Marie Rachel Ballard was born on September 4, 1927, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. She

gracefully went home to be with Jehovah on March 1, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of the late Ella Maddox Hawkins and Ralph Hawkins. Marie received her education through the Havre de Grace School System, graduating from high school. Following the passing of her husband, Jesse Ballard II, Marie remained devoted to her family and did not remarry.

Marie was employed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in food service before joining the VA Hospital in Perry Point, Perryville, Maryland. During her years of service, she received numerous awards recognizing her dedication to the Veterans she cared for. She retired from the Perry Point VA Hospital after many years of faithful federal service.

Marie was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on December 4, 1981-This event became the foundation of Marie daily living. She spent countless hours sharing her faith and spreading the message of hope until her health began to decline.

As the matriarch of her family, Marie embodied LOVE in every sense. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion was felt by her children, family, and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Ella Maddox Hawkins and Littleton Potter; her husband, Jesse Ballard II; her sisters Irene Hawkins, Minnie Cain, Odessa Gallimore, and Audrey Simpson; her brothers Ralph Hawkins Jr., Clarence Hawkins, and Jimmy Hawkins; and her sons Albert Potter and Wilbur Ballard Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Burlie Frink Jr.; Christine Banks (Richard); Iris Younger (Ronald); Audrey Johnson (Kenneth); and Jesse Ballard III; a host of grandchildren, great‑great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Marie's life was a testament to faith, love, and service-a legacy that will never be forgotten. May the work SHE did speak for HER!