Obituaries
James Arthur Thompson
(Jim)
Jim Thompson of Aquasco, Maryland, transitioned to his eternal rest on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Loving husband of Ellen Mae Brown-Thompson. He leaves to cherish his memory his children and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church,
13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, Maryland 20617 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary's Church Cemetery.
You may leave your condolences at: https://james-arthur-thompson.forevermissed.com
Everette Rydell Tasker
Everette R. Tasker of Baltimore, Maryland, transitioned to his eternal rest on Sunday June 7, 2026.
He leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday June 22, 2026, at Chews Memorial United Methodist Church, 492 Owensville Road Harwood, MD 20776 from 10:30 a.m. until Service of Celebration at 11:30 a.m.
Interment Crownsville Veterans Cemetery 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, Maryland 21032 at 1:45 p.m.
Harvey D. Harris
Harvey D. Harris transitioned to his eternal rest. Loving husband of Kathleen Harris.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his family and a host of relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, 7707 Allentown Road,
Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with Masonic Service at 10:45 a.m. with
Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m.
You may view the service at: Live.ebenezerame.org
You may leave your condolences at: Harvey D. Harris – Forevermissed.com Online Memorials
Lessie Geraldine Watson
(Jerri)
Lessie Geraldine Watson, 86, of Waldorf, Maryland, peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest after several years of illness on Monday, June 1, 2026. Our beloved Lessie (Alston) Watson was born on September 14, 1939,
in Siler City, NC to Willie C. Alston and Lessie (Siler) Alston. Sissie, as she was affectionately known to her
family and Jerri to her many friends.
Jerri was educated in the local school system where she graduated from Chatham County School, in 1957.
After High School, she graduated from the Tailoring Program from North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, NC in 1960.
Jerri met her devoted husband John Henry Watson the love of her life on a blind date. Eight months later they were married on June 16, 1962. They became proud parents of their first-born son Darryl Shaun Watson on November 4, 1964, and again they were blessed on September 24, 1968, with their daughter Cheryl Leslie Watson. Together they shared 55 years of matrimony.
Jerri was known for her artist talents and gifts. She was a trained tailor who designed her own clothes and made clothes for others including weddings, special events and everyday wear. She was an avid baker known for her pound cake and specialty cakes for friends and family. Jerri was also known for her love of plants and gardening and her ability to make anything out of what was available. Her homemade wine and treats were sought after by many. Her greatest love was for children and underserved communities. Jerri began early, mentoring children as a cheerleading coach with the Glenarden Boys and Girls Club; she worked with the children’s ministry at church and served as a volunteer at Ardmore Elementary school and as a substitute teacher. After relocating from Landover to Waldorf, Jerri continued to mentor children through her involvement with youth bowling, 4H and eventually solidified her love for children by making a career out of it by becoming a school bus aide for disabled and emotionally adjusted children which led to her getting her commercial driver’s license and becoming a
well-loved School Bus Driver for over 20 years.
Jerri served as a member of the Marjorie T. Lancaster Chapter No.84 Order of the Eastern Star for many years.
Jerri was a big sports fan. She was a point guard in high school, played softball and was a cheerleader in college. You could catch her watching football, tennis and basketball or attending her grandsons various sporting events. She loved to travel with John and her siblings on trips all over the globe. She and John became “snowbirds” as they traveled to their home in Florida during the winter months. Traveling was always at the
top of her things to do list. At times, it was like clockwork, she, and John would take a trip at a moment’s notice, with family and friends.
Jerri found God and was saved at an early age. She was proud to be a founding member of the Journey of Faith Church where she served on many ministries and committees. They included: Ushering, food pantry, Seasoned Saints Ministry, prison ministry, marriage ministry, children’s ministry, and several more. One of her crowning moments was when the Seasoned Saints Ministry honored her as “A Faithful Servant, An Inspirational Role Model, and an Outstanding Church Leader”.
Jerri was proceeded in death by her loving husband John Watson and her parents Willie and Lessie Alston,
and three brothers Hubert Lee Brown, Alvis Alston, Henry Alston, Sisters-in-law, Lilllie Alston, Lillye Harbison, Iola Simmons, Creola Baker, Bothers-in- laws, Charles Watson, Summer Watson Jr., Billy Watson, Joseph Ryan, and goddaughter Diane Lane.
Jerri leaves to cherish her memories her children: Darryl Shaun Watson (Inez Miller), Cheryl Watson Murray (AL), grandchildren, Albert C Murray III “Tre,” Camari Watson Murray, and Sean Miller, two great grandchildren, Carter and Riley Miller. Her siblings, Cylestine Laury (Harry), Stephen Alston (Ann), Sister-in-law Sandra Alston. Her extended family includes sister and brother in laws, Shirley Matteson Ryan, Fred Watson (Shirley), Mabel Hecht (Richard), Linda Watson, Angela Watson, Pauline Watson, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and countless close cousins who were like additional siblings, dear friends and classmates who all shared special moments with her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Journey of Faith United Methodist Church,
2900 Smallwood Drive West, Waldorf, Maryland 20603 from 10:00 a.m. until Homegoing Celebration at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. at Maryland Veterans Cemetery,
11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623
You may leave your condolences at: Lessie Geraldine Watson (1939 – 2026) – Forevermissed.com Online Memorials
John Arthur Bond
Remembering John Arthur Bond
John Arthur Bond, 86, of Brandywine, Maryland, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on October 24, 1939, in Windsor, North Carolina, to Carolyn and James Bond. He grew up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and he attended P.W. Moore High School.
John lived a full life shaped by service, work, family, and his many interests. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he received his GED diploma. During his military service, he served during the Vietnam War, he received the Driver and Mechanic Badge in recognition of his advanced skill in operating tactical wheeled vehicles, and earned the distinction of Rifle Sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged from the
U.S. Army on September 30, 1969.
After his military service, John relocated to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He first served with the
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department before beginning a career with the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority. He was active in the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 and served as a leader
and trainer for his colleagues.
John will be remembered for his big smile, engaging laugh, and love of storytelling. He enjoyed vintage cars, carpentry, sewing, and music, especially soul and jazz. He took pride in working with his hands, whether reupholstering the seats in his green 1970 Ford Econoline or building a carport to expand his garage.
John was a man with a strong personality, clear opinions, and his own way of doing things. Those who knew
him understood that he could be determined and complicated, yet funny and memorable all at once. He leaves behind lessons, laughter, and memories that his family and friends will carry with them.
John is survived by his wife, Arlene Estep Bond; his daughter, Donna Bond; his sons, Tariq Bond and his wife Amber, and Terrence Bond (Monique); his grandchildren, Xola, Nziyo, Saniya, and Samira; his sister, Velma Bond; his brother, Wilbert Bond and his wife Fern; and many other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Bond; his father, James Bond; his brother, William Bond; his brother, Herbert Brown, and his sister, Edna “Doll” Bond.
John’s memory will remain with all who knew him in the stories told, the music played, the work of his hands,
and the family he leaves behind.
Interment with military honors will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026,
at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623
You may view the service at: https://youtube.com/live/ZajHsUL5Da8?feature=share
You may leave your condolences at: John Arthur Bond (1939 – 2026) – forevermissed Online Memorials
Beatrice Elizabeth Hawkins
Beatrice Elizabeth Hawkins, 95, of Accokeek, Maryland transitioned to
her eternal rest on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Interment will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22211
You may leave your condolences at: https://beatrice-elizabeth-hawkins.forevermissed.com
Raphael A. Plummer
(Tony)
Raphael A. Plummer, 87, of Fort Washington, Maryland, transitioned to his eternal rest on
Tuesday, May 19, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory, his family and a host of relatives and friends.
Interment will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery,
11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623
You may view the service at: https://youtube.com/live/TitSJaNZATE?feature=share
You may leave your condolences at: https://raphael-a-plummer.forevermissed.com
Sheila Yvonne Hill
Sheila Y. Hill, 70, of Accokeek, Maryland, transitioned to her eternal rest on Friday, May 22, 2026.
She leaves to cherish her loving family and a host of relatives and friends.
Inurnment will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Maryland Veterans Cemetery,
11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623 at 2:30 p.m.
You may leave your condolences at: https://sheila-yvonne-hill.forevermissed.com
Arrangements Pending