On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Ferman (Dee) Solomon Jr., 90, of Parkville MD passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Dee was the son of the late Ferman, Sr. and Bera Solomon. He was born and raised in Carthage, North Carolina and graduated from Cameron High School in 1952. He went on to study at Samford University in Birmingham Alabama. Then later earned a master's degree in education at Towson University and also attended New Orleans Theological Seminary.

While in college, Dee met Sylvia Turner, and they married on August 20, 1960. In 1962, he traveled to Japan with the Billy Graham Crusade team, where he played piano and sang solos across the country. He also participated in the Chicago Crusade with the team.

In June of 1971, Dee and Sylvia adopted their son, Terry. Dee had a deep passion for teaching and spent many years as a music instructor at Parkville High School in Baltimore County MD. In December 1971, his choir was invited to compete in the International Choral Festival in Rome, Italy. At just five years old, Terry traveled to Europe with his parents and 80 students where the ensemble won second place overall.

Musically gifted at a young age, Dee first discovered his talent playing an imaginary piano on the windowsill of his home before his family owned a piano. He performed his first solo "Jesus Loves Me," at age 6 in his Dad's church. Dee later directed the choir and congregation there at age 16.

He spent most of his life conducting church choirs and leading congregational singing. His first church was a Baptist Church in a small coastal town in Swansboro, North Carolina. For many years, Dee sang in a male Quartet, The Inspirations (formerly The Royals,) alongside Michael Ward, Ron Walls, the late Bill Pennington. The group performed at numerous churches and recorded several albums.

Over his career, from 1962 to 1987, Dee held several church positions in music ministry in Maryland, Alabama, and Mississippi. In 1987, he worked as the musical consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware, a role he held until his retirement in 2001.

Dee remained close to many of his former students. In July 2024, numerous men and women from his Parkville choir surprised Dee with a 90th birthday celebration. They traveled from all over the country to honor their former teacher. It was an event filled with love and joy.

In addition to Dee's musical abilities, he was a very gifted and creative person. For many years, while on staff at Oak Grove Baptist Church, he created and directed elaborate choral performances, and was involved in designing, building, and decorating many 1st Place floats for the Bel Air Independence Day parades. One noteworthy choral performance and 4th of July parade float was the 1976 Bicentennial celebration, "I love America," which included over 150 colonially dressed men, women, and children of which Dee made many of the costumes. The float won the grand prize.

Christmas was Dee's most favorite time of the year. He spent weeks decorating the house with a different theme each year. Additionally, Dee constructed an extensive Christmas village, transforming multiple rooms into a winter wonderland with glowing cottages, charming shops, mountains, and festive figurines. More than a tradition, it reflected Dee's love for the season and the happiness he found in sharing its beauty with others.

Dee was predeceased in death by his son, Terry Solomon of Parkville, MD, his brothers, Jim and Laverne Solomon, and his sisters, Jewel Cobb and Geraldine Kiser all of North Carolina.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sylvia T. Solomon, grandson, Hunter Solomon (Bree) of Parkville, sisters, Sharon Lassiter, and Elaine Smith (Ron) of North Carolina, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Ln., Towson, MD 21286 on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 10 AM to 11 AM followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in care of Towson United Methodist Church. Checks should be made payable to: Towson United Methodist Church. (Please note in memory of Dee Solomon and designate to UMCOR)

Please remember Dee by signing his guestbook.