Marie Hutchins

Marie Hutchins was born Marie Mills on March 5, 1948 . She came into this world with her twin sister Clarie Mills (Fortt). They were born in Stapleton, Georgia to the late Bennie and Gladys Mills. At the age of 3 months, the family relocated to Girdletree, Maryland. Shortly after, they moved to the town they grew up in, Quantico, Maryland. She and her twin were raised by their aunt and uncle Eva Mae and James Holland. In her early twenties, Marie moved to Easton, Maryland were she lived for the rest of her amazing life.

Marie worked in the healthcare field briefly and then went on to become a Senior Advocate for the Department of Social Services. She really enjoyed this job and retired in 1990. She enjoyed her retirement as she was able to freely spend her time traveling and spending time with her family and friends like Agnes Hubbard, Madeline George, Ethel Taylor, Maxine Stanley, Faith and Childene Brooks, just to name a few. In her spare time she also enjoyed sewing, cross stitching and she would spend intense hours playing Scrabble with her sister Clarie. She was known to make up words of her own in moments of desperation. She also shared lots of quality time with her favorite niece Phyllis who took care of her and whom she affectionately called Dr. Smith.

Marie was also a loyal member of the Elks of the World, Inc. She began her affiliation with the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, Inc. in 1980 as a Daughter with Pride and Joy Temple #814 in Easton, MD. When the membership of the Temple began to decline, she became a Charter Member as a result of the merger with Bright Hope Temple #233 of St. Michaels, to form Bright With Pride Temple #1375. She was the Financial Secretary for Bright With Pride Temple #1375, from its merger on December 11, 1991 until her death.

Dgt. Hutchins worked faithfully with Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge #974 and was a valued member of the Joint Management Team, serving as their Financial Secretary. She also maintained membership in the Bessie Leonard & Ethel K. Jews Past Daughter Rulers Council where she served the Treasurer. Dgt. Hutchins was a member of the Tri-State Association of MD-DE-DE Daughters of Elks and served as their Financial Secretary for many years.

She was also a member and Financial Secretary of the Eastern Shore Past Grand Daughter Rulers Circle. In addition, she also maintained membership in the Eastern Shore Dept. of Education; the Tri-State Public Relations Department; Tri-State Civil Liberties Department and Grand Social Sessions Department. Dgt. Hutchins was appointed a Special Deputy by the Grand Daughter Ruler Margaret D. Scott in 2003 and became a Grand District Deputy in 2022, overseeing Light of Crisfield Temple #86.

Marie will be greatly missed, and lovingly remembered by her niece and caregiver Phyllis Smith and a niece Shamaine McKnight.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Gladys Mills; aunt and uncle who raised her, Eva Mae and James Holland; four sisters, Clarie Fortt, Dorothy Boyer, Lucille Mills and Emma Wessells; two brothers, Albert Mills and Roy Lee Mills and a niece, Valerie Mills.