Harvadene Marion Gustus, a retired Department of Housing and Community Development social worker, died of Sept. 3 at Green House at Stadium Place of complications from a stroke.
The Federal Hill resident was 72.
Born in Baltimore and known as "Deanie," she was the daughter of Howard Williams and Mary Susie Ross.
She graduated from Forest Park High School in 1962.
She later earned a degree in early childhood education from what is now Morgan State University. Family members said she paid for her education by working at an A&P grocery store.
After graduation, she taught in the Baltimore public schools for a year. She then joined the staff of the old Rosewood Hospital Center, where she became an administrator for the disabled.
In 1967, she married her Forest Park High School sweetheart, Roy Edwards. They later divorced.
She met her second husband, Rudolph Gustus, while on at an appointment in a doctor's office. They also later divorced.
Mrs. Gustus invested in the family company, G&M Oil, which became a successful home fuel-oil delivery business. She subsequently joined the board of Harbor Bank of Maryland.
A Democrat, she supported political campaigns including Kurt L. Schmoke's mayoral candidacy.
She also raised funds for the American Red Cross and the House of Ruth.
In 1994, she became a social worker for Department of Housing and Community Development and assisted residents at the Rosemont Senior Towers. She also ran a current events discussion group.
She retired in 2002.
Mrs. Gustus enjoyed playing cards. She was a devotee of thoroughbred racing and enjoyed lunches at the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park clubhouses.
She also solved puzzles and worked crafts, including string art, painting, crocheting, knitting and jewelry making.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the March West Funeral Home, 4300 Wabash Ave.
Survivors include two daughters, Camille Gustus and Angela Gustus, both of Baltimore; a sister, Shirley Jackson of Pikesville; a grandson; and two stepgrandsons.
— Jacques Kelly