She was predeceased by her beloved husband and lifelong soul mate, Robert C. Dement Sr. They were married nearly sixty-seven years at his death in 2003; a brother, James Mitchell Jones, and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Anne Blanke.
Mrs. Dement is survived by eight children; Robert C. Dement, Jr. and his wife, Helen, of Lexington Park; Sally S. Raley and her husband, David, of Lexington Park; Everett L. Dement, of Leonardtown, Betty J. Dement, of Great Mills, Linda L. Blanke and her husband, Henry, of Hollywood; Dale E. Dement of Valley Lee, John W. Dement of Summerville, SC and David A. Dement and his wife, Sharon, of Summerville, SC. Fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren also survived her.
Margaret Dement was a homemaker, who loved reading, needlework and doing for her large family. Her meals were always delicious. She enjoyed birthday parties and family picnics. She was a devout Christian all of her life and loved and cared for many people outside of the family circle. Margaret was a member of the St. Mary?s County Church of Christ. She enjoyed the fellowship with church members until her failing health prevented her from doing so.
Margaret spent many years volunteering at the Great Mills Elementary School and was awarded a lifetime membership to the PTA.
Mrs. Dement was a caring, giving and loving person who would help anyone who was in need. Her strong southern Christian upbringing was her mainstay through all the years that she reared her eight children. She will be missed by her family, her loved ones and all those who knew her.
Friends may call on Wednesday, May 17th, 2006 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Mrs. Dement will be conducted on Thursday, May 18th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home chapel. Mr. Leroy Finto, minister of the St. Mary?s County Church of Christ in California, MD will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
Serving as pallbearers for Mrs. Dement will be her grandchildren, Matt Dement, Michael Dement, Brandon Dement, Justin Raley, Michael Blanke, and John Blanke. Honorary pallbearers will be David R. Raley and Henry R. Blanke. Bagpipers at the graveside service will be Terry and Matt Brenzo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House c/o Hospice of St. Mary?s Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or to the St. Mary?s County Church of Christ, 44850 St. Andrews Church Road, California, MD 20619.
