Mary Beth Chittum

Mary Beth Yarbrough Chittum was the first child born to Charles Robert Yarbrough and Elizabeth Hinman Yarbrough Hilosky. She was born in Honolulu where her dad was sent for his first duty station out of the Naval Academy. Mary Beth was joined by her brother, Charles Robert Yarbrough,jr., "Bob" a year later.

The family then lived in Coronado, where John Edward Yarbrough "Jack" was born, and later settled in Colonial Beach where Gail was born at MWH. Mary Beth attended elementary school in Colonial Beach, after which the family moved to Falmouth, Virginia, where she attended Falmouth Elementary, Gayle Junior High, and Stafford High School.

Mary Beth played violin in the orchestra, participated in Maranatha Touring Choir, and attended Bob Revell's Highway Assembly of God in Falmouth. She worked at Richard Johnston Tavern and The Chimneys, both colonial restaurants, as a kitchen wench during and after high school.

Mary Beth initially attended Clinch Valley College in Southwest Virginia. She later transferred to Mary Washington College where she earned her degree in English, and got a job working for EDS as a technical writer, in Northern Virginia.

Mary Beth married Larry Chittum and together, they had three children, Kathrynne Anne Chittum Viola; John Lloyd Chittum, and Evelyn Marie Chittum.

Mary was interested in Shakespeare, British TV, rocks and fossils, poetry and literature, ancient cultures, bluegrass and classical music. She was an avid treasure hunter.Mary Beth was a sci-fi and fantasy nerd, beginning with Frank Herbert, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. She was drawn to understand her ancestry, and collect profound quotes. She collected off-beat and interesting people, both in her life, and in history. She served as family historian, committing to memory many of the stories passed down within the Yarbrough family, and amassing, storing and displaying family photographs that others weren't aware existed.

Mary Beth was unafraid to appear "uncouth" in others' standards. At Knotts Berry Farm with Melody and Cheryl, all the ladies in the fried chicken restaurant were eating their chicken with knives and forks. After the three of them gave it a try, Mary Beth gave up and said loudly, "Girls, let's show 'em how to eat fried chicken!" The ladies at surrounding tables audibly gasped, and they laughed at their shock.

Mary Beth loved Canada, her late father "Daddo," and the memories of canoeing across Cedar Lake into the back woods lake chains, despite the toil, deprivation and physical exhaustion. She could dispense stories that drew us back into that stunning, black fly infested remoteness, with Kathy, Uncle Butts, Cal, Dad, Pete, Leilani, Ed, Bob and Jack, Scott, Alberto, and Gregor, among others who dared to accept the challenge. There'd be fuel gathering, water toting from the lake, fire building and pasta eating when there were no fish to fry; Dad by the fire in his brown quilty smacking skeeters and black flies as they landed on his head. We'd bathe in the lake (if we bathed – black flies like clean people). This was where "Bu-Beff", connected with her father, the man she most admired in the world. And where memories were crafted to sustain her while waiting in the grocery line and to share at family gatherings.

Mary met and made her home with Mary Maynard; 17 years they were together. They were compatible and comfortable together, supporting each other's interests. They nurtured many friendships together, new and old. No one whom the other loved was excluded or rejected. Mary and Mary were kind to each other's friends and family members, accepting their quirks, seeing the importance of past influences on each others' lives. They attended apple festivals, Delfest in Maryland; they took Mom to a ukulele festival. Each year, Mary took Mary Beth to the beach for her birthday, where she would spend hours in search of unique shells and fossils.

Mabee mothered distinct memories into her children, nieces and nephews, scandalously taking them out at midnight to the 24-hour Walmart, and then to eat a 2am meal at Waffle House. She gave all the nieces their very own box of cereal for Christmas (they didn't have to share). She hung sheets in her back yard trees for forts and hammocks.

At Granny Mary's graveside service, she rolled down the hill in fresh snow nearby the grave, which greatly concerned the pastor.

Mary Beth was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth Yarbrough Hilosky; her father, Charles Robert Yarbrough; her brother, Charles Robert "Bob" Yarbrough, jr.; her nephew, Benjamin Yarbrough (Tam); her nephew, Brian Ford, her stepfather, Harry Hilosky, and her grand niece, Allyson Stone.

Mary Beth gave to the world three children: Kathrynne "Katy" Chittum (Vinny), and grandbaby, Enzo, and due this month, Eleanor; children, John Chittum and Evelyn Chittum.

Missing her are the love of her life, Mary Cardinale Maynard, and her daughter, Lisa Miller; two siblings, John Edward "Jack" Yarbrough (Judy); Gail Anne Yarbrough Ford (Dan). Bob's children, Jennifer Yarbrough Stamm (Billy); Ben's wife, Tam Yarbrough; Sarah Yarbrough Wilder (Jim); Shannon Yarbrough (Justin).Brother Jack's children, Jacob Yarbrough; Brice Yarbrough (Abby); Savanna Yarbrough (Colton); Billy Stone. Sister, Gail's children, Meghann Early (Jimmie), Daniel Jordon "D.J." Ford; Charles "Charlie" Ford (Abby); and Fox Samuel Ford.

Others who remain in the fabric of her family are Cindi Richter and Chelsea, Allie Yarbrough, Becky Gagner, Brenda Campbell, Cindy Chandler, Greg Sokolowski, Kate Perullo, and Larry Chittum. She also leaves behind a slew of precious grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Along with family, scores of precious friends shared her earthly journey, attracted to her sharp wit and peculiarities; her shocking, convention-challenging behavior; her willingness to confront perceived injustice, her fierce love, loyalty and protectiveness for her family and friends; her humor and creativity, her endearing eccentricities. Mary Beth was an intensely loving individual with a strong life-force.

In the words of her friend, Melody, Mary Beth was "a mischievous, fun to be around, smiles and laughter, quiet, full of life, loved her children unconditionally, author, poet, enjoyed classical music, avid reader, a pondered of many thoughts and ideas, surprising, skinny dipper, a philosopher, treasured friend and so many more traits and words can describe the one and only, unapologetically "be yourself", Mary Beth."

For all of this, "Mabee" will never be forgotten.

A gathering will be held on her birthday, April 26th, 2026, following the instructions that Mary Beth left behind. Please feel free to share this obituary. GYF