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Obituary for MARY FRANCES PARKER
Mary Frances Smith Parker ("Tootsie'') was born in Bristol, MD on September 19, 1921. She was the fifth oldest of twelve children born into the loving family of William and Isabella Smith. She was a life-long resident of the state of Maryland. Mary received her elementary school education from Bristol and Chaney Elementary Schools in Calvert County. At the age of twelve, Mary’s mother passed and she being the oldest daughter still at home left school to help raise her younger siblings.
Mary later married the love of her life, Chesterfield Parker and moved from Calvert to Anne Arundel County and joined Adams United Methodist Church. Together they raised two daughters Ms. Barbara Seay of Edgewater, Maryland and Dr. Ernesta Pendleton-Williams of Riverdale, Maryland.
Mary was a domestic worker for over thirty years. After her daughters were grown, she was able to fulfill her dream of returning to school. She received her GED and continued her education at Sojourner-Douglass College and Bowie State University.
A good and faithful servant of our lord Jesus Christ, Mary was active in her church for over sixty years. Lay Speaker, Communion Stewart, and member of the “We Work Together Circle”, the Senior Choir, and the Children of God choir were significant aspects of her devoted service to her church. She remained active until her health made it impossible for her to continue.
Mary was a quiet, demure and genteel lady with a feisty spirit and a ready smile. She held deep convictions and taught by example. She was the consummate homemaker and enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening. She was always ready for a big family dinner and loved to see her brothers and sisters. Her hobbies included singing, traveling, and playing cards, especially the family game of Pitch.
Mary passed on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the South River Rehabilitation Center from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband of thirty-three years preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters: a son-in law (Dr. Samuel Williams); four sisters, Ella Colbert, Matilda Fletcher, Isabella Estep, and Alice Garrett; two brothers-in law, Edward Garrett and Charles Mackall; seven sisters-in-law Dorothy Smith, Delores Smith, Lucille Smith, Elsie Gross, Lenora Gross, Almeta Gross and Gertrude Randall; grandchildren: Rhonda Glaze (Stanley), Brian Seay (Carla), Oscar Pendleton III, Andre Pendleton, and Elease Newman; Great grandchildren, Donivan Seay, Blake Seay, James Newman Jr. and Erin Pendleton; devoted friend Larry Ware; and a host of other relatives and friends.