Maryland Bonita Speaks Whaley

Maryland Bonita Speaks Whaley was born on March 23, 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia, to Nathaniel B. Speaks Sr. and Reverend Ella Mae Speaks. Her formative years were spent in Frankford, Delaware. Maryland attended Frankford Elementary School for her primary education and she attended William C. Jason High School. She was an outgoing and well- rounded student; she was a majorette in the marching band. She completed her high school education at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She continued her edu- cation at Delaware Technical and Community College, completing several administration credits. In addition, she studied Christian eology through the Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware.

Maryland enjoyed singing, cooking, researching her ancestry, and spending time with her family. While raising her children, she was a homemaker and loving wife to her husband Charles for 47 years. She worked as a secretary for the Federal Government in the State of New York. For many years, she volunteered as a foster grandparent for the State of Delaware. Maryland dedicated her life to her family, as loving wife, mother, and sister, supporting the well-being of her family.

Maryland was a member of the Speaks Family Gospel Singers for more than 30 years, singing tenor. She was a God-fearing woman who loved the Lord, and sel essly served as the First Lady of e House of Prayer beside her husband Reverend Charles C. Whaley. She ac- cepted Christ as her Lord and Savior over three decades ago.

Maryland was a rare jewel whose radiant outward beauty was matched by the generosity of her spirit. She could be found nurturing youth in the classroom as a Foster Grandparent, assisting with the instruction of music and art, in which she loved.

Maryland was preceded in death by her father and mother, Nathaniel Bernard Speaks Sr. and Reverend Ella Mae Speaks and one grandson, Dee’jion M. Fullman. To cherish her memories, Maryland leaves her husband, Reverend Charles C. Whaley; three daughters Kasandra J. Hatton, Regina J. McDowell, and Oveta C. Fullman; ve grandchildren Can- dace L. Whaley, Brandon K. Hatton-Brown, Keshia C. McDowell, Dasmen D. Fullman and Darnell H. Fullman; four great grandchildren Kaydence T. Whaley, Dasmen D. Full- man Jr., Keshon T. Hughes Jr., and Blaire J. Fullman; and three siblings Nathaniel B. Speaks Jr., Constance Hall, and Margaret S. Hinson, along with a bounty of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and family friends.

Lovingly Submitted, e Family 

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