MARY GERALDINE SPEARS

Mary Geraldine Spears was born on December 26, 1938, to the late Laura Thelma and John Edward Price in Compton, Maryland. God called her home on January 12, 2023, at the age of 84.

Mary, affectionately known as Geraldine and “Geraly”, attended Banneker School in Loveville, MD. As the oldest of five children, Geraldine took on many adult responsibilities in caring for her siblings at a young age. Life was not always easy, and at times hard, but Geraldine did what was necessary to take care of her family. She would often say, “if you work hard, you will succeed” and that is what she did!

Geraldine married early in life and soon became a stay-at-home mom. She mastered the art of being a great cook as she enjoyed baking and experimenting with new recipes. Geraldine was a wonderful homemaker, housekeeper, and caretaker. She passed this legacy on to her children, including the boys, who all know their way around the kitchen.

Geraldine was known by her children’s friends as the “strict mom” because she did not play around. She had no problem telling you to grab a limb from the tree and bring it back as a means of discipline – and you better not take too long.

Once Geraldine’s children grew older, she was employed as a maidservant for social events at the Historic Sotterley Mansion. Her dedication and hard work led to a full-time domestic maid housekeeper and caretaker position where she worked for many years. Later, Geraldine was a successful self-employed domestic worker with many clients of her own.

Life’s simplest joys gave Geraldine pleasure. She could make a dollar stretch and loved shopping at thrift stores. Geraldine often said, “it being new doesn’t make it better.” One of her favorite pastimes was watching her weekly soap operas. Geraldine would tell you about her shows as if what happened to the characters happened to someone she knew. She also enjoyed listening to her favorite tunes which sparked memories of the past.

Geraldine loved visiting with family and close friends. Especially her late grandmother Anna Florine Price who she adored and often shared childhood stories of their times together. One would know from her stories, that her grandmother was dear and very close to her heart.

As we all know, there are many ways to show love and affection without words, hugs, or kisses. Anyone who knew Geraldine knew she showed her love through home cooked meals, delicious desserts, and by sharing life experiences to ensure that you would not make the same mistakes she felt she had. Sometimes these words of wisdom were shared in a hard-knock way. Geraldine would often end conversations with, “I am telling you this because I love you, and have been through it, so I know.” This was her way of showing how much she cared and wanted the best for you in life.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Bernard Price. She leaves to cherish her memory, five children; Hazel Marie Barnes, James Eugene Spears, Jr. (Janice), Brenda Diane Spears, Jeffrey Douglas Spears, and Mary Gail Spears, a brother; John Edward Price, Jr., sisters; Helena Marie Green, Alice Theresa Barnes; and a brother-in-law William Barnes. Seven grandchildren; James Barnes, Jr., Alycia Stevenson, Sabrina Barnes, Amber Barnes, April Cutchember, Jasmine Spears, and Mikkal Spears, five great-grandchildren; Amani, Aryanna, Aryah, Devin, and Yasin, and a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Geraldine will be tremendously missed.

*******

Family and friends will unite on Friday, January 27, 2023 for visitation at 11 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 22800 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD.  Interment to follow at St. Francis Xavier Church cemetery, 21370 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD.

Offer Condolence for the family of MARY GERALDINE SPEARS