Almarie Beatrice Wedley

Now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Almarie Beatrice Clark Wedley who entered this life on February 16, 1923, crossed over into eternal rest on October 19, 2005.The daughter of the late Charles Henderson Clark and Elnora Vivian Sheffey Clark, she spent her early years in West Virginia where she graduated from Excelsior High School in War West Virginia. She married her childhood sweetheart, Shirley Tatum. Unto this union was born one daughter, Bonita Tatum. Due to the untimely death of Shirley Tatum, Almarie later met and married Chester Johnson. This union was also fruitful and they were blessed with a daughter, Eleanor Johnson.While married to Chester Johnson, Almarie attended West Virginia State College for two years and before she left West Virginia, she attended Juanita Beauty college in Charleston West Virginia and became a licensed Beautician. When this marriage ended in divorce, she moved to Norfolk, VA while attending Virginia State College.In 1952, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland and received a Baccalaureate Degree of Science in Elementary Education. With a thirst for knowledge, she received a Masters Degree in Mental Retardation and a second degree in Behavioral Disorders from Coppin State College. During this time she met and married Henry Wedley now deceased. Continuing her education she received a three year certificate from Liberty University in Christian Education, a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the Union Institute in Cincinnati Ohio in the area of specific Learning Disabilities with emphasis on reading. Further studies include numerous seminars, workshops and conferences both in formal and Christian education from the University of Maryland, Columbia University of New York, University of Virginia, Towson State College, Colorado State College and Madrid University in Madrid Spain. Almarie published articles in the American Baptist Evangelic Journal and traveled widely throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.Almarie was employed by the Baltimore City Public School system for forty years. Being the professional she was this is one of the only venues where she did not mind being called Dr. Wedley or Doc. Her first assignment was in East Baltimore teaching the mentally disabled in Elementary School #147. After six years she was elevated to senior teacher where she remained for fourteen years. She transferred to Hartford Heights Elementary School with a population of over 2000 students where she organized and headed the Special Education Department.She remained in that position for five years. When the Senior teacher position was terminated, Almarie chose to return to the classroom. Although more than qualified, she refused many offers of principal ships. Finally she found a home with the George W. McMechen School #177 where she remained for fourteen years and retired after forty years in education.Alamarie was affiliated with the following groups and is a valued member of The Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Iota chapter, National Council of Negro Women The NAACP, Order for Eastern Stars, Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council Inc. Sister Wedley joined Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in 1956 and was and active member of several ministries including Christian Education Ministries, Missionaries Senior Choir #2, Vacation Bible School, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor’s Aide and church School. Sister Wedley was a member of the American Baptist churches of the South where she served on the area program board. Sister Wedley was a strong advocate of education and instilled that need in all Mt. Lebonites.Almarie loved and cherished her family. She always put them first. She loved to cook for them during all the major holidays; and loved to vacation with them during the summer monthsShe leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Bonita Capers of New York and Eleanor Smith (Alfonzo) of Baltimore, Maryland. Four grandchildren, Zane Smith(Scharbette) of Maryland, Roxanna Payne (Gregory) of Maryland, Allan K. Smith of North Carolina, and Pilar Taylor (Lamont) of New York City. Three great granddaughters, Aliyyah Payne, Aminah Payne and Nyah smith. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of special friends.

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Almarie Beatrice Wedley

February 16, 1923 - October 19, 2005