Mary Helena Spears

Mary Helena Spears was born December 1st, 1939, in Hollywood, Maryland, to Joseph and Idola Spears, where she was one of thirteen children. Mary received her primary and secondary education from the St. Mary’s County Public School system, where she attended the historic African-American Phyllis Wheatley School and Benjamin Banneker School. After completing school and transitioning into the workforce, Mary began working at the Patuxent River Naval Base Hospital, where she retired after several years of service to assist with raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, where she met and married A.C. Clyburn. During their union, they were blessed with seven beautiful children. Mary, better known as Helena by family and friends, also answered to a variety of names given by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years, such as Boops, GanGan, Grandmom Spears, and Nana. Mary was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Mary had a heart full of love and compassion, so much so that if anyone was ever in need, she opened her home and heart without judgment. She was always leading by example, giving, forgiving, and allowing grace. Throughout her life's obstacles and triumphs, she developed a personal relationship with God and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. Her faith truly became the source of her joy and peace. Mary did not keep her love for the Lord to herself, she taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to love and trust in the Lord. She was a long-time member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, extending her presence within the Catholic community and attending the St. Peter Claver Church (The Holy Church on the Hill), where she developed friendships and supported the community with acts of service. While attending the ladies of the church offered her to join their rosary group, where they prayed every Friday for loved ones, the sick and shut-in, the community, and world peace. She returned to her home church, The Immaculate Heart of Mary a few years ago.

Mary had several pastimes, with some of her favorites being spending quality time with family and friends, playing board games, word searches, assembling puzzles, and playing cards. She also had a love of sports that, transcended multiple generations, introducing them to her love for wrestling, tennis, and football. Before we knew it, she had the entire household watching and becoming fans of each sport. She made sure to let everyone know that her favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys and that her favorite tennis players were Venus and Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, at every opportunity.

Her family brought her so much pleasure, they were her pride and joy. She loved to host family and friends, so much that everyone looked forward to gathering at her home, whether for the holidays or impromptu get-togethers, they knew they were guaranteed fun, fellowship, laughter, hospitality, and a variety of good food. She embraced everyone, whether she knew you for years or just met you that day.

Mary leaves behind several loved ones to cherish her memory, beginning with her children: Sylvia A. Clyburn, Helena C. King (Bennie), Sharon J. Clyburn, Angelia D. Briscoe (Raymond), John C. Clyburn (Juliet), Lolita M. Clyburn, and her honorary 8th child Shemica Spears (her beloved dog). She's also survived by her brothers: James E. Spears and John A. Spears; sister: Phyllis M. Spears; thirteen grandchildren: DeOdis Clyburn, Monica King, Mary King, Chevis Clyburn, LaTasha Briscoe, Ravion Briscoe, Derek Connolly, Jeriesha Hill, Christopher Clyburn, Kenneth Warren, Joseph Clyburn, Santonio Hill, and John Clyburn. In addition to, thirty-five great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Idola Spears; daughter: Monica Cresenthia Clyburn; grandsons: Telly Savalas Clyburn and Toby DeSales Clyburn; brothers: Joseph Spears, Francis A. Spears and Charles L. Spears, and sisters: Gertrude D. Somerville, Blanche Spears, and Margaret Nurse, niece: Hazel Barnes; brother-in-law Daniel Somerville, and sister-in-law Regina Spears.

She will be missed by all.

Family and friends will unite on Friday, September 20, 2024 for visitation at 10:30 a.m.; Mass at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653.  Interment to follow in the church cemetery.