Marie B. Chavis

Marie Chavis was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina August 21, 1924 to Louise and Eddie Bobbitt. She was the second child of 11 children. Marie attended school in Halifax County, NC and graduated from John Armstrong Challenger. Marie was conscientious and was determined to finish school. Being the second oldest, she was responsible for chores before and after school and had to care for the other siblings. After high school, Marie came to Baltimore with the intent to go to cosmetology school, earn income with enough to live on and send money back home to help with the family. She stayed with her cousin Serena Simms when she first came to Baltimore. Here she met Alease Howell, who was renting a room in the house, and they remained best friends. Alease’s boyfriend, John Howell, introduced Marie to his brother Willard Howell. They fell in love and married. Three children were born out of their union. Marie believed she had to find a church because she was raised that you do nothing on Sunday until after Sunday School. She and her girlfriend Alease looked for churches. They visited Charity Baptist where their boyfriends went. They both joined early 1940’s under Rev. James Wilkins in a house church. After Rev. Wilkins pastorship, Rev. Thomas C. Turner took over and started building the church. Our aunt, Annie Howell, had her family there (her son Roy Lee Howell, John, James and Willard Howell). Marie first assisted Ms. Annie in what we now consider youth ministry—teaching the little ones. After joining the Usher Board, she became financial secretary. For the Senior Choir she was financial secretary and president. She was the financial secretary for the Missionary Guild. One Sunday Rev. Turner announced from the pulpit he was making her treasurer of the pastor’s aide, so that’s what she became. For many years, Marie served as the Church Clerk. The family were East Baltimoreans living on Sterling Street, Aisquith Street, Central Avenue, and Eager Street before moving to Woodbourne Ave. That in itself was quite progressive since Blacks in the mid 60’s were struggling to get into neighborhoods outside of the inner city. Our family was the first Black family on that strip of Woodbourne Ave. While on Eager Street, she started working in the beauty shop on the first floor of her house washing hair. Ms. Edith, owner, suggested, so she go to beautician school. Between the school and on- the-job-training she got her license and did hair. Marie worked as a seamstress with plans to take up tailoring until that was interrupted by the birth of a not so healthy son. Due to the fact her first child Eddie was born sickly, she stopped full-time work and school until his health improved. Ambitiously, she started back working here and there to allow herself to still be there for Eddie. Aunt Annie and others stepped in to care for Eddie. Odd jobs like sewing, working as a beautician, domestic work, part time cleaning at Charity and a plumbing business allowed Marie to have an income. Her last job was in retail at Linda Lynn’s. After retiring from Linda Lynn’s she took on the task of day care provider and took courses for that profession. She remained friendly with some of those children until her death. She cared for her grandchildren as well to allow her daughter to work with peace of mind. Every week Marie got $20 worth of gas and her outreach was to help chauffeur seniors and sick people. After being single for many years, Rev. Turner suggested a few times that she get married again. God confirmed that to Marie. The hard work of trying to solely up keeping her home while also working fulltime and spending many hours in church ministry, was taking its toll on her body. Her good friend at Charity, Odessa Roland, introduced Marie to her brother, Willie Chavis and love blossomed. They were married in 1976 until his death in 1996. With her letter in hand from Charity, Marie was a watch care member at her husband’s church, Fountain Baptist. She continued ministry by joining the choir and missionary guild. She attended Sunday School and Bible Study faithfully and developed lasting friendships that remained until most friends, also up in age, one-by-one passed away. Marie returned to First Charity under Pastor Hollis Neal and was re-baptized by her grandson, Rev. Christopher Rogers. Marie finished her race at home with daughters and grandchildren. She quietly drew her last breath and was welcomed home by Christ the morning of March 12th. Marie’s legacy will continue as she leaves to cherish her memories; daughters: Areh Osaji Howell and Essie Lavonne Smith. Preceded her in death, son Edward W. Howell (Ozelle). Grandchildren: Robin Harris (Eric, Sr.), Glenn Smith (Sass), Kenneth Rogers, II, Jonathon Rogers, Christopher Rogers (Latisha) and Michael Smith; 13 great grandchildren; dear nieces and nephews; cousins and close friendships. Preceded Marie in death: Husbands - Willard Howell (1926-1993) and Willie Chavis (1905-1996). Parents - Eddie and Louise Bobbitt. Siblings - Almeda Bobbitt, Daisy Stevenson, Edmund Bobbitt, Helena Grant, James Bobbitt, Joseph Bobbitt, Louise Bobbitt, Martha Martin, Olivia Williams and Robert Bobbitt. Granddaughter Yolanda Thomas. Remember not my fight for life, Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death, But celebrate my life and legacy of love!

Tributes

Marie B. Chavis

August 21, 1924 - March 12, 2021