Mary Evelyn Wilmer

Mary Evelyn Wilmer transitioned to her eternal reward on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, MD, at the age of 70. Mary Evelyn was born on November 19, 1945 in Easton, MD to the late Mary Ellen Thomas Wilmer and the late Calvin Freeman Wilmer, Sr. She was the sixth of seven children. On December 5, 1966, at the age of 21, Evelyn, as she was affectionately called by her family, gave birth to her only child, daughter, Camille Franchesque Wilmer, age 49, a Retail Manager. In 1995, Evelyn became a proud grandmother to grandson Kai Jordan Ashley Kennard, age 20, Junior at Towson University majoring in Criminal Justice, Sociology minor. In 2002, she was proud to be blessed with her second grandson, Kameron Chase Wilmer-Johnson, 13, an 8th grade honor student at Centreville Middle School and winner of the Queen Anne's Public School County Wide Anti-bullying slogan contest. Kamerons' winning slogan of over 800 entrants earned county wide recognition, and his slogan printed and worn by students/staff/administrators throughout the county. Both grandsons have excelled in the classroom and athletically. Kai has two standing basketball records at Queen Anne's High, and both have played travel AAU basketball. Nana, as they affectionately called her, loved, adored and was very proud of them both. Evelyn attended Kennard High School in Centreville, graduating with honors in the Class of 1963. Her teachers indicated she was always a model student, excelling in all of her classes. While at Kennard, she was a member of the Kennard Choir, Dance Group and cheerleader for the men's basketball team. During her early years and majority of her adult life, she was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and participated regularly in church functions, including organizing the family's annual Wilmer Day in years past. After graduating from Kennard High, Evelyn began her higher education in the fall of 1963 at Bowie State University, and graduated with honors in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. While at Bowie, she realized her soprano vocal talent as a member of the Bowie University Choir, under the esteemed direction of the late Dr. Eulah Peters. Evelyn had a beautiful soprano voice, and enjoyed sharing her talent with others. Soon after graduating from Bowie, she began her professional career as a multi- curriculum 5th grade teacher at Federalsburg Elementary. She later became a teacher of 5th and 6th grades at the Federalsburg, Denton and Greensboro Schools. She was the 6th grade teacher at Denton Elementary School at Denton from 1973 to 1974. In 1975-1976, she was a Title I Coordinator and in 1976- 1980 she was the Coordinator of Federal Programs for the Caroline County Elementary Schools. She was a dedicated and well liked teacher, administrator and co-worker. During the summer months, she worked with Migrant Education students and was later promoted to Teacher Aide Director with the Caroline County Board of Education, where she dedicated over five years of impeccable service. In this county wide supervisory capacity, she was responsible for the placement of teacher aides, and worked very closely with the State Department of Education overseeing teacher/teacher aides' lesson plans/curriculum, including classroom observation, as well as making sure lesson plans met county and state compliancy. In January, 1980 Evelyn joined the Maryland State Department of Education, (MSDE) Baltimore, MD as Administrator of the Division of Compensatory Urban & Supplementary Programs, (CUSP) under the direction of dear friend, Dr. Velma Speight. In this capacity, Evelyn directed the Student Family Support, research, evaluation, counseling and health services safety division, where she also wrote grants to fund and support these programs. In 1987-1988, she also served as the Administrator for the Division of Special Education and Support Services, also within the MSDE. She transitioned back to CUSP, where she retired in 1999. Her tenure produced 30+ years of service and dedication to education. During her service at MSDE, she met Marie Pennix, and the two formulated a strong bond which blossomed into a beautiful friendship. Marie was like her family and she often visited Camille and her mom enjoying many fun times together. After enjoying some of her retirement years, Evelyn re-entered the workforce for the first time outside of the educational arena, but used her management expertise to head up the Smoking Cessation Division at the Queen Anne's County Substance Abuse Center in Centreville, MD. However, in recent years, Evelyn rededicated her passion for education when she began substitute teaching in the Queen Anne's County Public School System, until her health began to decline. Evelyn loved singing solos at various church functions, and enjoyed helping out in the community. She was a former member and Secretary of the Kennard Alumni Association. Whenever she was called upon, she always willingly and eagerly accepted. In 2014, she traveled to Tennessee with the Federalsburg outreach group. In recent years, she attended bible study at New Life Community Church. Evelyn loved very much and most enjoyed spending time with her grandsons Kai and Kameron; attending their special school and sporting events, birthday celebrations and lending her support in any way. She also enjoyed playing Spades and BidWist often with family and friends. Kai and Kameron expressed an interest in playing rather than just watching, so to their enjoyment. she recently taught them both how to play spades also. Evelyn also enjoyed spending time with her college friends Doll, Lessie, Wilma and Doll's niece Lori. For many years they'd reunite for an annual "Girls Week Out" in New Jersey, where they enjoyed many lovely activities together. She also looked forward to annual cookouts and fun at friend and former co-worker Lillie Johnson's home in Federalsburg. She was close to her loving brother, Donald, her riding partner to many outings and special affairs. When you saw one, you were almost certain to see the other! Preceding her in death are her parents, beloved Aunt Beulah, two brothers (Calvin, Jr. and Kenneth), sister-in-law (Jean), five aunts (Jennessa, Ada, Ella, Beulah, Gladys) two uncles (Charles and Earl), and niece (DeShan "Penny"). She leaves to mourn and cherish good memories: daughter, Camille Franchesque, grandsons, Kai Jordan-Ashley and Kameron Chase, brothers Earl Thomas (Joan), Charles Donald, Lawrence Frederick (Elaine), Gregory Herring (Rosie), John Watkins (Lolita), Neal Thomas; sisters Patricia Ann and Kerry Jeanette Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers, and special friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Evelyn Wilmer, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mary Evelyn Wilmer

November 19, 1945 - March 2, 2016