Julia Roberta March

THE DRUM MAJORETTE - Julia Roberta Hayes, born April 15, 1924 in Atlantic City, N.J., came to Baltimore as an infant when her mother, Theresa was struggling to raise her family alone. Though she lacked material riches, her mother filled her spirit with a wealth of self-worth and pride. They were part of the generation that came to be regarded as the dignified poor. As a teenager, her pride showed in her baton twirling and high stepping when she led the marching St. Francis Xavier Drum and Bugle Corps through the streets of East Baltimore. Today, men in their eighties, gaze into their past and smile, as they recall the young, beautiful drum majorette that all the young boys loved. A DRUM MAJORETTE FOR FAMILY - One of those young boys was the fortunate recipient of her love. His name was William. As fate would have it, once again she was engaged to march; William C. March. Their lifelong journey formally began September 26, 1943. Together they raised four children and built a nationally recognized company. Roberta was a devoted mother that engendered pride and self-confidence in her children. She prepared three meals a day, ironed clothes, helped with homework and still managed to greet families and direct funerals. Her family never felt neglected while she assisted in building the company’s reputation of caring for others. She took pride in her children’s educational and professional accomplishments and was rewarded with each one’s returning to contribute to the growth and strengthening of a true family business. William and Roberta’s earthly union ended with his passing on August 2, 2002, but they were reunited in eternity with her passing on April 18, 2006.She leaves to cherish her memory and miss her radiant smile four loving children; Cynthia T. March Malloy, Annette R. March-Grier, Erich W. March and Victor C. March, Sr. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, Lisa, Jessica, Karla, Walter (Nathan) and Karl Malloy; Melissa, Allison and William March; Carmalita and Victor, Jr., March; Julia, Justin and Christian Grier; one great-granddaughter, Alexis March; one daughter-in-law, A. Lola March; two sons-in-law, Dr. Walter Malloy and Arthur (Dino) Grier; a devoted sister, Shirley Hargrove and a host of other relatives and friends. Beyond her extended family, many non-relatives adopted her as their “second mom” or “Mother March” because of her loving ways and concerns for other’s needs. A DRUM MAJORETTE FOR BUSINESS - She supported William’s dream and made it her own. While he worked nights in the post office, she worked days in the funeral home. His business mind and her compassionate heart combined to provide Baltimore with a funeral establishment that turned no one away. Everyone received a dignified service regardless of their financial condition. She was the hairdresser and cosmetologist and dresser. She was not satisfied until the deceased looked at peace to put the family’s mind at rest. Families received her hand written Christmas cards until the volume made it impossible. The way she walked a family into church, leading the widow, the widower, the grieving child down the aisle, with stalwart dignity and grace was her trademark. Her hair bun and her hats were her signature. A DRUM MAJORETTE FOR COMMUNITY - Roberta was always a drum major and leader of the band. She was an encourager and promoter. Moving people to do their best and be proud. Her role as chairperson on charitable boards, community groups and church organizations was focused on achieving the common goals. Everyone was confident they could march forward behind her. Known for her kind and warm personality, Mrs. March’s involvement in the community has resulted in numerous civic awards. Her civic affiliations included the following organizations: Board of Directors of Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland, the annual Star-a-thon and telethons with United Cerebral Palsy and the United Negro College Fund, National Association of Negro and Professional Women’s Club, lifetime member of the NAACP, Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of MD. Inc., MD State Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Ladies Auxiliary of Funeral Directors, and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. She was the past chairwoman for the Small Business Steering Committee of the United Negro College Fund and a former member of the Board of Directors of New Psalmist Baptist Church School and the Board of Catholic Charities. A co-founder of The Thelma March Scholarship Foundation, she enjoyed presenting the awardees from Dunbar and Douglass scholarships for their college education. Because of her reputation for never saying no when called on by her community for help, in May of 2001, the Determined Biblical and Theological Institute of Baltimore honored Mrs. March with a Doctorate of Humane Letters. A DRUM MAJORETTE FOR JESUS - Julia Roberta March prayed daily with her husband and led her children to the love of Jesus. Her unyielding faith in God’s love was the basis of sympathy and caring for all of God’s children when death occurred. She was a devoted Black Catholic, who believed in the interceding power of the Blessed Virgin Mary and showed no shame in projecting her beliefs and dedication to Christianity. She has been a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church since 1957. As a Eucharistic Minister she served communion to her church family. Her title has been Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver/Ladies Auxiliary of St. Ann. Court #331, 3rd Degree for more than ten years, and the Faithful Captain of Anna E. Davage, 4th Degree, Ladies of Grace, #41 of the Knights of Peter Claver. When her sickness worsened, the family was concerned she might experience pain and suffering, to which she calmly responded, “My Jesus suffered.” In her suffering, she loved a Savior willing to suffer. In her dying, she believed in a Savior willing to die. In her passing, she trusted in Jesus’ promise of eternal life. When the saints go marching in, they have a new Drum Majorette, Julia Roberta March. To God Be the Glory

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Julia Roberta March

April 15, 1924 - April 18, 2006