Mary M. T. Farmer's Obituary
Mary M. Farmer
St. Michaels: On January 5, 1916 God knew that a family would need a matriarch to love, lead, and teach them so He blessed Franklin Clarke and Cornelia Bailey with Mary Matilda Bailey. Born on Lomax Farm on Tilghman Island, Mary was educated in the Talbot County Public School System. She received her third grade education from Evelyn Henson, her elementary school teacher while attending school in Whitman, MD. Mary learned to read and write through self-determination and perseverance. As the years passed, terms of endearment bestowed upon Mary could be heard in the form of "Tillie", "Auntie", "Grand Mary", "Mom Mary", and "Mom-mom Mary". God allowed her to share ninety-six years of teaching, loving, sharing, and caring with family, friends and loved ones. Her work was done and she answered the call to make the journey from earth to glory on June 22, 2012. Late in life, Mary married Timothy Farmer and they enjoyed 10 wonderful years together. She worshiped at St. James in Sherwood, MD, which is currently known as The New St. James. Mary worked for many years providing domestic services to families in Talbot County, Prince George's County, and Washington DC. She also worked as a laborer in a variety of seafood houses throughout the Talbot County region. Even though she worked hard to help provide for her family, she did not ever neglect the needs of those she loved or strangers in need of a helping hand. Auntie worked hard helping to raise the children of the families she worked for, but she worked even harder raising children of family and friends. Above all, this was her one true passion in life, loving and caring for children. Grand Mary loved to sew and made many quilts and drawstring money purses that are held near and dear to her loved ones. Her oyster fritters, black walnut cake, chicken and dumplings and chicken salad always brought smiles to the table. She even seasoned and cooked roast beef for her loving dogs Pepper and Cuddles, which her son Johnny would often sneak to make sandwiches. However, no one will ever be able to replicate her special sweet potato turnovers that had the family in a loving feud, especially when there was only one left. Mary was the epitome of a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She will truly be missed by each and every person who has had the pleasure to make her acquaintance. Mary was proceeded in death by her husband: Timothy Farmer; sisters: Harriett Jane Gramby, Lottie Mae Pinkney, and Marcella Bailey; brothers: John Wesley Pinkney Jr., Norman Monroe Pinkney, Samuel Edward Clarke, and Calvin Bailey; life-time friend: James Edward Miller better known as "Two-Cent"; daughters: Diane Tripline and Celeste Moore; grandchildren: Tyrone Tripline and Jermaine Tripline; and her loving dogs: Pepper and Cuddles. She is survived by her loving son John Wesly Tripline Sr. of Easton, MD; Gloria D. Tripline, Rev. Thomas A. Tripline, Lula Mae Tripline, and Wilhelmina Anderson all of Baltimore, MD; and Drusilla Pete of Cambridge, MD; sisters: Melvina Clarke of Cambridge, MD and Helen Clarke of Baltimore, MD. Forever holding a divine place in her heart: Richard Cooper (special nephew); Jeannie Butler (special niece); Jacqueline Coe (special granddaughter); and James Gibson (special grandson). Mary was blessed to love 44 grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon at the Union United Methodist Church, Railroad, Ave. St. Michaels, Md. where friends may visit from 10:00AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Thomas Cemetery, St. Michaels. Arrangements are by the Hurley & Ostrowski Funeral Home P.A. of St. Michaels.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?