Mrs. Mary Chase

May 13, 1931 - October 20, 2017

Mary Louise (Brawner) Chase was born to Leo Brawner and Mary Smith in Promfret, MD on May 13, 1931. She departed this life on October 20, 2017. She attended Charles County Public Schools. After the passing of her mother she along with her sister Catherine Brawner moved to Washington,D.C. where she continued her education. She later met and married Leroy Chase at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. Nine children were born from that union. Mama was the ultimate mother. She dedicated her life to raising her children and nurturing her family. Mama loved spending time with her family. Whether she was traveling to casinos with her daughters, sitting at the kitchen table discussing current events or new additions to the family, being entertained by her many grand and great-grandchildren, or reading the "funny pages" with the little ones, time spent with family brought her so much joy. When one of her sons would walk through her living room door, Mama's face would beam with happiness. Mama had a big heart and shared her love and affection freely and graciously. Not only did she raise nine children of her own, she found room in her heart to help raise three other children to whom she was not related but loved as her own. Mama would say in her distinctive Southern drawl, she loved all her "chung". As generous as Mama was with doling out affections, she would not hesitate to to "crack you with a dish rag" if you misbehaved. Whatever discipline she gave, you deserved it, and she did it all out of love. Mama loved her children and her children adored her. Mama was a no-frills woman who carried herself with dignity and grace. She was not impressed with material possessions and extravagance. She appreciated the seemingly small gestures of kindness. Each year Mama looked forward to "turning the dial" to a new age on her "special" birthday card given to her by one of her daughters. She even found comfort in her daughters spraying of "Holy Water" for family protection. Mama had many talents. She was a wonderful homemaker and an outstanding cook. Her fried chicken could rival any of these major fast food chicken restaurants. Just ask anyone in the family; no one could fry chicken like Mama could. How she got each piece the same golden brown color and each bite a crispy, crunchy delicacy, no one knows. Surely, she had a secret ingredient; that ingredient was her love. Whatever she prepared, she prepared thoughtfully and carefully. Mama always put forth her best effort into whatever she did. She held herself to high standards and did not compromise them. An honorable and ethical woman, Mama treated others fairly and avoided confrontation. Although Mama was not a consistent churchgoer, her faith was strong and she was God-fearing. At anytime, you might hear her humming the melodies of Precious Lord or Amazing Grace, two of her favorite spirituals. Mama meant so much to so many. Her capacity to love was without bounds. We are so blessed to have experienced her love and our lives will forever be enriched because of her. We will miss her quiet strength, her warm demeanor, her words of encouragement and comfort, her humility, and her appreciation for life's small pleasures. She was a natural nurturer and the embodiment of motherhood. She showed us all what love acts like. For her life and legacy, we are forever thankful. Mary Louise Chase is preceded in death by her mother Mary Smith, father Leo Brawner, husband Leroy Chase, Sr., brothers Charles and Frances Brawner, her two sons Leroy Chase Jr., and Steven Chase, grandson Ryan chase and godson Jermaine Ward. She is survived by her sister Catherine Brawner; children Mary Brawner, Cynthia Chase, Sharon Chase-Moody (Anthony), Charles Chase (Jackie), Melody Banks (Tracy), Gary Chase (Dana), and Alvin Chase (Juanita); Godchildren Laurie Ward and Elaine Ward; grandchildren LaTanya Chase, LeTetia Chase (Reginald), Ricardo Chase (Nicole), Robert Chase (Andrea), Ryan Chase, Charles King, Tiffany Parker (Tejon), Dante Chase (Lashalle), Brandy Chase, Miyah Scott and Ziar Chase; great-grandchildren Da'Monique Stevens (Carlos), Corey Beatty, Destiney Burns, Chauncey Beatty, Jazmine Chase, DeMarco Beatty, Audrieanna Smith, Rakia Wise, Shaniah Robin, Tiana Chase, Den'Jiah Venable, Alajha Gamble, Myson Chase, Jayden Parker, Da'Naria King, Jaylen Chase, Keivon Scott, Dante Chase Jr., Chase Jackson and Kieaira Gamble; great-great-grandchildren Charliee Stevens, Giabella Ponce, Santana Stevens and Ezra Chase; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and a very good friend Glover (Eloise) Gamble.