Mildred Spedden

Mildred Louise Jones Spedden, age 85, of Cambridge, MD died Tuesday evening, September 28, 2010 at her home.

Born on November 15, 1924 in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Walter D. Jones and Nettie Warfield Jones.

Mrs. Spedden was educated in the Dorchester County schools and a graduate of Cambridge High School.

On March 18, 1950, she married R. Virgil Spedden. He died on October 15, 1996.

Mrs. Spedden was known for her generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Mrs. Spedden was a devoted fifty plus year member of Grace United Methodist Church, Cambridge and the Dr. Hines Bible Class. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, Rebekah Circle and directed the Sunshine Committee and Penny Collection for many years.

She began her working career as a secretary and bookkeeper with Delmarva Power and American Finance Company.

From 1960 – 1964 she assisted her husband in various civic duties while he served as city commissioner of what was then known as the fourth ward. In the late 1960’s she began secretarial employment to Captain Charlie Linthicum at his fish net business which was located in the B.J. Linthicum & Sons building on Race Street, Cambridge, where her husband was also employed. Upon Capt. Linthicum’s death, Mr. and Mrs. Spedden established Speddens Marine & Fisherman Supply in 1970 on Race St., Cambridge. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the family owned and operated business in downtown Cambridge. Mrs. Spedden faithfully worked there six days a week just up until her injury in December of 2009.

Mrs. Spedden had been very active in the Cambridge Rotary Club especially when her husband was president from 1977-1978 and she was a Paul Harris Fellow. Mrs. Spedden was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #91, associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #27, and recipient of the Who’s Who Businesswoman of the Year, 1996. Mrs. Spedden was a tremendous advocate for the watermen and shellfish industry. She was also a member of the Maryland Watermen’s Association.

Surviving is her daughter Beverly S. Era and her husband Philip of Hurlock, MD; a son Wallace “Wally” Spedden of Cambridge, MD; two grandchildren Ray Era and Renee Era, both of Hurlock, MD; three sisters Hazel McWilliams and Mary Ann Moore, both of Cambridge, MD and Shirley Smith of New Castle, DE; sisters-in-law Katherine “Kitty” Jones of Cambridge, MD and Marie Price of Bear, DE; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding in death besides her parents and husband was a sister Betty Mae Harmon and two brothers William Jones and Howard Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4th at Grace United Methodist Church, Race Street, Cambridge, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Jay Hurley, Pastor and The Rev. George Wheatley, nephew-in-law. Burial will follow at Spedden-Seward Cemetery, Hills Point, Cambridge, MD.

Pallbearers will be her nephews Dr. Donald Harmon, Jim Harmon, Allan Jones, Gary Jones, Ray Jones, Walter Jones, Brian Mahon, Eric Mahon, Jim Smith, Jr. and Brad Dennis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Hoge, Dr. Arthur Parker, Jim Raymond, Dr. Eyup Tanman and members of the Dr. Hines Bible Class of Grace United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made in Mrs. Spedden’s memory to Dr. Hines Bible Class of Grace U.M. Church, 501 Race St., Cambridge, MD 21613.