkey wings and pork chops to name a few. Her life was enriched with family vacations and international travel. Jerolene was an avid reader and her subject knowledge was extensive, exceeding the average.
Family love and togetherness was regarded with high respect by Jerolene. She enjoyed Sunday family dinners after church, especially gatherings with her great nephews and nieces, Christopher, David, Kamille, and baby twins Keira and Kairi. Her adoration of these little ones brightened her spirit as they touched a special place in her heart.
Mother Jerolene leaves a legacy of fond memories cherished by her son, Rodney (Kim); grandson, Rodney Jr.; sisters, Della Wallace, Yvette (John) Somerville, and Sharon Inghram; brothers, Wayne and Clinton "Buddy" Rice; goddaughter, Dona Rice; godson Christopher Somerville, Sr.; Kym Rice, David Lewis, Natalie and Niaesha Johnson, Alexis Fairweather and Troy Kearse she embraced as grandchildren ; adopted sister/cousin Lorelei "Doll"; two step-daughters, Cynthia and Rose, and an abundance of relatives and friends. Shewas preceded in death by her husband, Dewitt; parents, John and Myrtle Rice; sisters Myrtle "Marylou " and Janice "Neicy"; step-daughter Evon, nephews, Page, Travis and William III "Billy"; brothers-in-law , Robert Wallace and Kevin Inghram; sister-in-law, Laura (Buddy) Rice.
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