Annapolis, Md. — Thelma W. Beall, co-founder and former president of Ledo Pizza Systems who helped establish one of Southern Maryland’s most iconic restaurant brands in 1955, died December 31, 2025, at Anne Arundel Medical Center from natural causes. She was 101.
Born October 17, 1924, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to George A. Wyvill and Beatrice A. Wyvill, Beall graduated from Upper Marlboro High School in 1942. She worked for the federal government from 1942 to 1945 before transitioning to the restaurant business with her husband, Robert L. “Bob” Beall, and partner Tommy Marcos. In 1955, the trio opened the original Ledo Restaurant in Adelphi, Prince George’s County, launching what grew into a regional chain known for its square-cut pizzas featuring sweet tomato sauce, smoked provolone cheese, and thick-cut pepperoni, a style often called Maryland-style pizza.
During the early years, Beall worked hands-on as a server and hostess at the Adelphi location. Her focus on hospitality and creating a family atmosphere helped define the brand’s identity. Ledo Pizza officials stated that her influence persists in the company’s dedication to service and the values she helped shape. Since the founding, Beall provided ongoing support and wise counsel as the business expanded across Maryland and into neighboring states.
A 20-year resident of Annapolis at the time of her death, Beall previously lived in Davidsonville. She was a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville. Outside her professional life, Beall was an avid reader who enjoyed dining out. Described as a devoted homemaker, she cherished time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and recently welcomed two great-great-grandsons.
Beall was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Robert L. Beall; her parents; and siblings William A. Wyvill, George “Jack” Wyvill, and Alice Wells. She is survived by her children Robert M. Beall (Margaret Kilby Beall) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mildred L. Beall of Davidsonville, and Thelma “Bea” Beall of Davidsonville; her brother Donald J. Wyvill of Upper Marlboro; six grandchildren, Robert G. Beall, Troy L. Beall, Garth E. Beall, Joseph A. Nye, James B. Beall, and Amy B. Schropp; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Friends gathered to celebrate her life January 4, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W Central Avenue, Davidsonville, followed by interment at Lakemont Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online, or to Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W Central Avenue, Davidsonville.
Ledo Pizza, headquartered in Maryland, announced Beall’s passing last week, noting her instrumental role in the company’s founding and ongoing legacy. In a statement shared on social media, the company wrote, “We will miss you, Grandma,” underscoring her familial role within the organization.
Ledo Pizza began as a single neighborhood restaurant in Prince George’s County and expanded into a chain recognized throughout Southern Maryland and the broader region for its distinctive pizza style and commitment to community. Beall’s contributions spanned seven decades, from the hands-on early days to advisory support as the brand grew.