Bert Edmonston

1950 - 2025

Bertram Lloyd Edmonston, III, 75, of Thurmont, MD, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Washington Hospital Center with his loving family by his side. Born on August 25, 1950, he was the son of the late Bertram and Bonnie Edmonston, Jr. of Baltimore, MD. Bert attended Towson State College and was employed by Samuel Kirk & Sons in Baltimore, MD, as a silversmith. While working there, he met the love of his life, Virginia, after being set up on a date by his co-worker Clark Reid - Virginia's father. In 1979, Bert and Virginia founded Gold Thumb Jewelry Creations in Frederick, MD, where he continued to work actively until his untimely passing. Bert was a gifted silver- and goldsmith who loved creating beautiful jewelry for his customers. In the early 2000s, he was commissioned to make a replica of a silver punch bowl presented to Col. George Armistead for his successful defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Bert's rendition is now on permanent display at Fort McHenry. Although he crafted countless magnificent pieces of jewelry, this commission was the crowning achievement of his career as a professional metalsmith and artist. Bert was deeply involved in Freemasonry in Maryland. He was a past master of Lynch, Fervency, and Smithsburg Lodges and served the Grand Lodge of Maryland as a Grand Inspector. He was also a member of the collateral bodies of Masonry, including York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine.

Bert was active in Boy Scouts with both of his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their beach house in Fenwick Island, DE, and was an avid camper. The family cherishes priceless memories of camping and beach trips - both when the kids were young and later in life with his adult children and grandchildren. Bert was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, where he once taught Sunday School. Later in life, he felt called to become a lay Methodist minister. Bert was a righteous man who loved the Lord and his family fiercely. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Virginia Edmonston, and their children: Jennifer Clingerman and husband Rich of Thurmont, MD; Bert Edmonston, IV and wife Jennifer of Gibsonia, PA; and AJ Edmonston and wife Lauren of Thurmont, MD. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Reid Clingerman (Carol), Asher Clingerman, Bert Edmonston, V, Edith Edmonston, Callen Edmonston, and Claire Edmonston. One of the proudest titles Bert held was that of "Pop-Pop." He is also survived by his sister-in-law, June Kramp of Baltimore, MD. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Colton Clingerman.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. 2nd St., Frederick, MD 21701. The service will also be livestreamed on Calvary's YouTube channel (@calvaryumcfred). Friends and family are invited to stay for lunch and fellowship at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert's honor to the Colton Clingerman Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Bert Edmonston