On May 5, 2017, John Abram Chesley “Abe” departed this life. Born Feb. 8, 1929, Abe was the son of the late John Lewis Chesley and Bertha Ruth Carter-Chesley. Abe a lifetime resident of Maddox, MD, spent a great portion of his life in Washington, D.C. while employed there.
Abe was educated in the St. Mary’s County public school system and served a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, auto mechanics and debating the issues of the day with anyone who would engage.
He was employed by Lyon Conklin and Motor Freight Companies and, until his retirement, served as Property Manager of the Longview Beach Club Association in Maddox. Abe was probably best known as the owner/operator of Abe’s Country Store at the entrance to Longview which served as the meeting place for the neighborhood.
Abe was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sisters: Irene M. Henderson; Gertrude M. Jones; Elizabeth Chesley; his brothers: Joseph (Freddie) Carter; George and Lewis Chesley; and son, John “Weenie Boy” Carter.
Abe is survived by aunts: Dorothy E. Fenwick and Mary Molly Butler; sisters: Lottie M. Tidline and Catherine D.E. Jones; one brother, Robert “Henry” Chesley; lifelong friend, Helen “Tee” Dyson; sons: Roy S. Chesley (Jacklyn); Joseph S. Woodland; daughters: Joyce A. White (Richard); Shelia A. Bailey; Tracey V. Scott (Johnnie); Cynthia A. Bond (JH); Selina M. Dorsey; Sharon D. Dorsey; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom formed a part of Abe’s village.
Family and friends will unite on Thursday, May 11 for visitation at 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 23080 Maddox Road, Bushwood, MD 20618.
Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Church cemetery.
