Maryland Hamlett

MARYLAND HAMLETT, SR. was born the 11th of 13 children to the late Embra and Caroline Hamlett on September 6, 1925, in Person County, North Caroline. He peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the home of his daughters, Lansing and Leslie, with his wife and daughter by his beside. Maryland received his education in the Person County public school system at the Brownhill Elementary School and the Person County Training School. As a boy, Maryland helped work the family farm alongside his father and his brothers until he enlisted in the United States Army. He achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving in the Phillippines and Japan at the end of WWVII. After being honorably discharged, Maryland came back to the United States, returning briefly to the family farm before relocating to Baltimore to join his brothers. He first found employment as a longshoreman, than went to work as a truck driver at Westinghouse Corporation retiring after 35 years. Maryland's life was forever changed when, while visiting his brother and his family, he met a beautiful young lady who was babysitting his nieces, Aileen and Virginia. Her name was Sadie Lee Oilver. On July 18, 1949, Sadie became his wife and love of his life. Out of this union nine children were born: Gregory, Maryland, Jr., Anthony, Vondales, Wendall, Ward, Vanessa, Leslie and Lansing. Life was always interesting and there was never a dull moment in the Hamlett household. While Maryland was at work, Sadie kept charge over their ever expanding family. They were a great team together and living example of faith to their children. Maryland and Sadie remained married for 64 years. During his time at Westinghouse, Maryland loved playing on the Westinghouse bowling and baseball teams. When he wasn't working at one of his two or three jobs, Maryland also enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking on the grill, always ready to share a bit of wit and wisdom along with a plate of delicious food. He especially loved listening to Orioles baseball on the radio and watching the Orioles and the Ravens on television. After retirement, Maryland spent time going on fishing and hunting trips with his brothers and working in his vegetable garden. More recently Maryland looked forward to Saturday trips to the market with his son Wendall. Maryland was a faithful member of the Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, serving as an Usher and former President of the of the Male Ushers. He was a true man of God, a servant leader who never hesitated to help anyone in need. During the course of Maryland's life, he touched and profoundly impacted many people. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives of his family, his friends and those he met along the way. Maryland knew he was a blessed man .He loved God and was not ashamed to share it with others. Maryland is survived by his devoted and loving wife Sadie; seven children, Anthony(Brenda), Vondalea (Gregory), Wendell(Natalie), Ward (Connie), Vanessa (John), Leslie and Lansing; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Gregory and Maryland, Jr.

Tributes

Maryland Hamlett

September 6, 1925 - January 14, 2014