We give thanks for these saints who have gone on before us:
Suzanna Catherine Finkle
February 24, 1940 - November 15, 2023
Suzanna C. Finkle was born to John and Grace Egan on February 24, 1940 and she had a younger sister, Virginia. Susie married the love of her life, Robert M. “Butch” Finkle and they became a family of three when their daughter Debbie was born. They made their home in Eastport, Maryland and remained in Eastport for nearly 66 years. She loved joining the Finkle family and being part of a big, close family. She worked for many years as a teacher’s aide working mainly with kindergarteners.
Susie had a tremendous love of animals and had many fur babies during her lifetime. She is greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She is Debbie Morgan’s mother.
Lotte Larson Meyer
June 30, 1943 - November 27, 2023
Born in Denmark in the midst of an air raid alert and bombing raid, Lotte and her family migrated to the US when she was 5 years old and settled in Seattle, Washington. She served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia. She also worked as academic librarian at Western Oregon University, where she worked until her retirement as Associate Professor Emeritus. In addition to serving as Head of Reference Instruction and University Archivist, she excelled as a scholar, presenting numerous papers at academic conferences, serving in leadership roles within national and international professional organizations, and publishing articles in books and scholarly journals on subjects ranging from the artist Claude Monet, to the pilgrimages of Gold Star Mothers to the battlefield cemeteries of France following World War I, to the history and significance of Rubber Ducks in American Popular Culture. She loved traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her husband is Neil Bergman’s cousin.
Col. Dionisios Peter Devaris
April 20, 1930 – December 20, 2023
Dan was the child of Greek immigrants. He served in the US Army Medical Corps for 38 years. He served in the US (including at Walter Reed and at West Point) and overseas in Germany. He was a psychiatrist, specializing in child psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and geriatric psychiatry. He also loved collecting gems and stones, particularly opals. He cherished his Greek heritage and embraced Greek culture, including the food, music, dance, and traditions. He is survived by daughters Valerie and Denise, son Peter, four grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Dean Allen Cannon
July 6, 1968 - December 20, 2023
Dean grew up in Georgetown, DE, and proudly served with the United States Navy on the USS Spiegel Grove until 1987. Dean then worked for Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Sussex County 911, Verizon as a splicing tech, finally retiring in December 2020. Dean was a former member of the Lewes Fire Company, Indian River Vol. Fire Company, as well as the Mid Sussex Rescue squad. He was a member of CWA local 13101, serving as shop steward. Dean could be found coaching on the sports fields. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Washington "Redskins" fan. He is survived by his wife, Susan Cox-Cannon; his children: his grandchildren; his godson; his brothers; his mother-in-law; and several nieces, nephews, and many amazing friends that were like family to him. He is Dean Cannon’s father, Lisa Hozey’s father-in-law, and Laurelin’s grandfather.
Louise McClelland Urban
February 10, 1935-December 31, 2023
A mezzo soprano and Professor Emerita of Voice/Opera at the University of Maryland, McClelland was internationally recognized for her broad contributions to the art of singing. She performed with prestigious orchestras; held leadership roles at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival; and taught at the University of Maryland for over 30 years. With her late husband, Gerhard, she was a global adventurer and a generous patron of the arts. Their legendary hospitality and culinary talents are still fondly remembered. She was a colleague and long-time friend of JoAnn Kulesza.
Janet Lou Elliott
May 30, 1933 - January 1, 2024
Janet grew up in Gettysburg and received a nursing degree from Church Home and Hospital and School of Nursing in 1954. Married Philip Elliot in1954 and pledged Beta Sigma Phi in 1961 where she received the Order of the Rose in 1976 and the Diamond Circle in 2021. She received the highest degree of torchbearer and had perfect attendance for 60+ years. She’s survived by two daughters: Kim and Kelly, twin sons Kent and Keith, four grandchildren: Kent Jr., Stephanie, Ashley and Ally and five great-grandchildren: Justin, Tyler, Ethan, Jordan and Cole.
Gerald P. Crouch
January 16, 1929 - February 20, 2024
Jerry was born in Baltimore, MD and grew up on Kent Island. After graduating high school he went to work as the Quartermaster on the Gov. Harry W. Nice, one of the ferries that ran from Matapeake to Sandy Point. After the Bay Bridge opened in 1952, Jerry went to work in the State of Maryland Comptroller's office, Income Tax Division. He retired after more than 39 years.He was a member of Eastport United Methodist Church, Annapolis Elks #622, and Annapolis Moose Lodge.
Shirley Ford
May 1, 1932 - April 9, 2024
Born in Greenock, MD, Shirley and her family moved to Annapolis when she was a child. She graduated from Annapolis High School, went to work in banking and retired from ARINC. She was a devoted friend and member of Eastport United Methodist Church. She is survived by her children Susan Grant(Jerry Aben), Patricia Eskierski (ed), Debora Parcell (Wamble). David Ford (Dana), Michael Ford (Deanne), Lisa Cyrus (Sam), 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She’s also survived by one of her seven siblings, Vivian Cochran of Georgia.
Jerry “Poppy” Wilhoit
January 22, 1936 – April 19, 2024
Jerry was a school teacher, a home builder and ultimately business owner. He spent his life enjoying the outdoors, from growing up hunting in Kentucky all the way to hunting, shucking oysters, and crabbing with his kids and grandkids on the Bay. He was never too busy to help a friend in need. “Poppy” was so proud of all his grandchildren and never missed a softball, football, baseball, or basketball game. He and Patty were married 56 years until her death in 2013.
Richard L. Mason
November 7, 1938 - May 1, 2024
Dick, born in Annapolis, MD in 1938, spent his youth helping at his family's boatyard. After serving in the Navy, he married Linda in 1967 and they raised three children. Dick worked as an auto mechanic and enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing, crabbing, and motorcycle riding. His sister Sally Colburn passed away on October 26, 2023. Dick is Evie Swink’s brother.
Nancy White
December 16, 1934 – June 4, 2024
Nancy White passed away after a long life dedicated to others. She taught public school for 27 years while her husband worked in public health serving in the Tennessee’s Governor Cabinet. Nancy was also dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and bonus grandchildren (including Rachel Luna). Rachel would like to honor her as she removed herself from her home church membership roles when they voted to disaffiliate due to LGBT inclusion in the United Methodist Church. She was an advocate for others until her last breath.
Ted Bauer
May 29, 1937-July 4, 2023
Ted was born and raised in the Washington, DC area, serving in the Marines from 1956- 1962. Later, Ted was a successful civil engineer and electrician in the mid-Atlantic region, with projects including a famous skyscraper in New York City and theme park in Florida. Ted will be remembered by those who loved him most for his enthusiastic passion for Hummels!
Karl David Alexander April 6, 1944- July 27, 2024
Karl, a D.C. native, graduated from McKinley Tech in 1962. A talented clarinetist and Army ROTC cadet, he also drove a church bus, sparking a lifelong love of cars. In 1963, he joined the Navy as a musician, serving in San Diego and on tours in Vietnam. After the Navy, he continued his musical career with various bands and orchestras, including the U.S. Naval Academy Band. He retired in 1987 and continued playing music for many years. Karl enjoyed road trips, good food, and spending time with family and friends. Karl is Tracy’s father and Betty’s husband.
Helen Ann Dix
December 24, 1943 - Aug 20, 2024
Ann grew up in Annapolis, graduating from Saint Mary’s High School in 1961. While she worked numerous jobs throughout her career, eventually retiring from her sales and marketing position with NNI Engineering in 2001, Ann was most proud of the time she spent raising her children and volunteering in the community. Whether it was helping out at her children’s schools, teaching literacy classes at the local library, or simply being there whenever friends or family needed, Ann was a giving soul who truly enjoyed helping others.
Shirley Ann Owen (Barham)
July 16, 1938 - September 30, 2024
Shirley was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Arlington VA. She met Lee T. “Sonny” Owen, the man who would later become the love of her life, at a carnival in Deale, MD when she was just 15 years old. Shirley worked for the Federal Reserve System for six years after graduating high school. She and Sonny wed in 1960 in Arlington, VA, and were married for 58 years until his death in 2018. Early in their marriage, they lived in Bladensburg, MD, and moved to Hillsmere Shores in 1962, where they lived in the same house until 2018. Shirley was always known as a wonderfully caring and giving person. A lifelong member of Eastport United Methodist Church, who worked many years for the annual Peach Festival. Shirley and Sonny loved gardening and also were passionate bowlers early in their marriage. Her children were her pride and joy, and she was devoted to her grandchildren.
Terry Eugene Mullins Sr.
August 23, 1983 - August 30, 2024
Terry Eugene Mullins Sr. was born to Timothy and Joyce Mullins in Annapolis, MD where he graduated from Annapolis High School in 2000. Terry was an entrepreneur, starting Mullins Enterprises Inc. which operated vending machines and held cleaning contracts in various businesses throughout Anne Arundel County. Terry was dedicated to his long-time companion Sharmaine Dennis and his children Nyzjhia Mullins, Areonna Mullins, Terry Mullins Jr. Tyresse Mullins, Cameron Mullins and granddaughter Amoura Wallace. He is Kevin Hight’s Cousin.
Paul Standridge
3/22/1936 - 12/28/2023
Eagle Scout, USN vet, Commander USCG Aux ret, a true southern gentleman, loving husband, father, public servant, friend to all, and never a foul word. Paul is Les Johnson’s brother-in-law.
Nancy Currier Dorian
1936 - 4/24/2024
Professor of Dying Languages at Bryn Mawr, spent years studying Gaelic in East Sutherland Scotland and published many of these studies. Another publication is a hymn in the Unitarian hymnal. A wonderful friend, conversationalist, and host who will be missed. Nancy is Les Johnson’s cousin.
Eastport United Methodist Church Columbarium
Eastport United Methodist Church is pleased to offer a serene and meaningful resting place for our members and their families. Located right here on church grounds, this beautiful structure provides a tranquil setting for remembrance and reflection.
The columbarium features forty-eight niches crafted from polished granite, with a soft gray exterior frame and light mahogany faceplates and borders. This design harmonizes with the brick retaining wall, creating a visually appealing and dignified space.
This columbarium represents more than just a final resting place; it is a testament to our church's commitment to providing ongoing support and spiritual guidance to our members and their families. We invite you to visit the columbarium and experience its peaceful atmosphere. For more information or to inquire about niche availability, please contact the church office.
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