Mary Elizabeth Sherman

Mary, or "Liz" as she was known to friends and family, died at age 88 surrounded by family on December 21st in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she lived the two previous years with Michael and Cathleen Sherman and their children.

Born February 2, 1925 in Woodstock, Virginia, to Bessie Sherman, Liz was raised in a loving family by her mother and grandparents, Mary Lussippi and Wheeler Isaiah Sherman.

She graduated from Elkridge High School in 1942 and went to work at Fort George G. Meade Army Base where she served as an administrative assistant. Honored with the Department of Army Certificate of Outstanding Performance in 1978, Liz retired in 1983 and went to work full-time in service of others.

Though she had no siblings and was never married, Liz was a lynchpin of a large extended family, her community in Savage and her faith community at Bethel Assembly of God. She adored her aunts and uncles and their families, devoting her life to them in countless ways. Elderly relatives and neighbors could depend on Liz for rides to doctor's appointments and the grocery store.

She delighted in spending holidays, birthdays and special occasions with family. She loved the Sherman clan's annual week vacation at Westward Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. She savored visits from out-of-town relatives and looked forward to frequent trips to see family in Erie, Pittsburgh, Utica, Nashville and Oklahoma City.

Most of all, she modeled the life and love of Jesus Christ, especially when it came to children. Her humble, meek and mild nature and unimposing stature -- she was 4-foot-10 -- made Liz a welcoming presence to every child she encountered. Every child knew they could count on Liz's love and acceptance. It didn't hurt that she always had a pantry full of candy.

When the chips were down, there was no one more dependable than Liz. When her cousin Leon died of cancer in 1959, leaving behind a widow and four children, Liz and her mother Bessie stepped into the breach. In many ways, they raised the two youngest children, Susan and David. One of Liz's greatest pleasures was seeing those loving relationships mature into deep life-long friendships.

Her only hobby was her family and friends -- and whatever interested them. She and her first-cousin Lucille rarely went anywhere without a carload of children, shuttling them to Orioles, Colts and Bullets games. When those children grew up and started families of their own, Liz outgrew the ballgames and became even more focused on her church family.

A doer of the Word, she quietly served her church in the nursery for years. An encourager who avoided speaking unkindly of any soul by reminding whoever she was conversing with that "God didn't make us all alike."

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 11th at Bethel Assembly of God, where funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. and interment will be at the Savage Community Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Assembly of God, P.O. Box 416, Savage, Maryland 20763.

The family would especially like to thank all those who sent cards and called Aunt Liz while she lived in Oklahoma. She cherished each and every one. We are also grateful to Crossroads Hospice staff members Hannah Davis, Nancy Higgs, Josh Overton and Jo Clipton, who gave Aunt Liz and our family wonderful care and compassion.