Rev. Dr. Barron Bott Maberry's Obituary
Rev. Dr. Barron Bott “Barry” Maberry, age 91, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at his home at Brightview Catonsville in Catonsville, Maryland, just outside Baltimore. A beloved pastor, counselor, speaker, and family man, Barry (known by many as "Bott") lived a life marked by deep faith, joyful service, a 68+ year marriage, long term friendships, enduring compassion for those in need, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Born on December 8, 1933, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, Barry was the son of Charles Maberry and Martha (Bott) Maberry. During childhood, he lived in Philadelphia, Absecon, NJ, and Baltimore. He graduated from all-boy Baltimore City College High School in 1951. His wife of 68+ years, Audrey (Pierce) Maberry, graduated from the nearby all-girl Eastern High School. They met on a blind date arranged by a friend. They were married in 1957. Barry attended Gettysburg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree—along with the humorous distinction of being the all-time leader in demerits in the college’s ROTC program. He sang in the college choir and was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity. (Fun fact: Barry’s father Charlie was also a member of KDR at Gettysburg but had to leave college early during the Depression.) Barry continued his studies at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary where he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree. Barry kept up with friends from Gettysburg for the rest of his life.
Barry devoted over forty years to full-time pastoral ministry within the Lutheran Church. His calling led him to serve congregations across Maryland and Washington, D.C., including Upperco, Trenton, Silver Spring, Easton, Cordova, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and the nation’s capital. After retiring, Barry and Audrey moved to Annapolis, MD and became members of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. Barry remained actively engaged as a supply and guest pastor for another two decades. Known affectionately as “Marryin’ Barry,” he officiated countless weddings for family and friends — always bringing warmth and humor to each ceremony.
To enhance his pastoral work, Barry earned a Doctor of Ministry in family counseling from Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. in 1973 and spent much of his career offering compassionate guidance to individuals and families. He founded and directed the Capitol Hill Wholistic Health Center in Washington, D.C., where he provided wholistic care rooted in empathy and spiritual insight. (The “W” in wholistic was intentional, signifying care for the whole person.)
A gifted communicator with an infectious sense of humor, Barry was also a sought-after motivational speaker. His signature program “Take Two Laughs and Call Me in the Morning” delighted audiences with its blend of inspiration and levity. He authored an almost best-selling self-help book titled “Do You Want to be Well?” — reflecting his lifelong commitment to healing hearts as well as minds.
Barry embraced life through a simple yet profound Biblical prescription: “Love God, Love Yourself, Love Everyone Everywhere as Your Brother and Sister.” This philosophy shaped not only his ministry but also his personal life. Barry and his wife Audrey supported needy families, a homeless ministry, and a prison ministry in Washington D.C.; they also served as foster parents and often opened their home to teens who needed shelter or support.
His commitment to justice was reflected in moments such as proudly attending the historic March on Washington in 1963 — a testament to his enduring belief in equality for all people.
Barry was deeply devoted to his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Audrey; son Mark Maberry and daughter-in-law Kari Maberry; grandsons Jack Maberry and Cole Maberry; daughter Carin Rauch and son-in-law John Rauch; granddaughter Kristen Rauch; grandson Daniel Rauch; granddaughter-in-law Alexandra Rauch; sisters Diane Miskew and Martha Rutledge; nieces Susan (Myers) Landry and Courtney (Rutledge) Palko; nephews Tommy Rutledge, Mike Miskew, Steve Miskew, and Doug Miskew; as well as long term friends and many others whose lives were touched by his kindness. He now joins in peace his parents Charles and Martha Maberry and beloved granddaughter Carly (Maberry) Bastiansen.
Outside of ministry and counseling work, Barry found joy in singing — hymns, Sinatra and just about anything else where there was a microphone. He played golf with friends old and new, engaged in spirited games of gin rummy (while enjoying a glass of gin), delighted family and friends with his Christmas letters full of news, jokes, and inspiration, and most especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Barry and Audrey traveled regularly and extensively as a couple, with family, and with friends. He was a long time and often long-suffering fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Commanders nee Redskins, and Maryland Terrapins. Barry had a remarkable knack for befriending parishioners who had free tickets!
A Memorial Service will be held on January 3, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD. A luncheon will follow at the church. Family and friends are encouraged to bring photos and stories to share. Humor is expected. It is for Barry, after all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin's by mail or at https://www.stmartinsannapolis.org/give.
Rev. Dr. Barron Bott “Barry” Maberry leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations. His charm was magnetic; his humor disarming; his care for others unwavering. May those who knew him find comfort in cherished memories, and may we all strive to live with even half the joy he brought into this world.
May Barry rest in peace, and may Heaven ring with laughter upon his arrival.
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