09/28/07
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Maureen B. Ebner Gallagher,
devoted mother, wife
Maureen B. Ebner Gallagher of Milton, formerly of Aston, Pa., died Wednesday, Sept. 26.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 15, 1944. She is survived by her loving husband, Harry P. Gallagher of Milton; three sons, Michael P. Gallagher, Timothy M. Gallagher and the Rev. Kevin J. Gallagher; grandchildren Patrick, Maddie, Kyle, Daniel and Marissa; and a sister, Anne Coffey.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Stretch Funeral Home, E. Eagle and St. Denis roads, Havertown, Pa., for visitation from 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 1, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Maureen’s name to a charity of choice that would help poor children.
Arrangements by Stretch of Havertown and O’Leary of Springfield.
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Gustav W. Kullberg,
retired from Revlon
Gustav William “Bill” Kullberg, 79, died Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, in Harbor Healthcare Nursing Home, Lewes.
He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy and also with the Virginia National Guard. Bill was a 55-year member of the American Legion Post 321 in Union Beach, N.J. He married Phyllis Jeannette Gordon on May 13, 1950.
Bill and Phyllis moved to Clayton to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren in 1997. He retired from Revlon Cosmetics in Edison, N.J., after 31 years. He loved going fishing and bowling.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Jennie Miller Kullberg; his son, Robert James Kullberg; and his brother, Harry Emil Kullberg.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Phyllis Jeannette Gordon Kullberg, who is a resident of Harbor Healthcare Nursing Home, Lewes; his son, William Gordon Kullberg of Union Beach, N.J.; his daughter and son-in-law, Valerie Jean and Timothy Milligan of Clayton; five grandchildren, William R. Kullberg, Matthew R. Kullberg, Seth M. Milligan, Ashlyn J. Milligan and Jared J. Milligan; two great-grandchildren, Gage Soffee Kullberg and Maddison Jade Milligan; his sister, Jean K. Mitchell; a sister-in-law, Ruby R. Matthews, both of Emporia, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
After his cremation at Parsell Funeral Home in Lewes, he will be laid to rest on Saturday at Green Grove Cemetery, Keyport, N.J., during a private family ceremony.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware.
Letters of condolence can be sent to 1993 Chance Road, Clayton, DE 19938.
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Nelson E. Chorman,
business owner
Nelson E. Chorman, 77, lifetime resident of Milton, passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Mr. Chorman was born on April 14, 1930, to the late Harold H. and Elizabeth Mae Campbell Chorman of Milton.
He was known in the community as a farmer, gardener, masonry contractor and home daycare provider, since his masonry disability in 1975, when he closed Chorman and Sons Masonry due to a tragic and sudden workplace injury. Nelson and his wife Alma then started a home-based daycare that flourished in the 1980s, serving many local families with a daycare opportunity that many of the daycare children identify with today as being “their second set of grandparents.”
Mr. and Mrs. Chorman took great pride in the kids from the daycare and watched them grow into fine community-minded citizens.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Alma Shockley Chorman in 2001; and three brothers, William Chorman of Millsboro in 1985, Davis Chorman of Milton in 1987 and Donald Chorman of Lincoln in 2002.
Mr. Chorman is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Gary N. and Tracy L. Chorman; and three grandchildren; Patrick H. Chorman, Logan C. Chorman and Camden C. Chorman, all of Milton. He was further blessed by three sons that he and Alma raised as their own, Bruce A. Chorman and his wife Deborah E. and their children Karen E., Sarah R. and Bruce Jr., all of Milton, Raymond Chorman and his wife Jane and their children, Erin and Brittany, all of Milford; and Edward Chorman and his wife Donna, also of Milford. He is survived by two stepsons and their families, Jack L. Herr and wife Georgianna and their children Brandon Herr and Lindsey Herr Groamwalski, of Orlando, Fla.; and Michael W. Herr and wife Susie and their children Holly, Heather and Jonathan of Springfield, Mo.
Mr. Chorman loved his church, Whites Chapel in Milton, where he was baptized and will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. He was very active in many capacities with the church and attended Sunday services regularly.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 28, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. Burial will be in Whites Chapel Cemetery, Coastal Highway, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the church c/o Shirley Millman, 32149 Oak Drive, The Oaks, Lewes, DE 19958.
09/25/07
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Wanda M. Pittenger,
retired restaurateur
Wanda M. Pittenger, 58, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Horne Dillow. She is survived by her husband, Duane A. Pittenger; a daughter, Virginia M. Miller and husband Sean of York, Pa.; three brothers, Paul Dillow, Dennis Dillow and Michael Dillow, all of Baltimore, Md.; two sisters, Donna Holdiness of Corbin, Ky., and Christine Rotonda of Hunt Valley, Md.; and two granddaughters, Eleanna Mae Miller and Emalena Marie Miller.
Wanda was a retired restaurateur now working for the Shore Stop in Millsboro. She was a member of the Red Hat Society’s Razzle Dazzle Dames of Indian Summer Village in Millsboro. Wanda was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary with AMVETS Post 2.
She was a wonderful mother and friend who uplifted everyone’s spirit she came in contact with.
She was truly the sunshine of her family.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 20771 Professional Park Blvd., Unit 1, Georgetown, DE 19947; or the American Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
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Frances S. Mumford,
Georgetown native
Frances S. Mumford, 82, currently of Alexandria, Va., and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away on Sept. 21, 2007, from a second bout of cancer. She was born in Georgetown. Later in life she relocated to Virginia to be closer to her son.
Frances moved to Rehoboth in October 1944. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry in 1971 and her son James “Harry” in 1984.
She is survived by her youngest son, Frank and daughter-in-law, Janice who she came to love as her own daughter. Frances also has a sister, Helen, in Pennsylvania, a sister, Doris, in Seaford, as well as a brother, Howard of Georgetown.
Lastly, the love of her life, her grandson Charley who will always remain a baby in her heart and whom she missed terribly.
Frances worked hard to sustain her family for many years after the passing of her husband until she was no longer able. Since then, Frank has done everything possible to ensure her life was comfortable, painless and carefree, despite her physical limitations and illnesses.
The service will be private.
~
Rose Gundlah,
gifted homemaker
Rose Gundlah, 62, of Chapel Green in Lewes, passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, at Beebe Medical Center after a brief and sudden illness. Rose was born in New York on Oct. 18, 1944, to Salvatore and Victoria Monte.
Her family moved to Nanuet, N.Y. in the 1950s. She graduated from Nanuet High School in 1963. After her marriage she lived in Monroe, N.Y. for 15 years before relocation to Plano, Texas and later to Lake Bonham, Texas. Before retiring to Delaware she worked for nine years for the Lyric Corporation in Allen, Texas. Rose was an avid reader, a gifted homemaker and a talented seamstress. She regularly played bingo with her friends and was a championship mah-jong player, a game she enjoyed and taught to her friends and neighbors in Chapel Green. Rose had a continuing and passionate interest in genealogy in order to obtain all of her family history.
Rose was predeceased by her father, Salvatore Monte and her son, Steven Gundlah. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Donald Gundlah; her mother, Victoria Monte of Clearwater, Fla.; her son, Daniel Gundlah of Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Deneen Wike and her husband Dan of McKinney, Texas and Susan Gundlah of Frisco, Texas; three grandsons, Nathan, Nicholas and Nevin Wike; and her brother, Joseph Monte and his wife Carole of Chapel Green.
Viewing was private and burial will be at the convenience of the family in Plano. Her family wishes to thank all of her friends and neighbors for all of their condolences and prayers.
Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
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Richard Stewart Braid,
decorator, artist
Richard Stewart Braid, 78, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, in Pompano Beach, Fla. He was born in Lynn, Mass., on April 28, 1928.
Mr. Braid served with the U.S. Army in Alaska. An artist and decorator, he retired from the Hecht Co. of Washington, D.C. as the director of visual merchandising. Upon his retirement, he moved to Pinewater Farm, Harbeson, where he spent many happy years.
Mr. Braid is survived by his mother, Catherine Braid, and his sister, Eleanor Pennell, both of Richmond Va.; several nieces and nephews; and his longtime partner, Ted Olivio of Pompano Beach.
A memorial service will be held at the Angola By The Bay Clubhouse at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007.
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Taylor D. Ingram,
Navy veteran
Taylor D. Ingram, of Sumter, S.C., formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, in a Sumter nursing facility. He was 74.
Mr. Ingram was born in Winston-Salem, N.C., son of the late Keston Ingram and the late Penci Duggins.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.
Mr. Ingram was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, and a member of American Legion Post 28, Oak Orchard.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ann Hackman Ingram of Sumter; and two brothers, Gordon Duggins of Bethlehem, Conn., and Charles C. “Buck” Ingram and family of Sumter.
Memorial services will be private.
Arrangements by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium, Sumter.
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Madeline Jarka,
community volunteer
Madeline Jarka, 69, of Bethany Beach, and formerly of Bellerose Village, Long Island, N.Y., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.
Madeline was a 1995 graduate of Empire State College. Madeline retired in 1998 from the New York State Hospital of Mental Health after 12 years of service. She and her husband then moved to the Bethany Beach area and became very active in many civic groups and organizations.
She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, prefect of St. Ann’s Sodality, a member of the Red Hats, Best of the West and a number of quilting groups. Madeline was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Blood Bank, the Bethany Beach Library and at St. Ann’s Bazaar. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Peter Jarka; five children, Jeffrey Jarka and his wife Theresa of Western Springs, Ill., Timothy Jarka and his wife Sheila of Canton, Conn., Jennifer Dekker and her husband David of Weston, Conn., Kenneth Jarka and his wife Avanel of New London, Conn. and Eugene Jarka and his wife Stacy of Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Marilyn D’Amato of Viera, Fla. and 12 grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday Sept. 25 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Madeline’s name to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or Tunnell Cancer Center, 18941 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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Beatrice Bessellieu,
church leader
Beatrice Bessellieu, 95, of Georgetown, departed this life Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in Georgetown.
Beatrice was born in Davisboro, Ga., on June 4, 1911, daughter of Julius and Hannah Mae Fleming.
She was educated in the public schools, Sandersville Industrial School and later Morris Brown College in Atlanta.
After Beatrice’s father became ill, the family moved to Philadelphia, where they joined Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. She became a vital force in all aspects of the church. She was an usher, secretary of the Sunday school, officer in the Allen Christian Endeavor League, and used her rich contralto voice to sing in the choir.
She married the Rev. Henry Thurston Bessellieu, who later became presiding elder of the Milford district, on Oct. 17, 1934. They had 47 years of matrimony before he passed on Jan. 3, 1981.
Beatrice and Henry came to the Delaware Conference in 1937, where Beatrice began her missionary journey at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Laurel.
When her husband was moved in 1939 to Bethel A.M.E. Church, Smyrna, she became president of the local society.
She served as the secretary of the Delaware Conference Branch, and was the first chairperson of promotion and missionary education. She served as first vice president with Dorothy Allen, and again with Joyce T. Brown. She served as chairperson of the constitution and by-laws committee for the conference. She also served as conference branch president from 1972-81.
Beatrice worked diligently on the First Episcopal District, serving on many committees.
She was a member of every Quadrennial Convention of the WMS since 1943. She had the distinct honor of being one of three people who represented Delaware at the Merger Convention in 1943 in Louisville, Ky. She was granted life membership in 1963, thus making her the first life member from the State of Delaware Conference Branch.
Beatrice was a member in good and regular standing of Macedonia A.M.E Church, Seaford, where she served as a steward, member of the Lucretia Nutter WMS, president of the Lay Organization, Sunday school worker and whatever else needed to be done. She worked tirelessly with the ministers” wives, serving as a pioneer organizer.
She was affiliated with the National Council of Negro Women, World Federation of Methodist Women, NAACP, Church Women United - where she served in many capacities, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Beatrice worked with the Bureau of Aging as an ombudsman for patients at the Lewes Convalescent Home. Gov. Thomas R. Carper cited her for her many hours of volunteer work. Her motto was to serve in no particular place, but wherever there was a need until the Master called.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Katherine Ross and her husband Zebulun J. Ross Sr.; her grandchildren, the Hon. Katharine Ross of Wilmington, Dr. Gwendolyn Ross of Hawaii, Zebulun J. Ross Jr. of Maryland, the Rev. Karen Andrews of Mexico, Thomas Bessellieu of Dover, and Connie Felton of Lincoln; a nephew, James Davis of Philadelphia; her dear and special friends, the Rev. and Mrs. Ervin Williams; and her great-grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Macedonia A.M.E. Church, North and Clarence streets, Seaford. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26 at the church, where friends may also call two hours prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Eden Cemetery, Darby, Pa.
Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
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Samuel D. Keenan,
decorated veteran
Samuel D. Keenan, 56, of Millsboro died suddenly Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, at his home.
Mr. Keenan was part owner of Sam’s Furniture for 11 years.
He served in the U.S. Army for two-and-a-half years. He spent 10 months in Vietnam, and was awarded the Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device/M16 Rifle Badge.
Mr. Keenan was preceded in death by his mother, Irene J. Keenan.
He is survived by two sons, Samuel Keenan and Tyler Keenan; his father, Samuel M. Keenan; two brothers, Joseph Keenan and James Keenan; five sisters, Mary Lawson, Barbara Elliott, Irene Keenan, Joan Keenan and Victoria Sanfeliz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with interment in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7422, P.O. Box 606, Millsboro, DE 19966.
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Hazel M. Salmons Downes,
nurse’s assistant
Hazel M. Salmons Downes, 81, of Federalsburg, Md., passed away Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford.
Hazel was born near Eldorado on Dec. 27, 1925, daughter of the late Phillip C. and Carrie Bramble Speorl. She was a certified nurse assistant, and worked at the Methodist Manor House, Seaford, and also had done private duty sitting.
Hazel enjoyed doing crafts, knitting and working in her garden.
She also enjoyed spending time with her family, which included Sunday family dinners.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Norman Charles Salmons in 1965, and John “Jack” Downes in 2000.
Hazel is survived by six daughters, Sandra Swafford of Lewes, Gloria Osterman and her husband John of Federalsburg, Brenda Tribbett and her husband Harry, Beverly Jean Richards and Barbara Layton and her husband George, all of Bridgeville and Bonnie Travers of Federalsburg; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl Speorl and his wife Edna of Newark and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at Framptom Funeral Home, Federalsburg, with interment private at Hill Crest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund, c/o Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 102 E. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601.
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Daisy V. Buchter,
retired tavern owner
Daisy V. Buchter, 79, of Millsboro, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark.
She was the daughter of the late Hoke and Edna Keaton Jarvis.
Daisy was a retired tavern owner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Buchter and son, William D. Blimline.
She is survived by two sons, Randell L. Blimline and his wife Mary Jane of Charlotte, N.C., Gene A. Blimline and his wife Judi, of Reading, Pa.; a stepson, Ted Buchter of Knoxville, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Barbara “Bonnie” Haas of Reading, Pa., and Patty Mason of Arlington, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Blimline of Hazel, Ky.; her grandchildren, Genson A. Blimline, Jana A. Blimline, Randell L. Blimline II, Christen Whitley, Shelly Kiser, Tracy Blimline, Amber Blimline-Martinez; and her great-grandchildren, Alston Blimline, Autumn Kiser, Corbin Kiser, Julian Martinez, Catherine Maggie Whitley, Andrew Blimline.
A funeral service was held at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of choice.
~
Mary M. Kopera,
Lewes resident
Mary M. Kopera, 78, of Lewes, and formerly of Hyattsville, Md., died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007.
Beloved wife of Urban “Butch” Kopera; mother of Robert “Bob” Kopera (Marna) of Bethesda, Md., she is also survived by two grandchildren, Megan Kopera of College Park, Md. and Patrick Kopera of Bethesda, Md.
Services and interment were held in Hastings, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or the CHEER Senior Center of Lewes.
~
William K. Kenton Jr.,
Draper executive
William K. Kenton Jr., 59, died at his home Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, after a long struggle with stroke-related injuries.
Bill was born in Milford on June 9, 1948, along with his twin sister, Joanne Shirey, children of William K. Sr. and Jean Calhoun Kenton.
He graduated from Milford High School in 1966 and the University of Virginia in 1971.
Bill spent his entire career in sales and management with his friend and employer, Thomas H. Draper, president of Draper Communications Inc. Mr. Draper recruited Bill after college to manage the WTHD radio station in Milford. Bill and Tom expanded the small local radio station into WAFL Country, a successful FM broadcast station based in Delaware.
In 1980 Draper Communications Inc. purchased WBOC-TV in Salisbury, where Bill served as general manager and vice president, retiring as president in 2002. Bill helped guide WBOC through the revolution in broadcasting spawned by digital communications and the era of computers. Today the station is fully digital and features high definition TV for its viewers.
Bill was an avid supporter of lacrosse as an interscholastic sport in Salisbury and Delmarva, organizing several local leagues in the 1990s to introduce the sport to local residents.
A waterfowl hunter since early youth, he was a member of Tall Pine and Bombay hunt clubs in Delaware, as well as a board member for local Ducks Unlimited chapters.
Bill was a charter member of the Wicomico Rotary Club in Salisbury.
Most recently, Bill served as public relations director for the Milford Museum, where he was organizing a fund-raising campaign to expand the museum to a full-time schedule.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Phyllis V. Kenton; a daughter, Tiffany Buchanan of Arlington, Va.; two sons, William K. Kenton III of Arlington, Va., and Glenn Ellis Kenton, a senior at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.; a grandson, Kenton Buchanan, 2, living in Arlington, Va.; two brothers, Glenn C. Kenton, Esq., of Wilmington, and David W. Kenton of Milford; and a twin sister, Joanne Shirey of Seaford.
Services were held Saturday, Sept. 22. Interment will be private.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Peninsula Regional Medical Foundation Stroke Center, 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21801.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Short Funeral Home of Delmar.
~
Marian Ellis Carr,
nursery school teacher
Marian Anne Ellis Carr, 78, of Dover, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, in Westminster Village Health Care Center.
Mrs. Carr was born March 31, 1929, in Wilmington, to William H. and Maude Lowe Ellis.
After high school, she attended Wesley College, Dover.
She was married to John Carr, who preceded her in death.
Mrs. Carr was a homemaker and worked at Farmer’s Bank and as a nursery school teacher.
She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Dover.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Mrs. Carr was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Ellis.
Mrs. Carr is survived by two sons, Jeffrey W. Carr of the Woodlands, Texas, and Michael D. Carr of Rehoboth Beach; and a daughter, Lisa A. Carr of Magnolia.
Funeral services will be private.
Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.
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Golden Lee Gibbs,
Harbeson resident
Golden Lee Gibbs, 66, of Harbeson, departed this life Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 66.
Born in Lake Landing, N.C., on Feb. 17, 1941, he was the son of the late Melton and Sophia Gibbs.
Mr. Gibbs came to live in Delaware in 1946 and remained until his demise.
Goldie, as he was fondly known, attended public school in Concord, Drawbridge and Richard Allen, Georgetown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Lee Gibbs and Annie Evans.
He is survived by one son, Eunsice Oliver of Mount Joy; one sister, Hattie Durogene of Ellendale; two brothers, William Gibbs and Johnny Gibbs, both of Georgetown; one grandchild, Kenya Oliver; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at the Church of God, Georgetown, with burial in Old Hickory Cemetery, Slaughter Neck.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
09/21/07
~
John U. Rogers,
construction supervisor
John U. Rogers, 80, of Greenwood, passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 80.
Mr. Rogers was born in Georgetown, son of the late Norman B. and Dorothy Cooper Rogers. He was a retired construction supervisor.
Mr. Rogers was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
He was a longtime member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Rogers is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Evelyn Mitchell Rogers; a daughter, Jan Lockwood; a sister, Lois Downs; two grandchildren, Luke Lockwood and his wife Komae, and Brittany Lockwood; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Airport Road, Milford.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
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John R. Megee Jr.,
local electrician
John R. “John John” Megee Jr., 56, of Milton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, in his home.
He was a self-employed electrician who had worked in the area for many years and had also worked for NCR and Draper Canning Co.
John John graduated from Milton High School. He enjoyed fishing and NASCAR. He was a veteran of the Air Force Reserves and member of American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Lee Megee, in 1952.
John John is survived by his parents, John Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Hill Megee of Milton; and a host of extended family members and friends.
A funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 23, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton where friend may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
Flowers are accepted or contributions in John John’s memory can be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or the Milton Fire Dept., 116 Front St., Milton, DE 19968.
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Elizabeth B. Meeker,
former teacher
Elizabeth Bradley Meeker of Henlopen Acres died surrounded by her family after a long illness Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Mrs. Meeker, a former teacher at Washington Episcopal Day School in Maryland and Epworth Preschool in Rehoboth Beach, was a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, King’s Creek Country Club, the Rehoboth Art League and the Friends of the Rehoboth Library. She resided in Washington, D.C. before retiring to Rehoboth Beach in 1997.
Born in Wilmington, Mrs. Meeker was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School class of 1954 and Mount Holyoke College class of 1958. Mrs. Meeker was a former member of the Wilmington and New York City junior leagues and the Wilmington Country Club.
Her husband, Jerome D. Meeker, a Washington attorney, died in 1974.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth “Libby” Meeker Crangle and Robert Crangle of Ashburn, Va., and her son and daughter-in-law, Bradley D. Meeker and Jennifer Meeker of Swarthmore, Pa. She also is survived by her five granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave. in Rehoboth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Saints’ Church in her memory.
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Brenda Carol Smith,
Hardee’s employee
Brenda Carol Lewis Smith, 51, departed this life suddenly Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. She was born Aug. 24, 1956, in Accomac, Va., to Minnie Hallett and the late John Olden Lewis.
Brenda received her education in the Indian River School District.
She was employed by Hardee’s in Georgetown.
In addition to her family, Brenda was loved by many friends.
Her favorite word, often used, was “spontaneous,” and her favorite pastime was sharing her love with her family and grandchildren.
Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Minnie Hallett of Millsboro; a special friend of 13 years, Donnell Cornish of Georgetown; five children, Vincent Lewis Jr. of Millsboro, Patricia Lewis of Selbyville, Craig Lewis (Melissa) of Felton, and Marvin Smith Jr. and Latricia Smith, both of Georgetown; 10 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; four sisters, Brenette Lewis Rich of Delmar, Annette Hallett Bailey of Georgetown, Diane Lewis of Salisbury, Md., and Geraldine Lewis of South Carolina; five brothers, Brantley (Juanita) Lewis of Georgetown, George Hallett of Millsboro, William Lewis and John Lewis, both of Salisbury, and Danny Lewis of Wilmington; two uncles, John Hallett of Bishopville, Md., and Ernest Hallett of Frankford; three aunts, Gloria Hallett of Brooklyn, N.Y., Audrey Hallett of Bishopville, and Alberta Harp of Milford; a special cousin, Sylvester Dixon of South Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Camp.
The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to everyone for their prayers, support of visitation, phone calls, contributions and all other acts of kindness shown during their time of bereavement.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, in Calvary Pentecostal Church, Bishopville, where friends may call one hour earlier. Pastor Rosie M. Hall will officiate.
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Noah B. Smith,
retired deputy warden
Noah B. Smith, 91, of Georgetown, passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, at Harrison Senior Living, Georgetown.
Noah was born in Milton, son of the late James W. and Lela Bryan Smith.
He was a deputy warden at the Sussex Correctional Institute in Georgetown for many years, retiring in 1984.
Noah was a member of the Coolspring Presbyterian Church and past member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Milton.
Noah was involved with the Georgetown Little League and girls softball, and enjoyed woodworking, rabbit hunting and farming.
In addition to his parents and siblings, Noah was preceded in death by his wife, Florence V. Martin Smith, in 1995; and a son, Donald Smith.
Noah is survived by three children, Jo Ellen Tracy and her husband Bill of Georgetown, Robert N. Smith of Georgetown and Anthony M. Smith and his wife Ann of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call one hour prior.
Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
Contributions in Noah’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Regional Office, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805.
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John Richard Clayville,
truck driver
John Richard Clayville, 52, of Greenwood, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, at his residence.
Born in Milford, the son of the late Cora E. Green and Raymond W. Clayville, he was a truck driver for National Concrete Co. of Greenwood. He was a graduate of Seaford High School; he liked old tractors and attended a lot of auctions.
He is survived by two brothers and their wives, Edward R. and JoAnn Clayville and Alan and Peggy Clayville of Seaford; a niece and nephew, Teresa Clayville and Alan Clayville Jr. of Laurel; and an uncle, Rodney Green of Lewes.
A graveside service was held Thursday, Sept. 20, in Conley’s United Methodist Church Cemetery, followed by interment in the cemetery.
Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford.
~
Elizabeth Kilby Deeds,
active in civic clubs
Elizabeth Kilby Deeds, 97, of Manassas, Va., and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 3, 2007, at Prince William Hospital in Manassas.
Elizabeth and her husband, Jack Deeds, lived in Country Club Estates, Rehoboth, from 1980 to 2004, when they moved to an assisted living apartment in Manassas to be close to their family.
While in Rehoboth, she was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, and she and her husband were active in the Rehoboth Beach Elks Club, Lions Club, Senior Center and TOPS Weight Club.
Elizabeth brought joy and smiles to all who knew her and her joy of life will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Melvin O. Kilby.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jack F. Deeds Jr. of Manassas; her two daughters and their husbands, Janet and Waldo O’Hara of Fairfax Station, Va., and Betty and Larry Cleghorn of Woodbridge, Va.; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, with interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Md.
Cards of condolence may be forwarded to Jack Deeds at 9201 Portner Ave., Apt. 129, Manassas, VA 20110.
~
George C. Hicks,
retired police officer
George C. Hicks, 75, of Lititz, Pa., formerly of Angola Neck, passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, at Landis Homes, Lititz.
Born in Maytown, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles and May Rettew Hicks, and was the husband of the late Edythe L. Edwards Hicks, who passed away in December 1999.
A graduate of Donegal High School, he went into service with the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, having served on the USS San Pablo. After his service, he attended Millersville State College. In February 1957, George began his career with the Lititz Police Department, and in March 1961 was promoted to chief of police in Lititz. He retired Dec. 31, 1965.
In 1969, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Chiefs of Police Association. He was also the first elected president of the Lancaster County Police Chiefs Association on Jan. 8, 1975. He enjoyed fishing, reading, woodworking and doing crossword puzzles.
George is survived by his sons, Scott W. Hicks of Oakland, Calif., Ross B. Hicks, husband of Mary Ann Hicks of Milford, and Charles C. Hicks, husband of Angela L. Hicks of Wrightsville, Pa.; three grandchildren, Ross B. II, Samantha and Cameron; and two sisters, Louise, wife of Harry Schuster of Warminster, Pa. and Margaret, wife of David Schaeffer of Rocky Hill, N.J.
A life celebration service was held at West Bethany Chapel of Landis Homes, Lititz. Interment was held in the Reformed Church Cemetery in Maytown.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in George’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA, 17604-4125.
~
Lester Thomas Jr.,
auto body shop owner
Lester “Buster” Thomas Jr., 54, passed away Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at JFK Medical Center, Atlantis, Fla., after a short battle with cancer.
Mr. Thomas was born Oct. 22, 1952, in Milford, son of Doris Thomas and the late Lester Thomas Sr.
He lived in Ellendale before moving to Lake Worth, Fla. While in Delaware, Mr. Thomas enjoyed crabbing and fishing. He was self-employed where he operated an auto body shop.
Mr. Thomas enjoyed fixing and restoring cars.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his devoted companion of 27 years, Nancy Noblett; a son, Lester Thomas III of Las Vegas, Nev.; a daughter, Montana Thomas of Lake Worth; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Steven and Dawn Thomas of Milton, and Kevin and Linda Thomas of Bethel; a sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Benjamin Beckett of Felton; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
Arrangements by Neptune Society Crematorium, West Palm Beach, Fla.
~
Mary G. Murray,
secretary, accountant
Mary G. Murray, of Newark, died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007.
Miss Murray was a daughter of the late George W. Murray and Gertrude Fader Murray, born Aug. 18, 1924, in Newark at her family’s home on Barksdale Road where she would continue to live until 2000.
A professional secretary and accountant, she worked for the former Beadenkopf Leather Co. in Wilmington and later for the Hercules Corp., also in Wilmington, retiring in 1989.
Miss Murray was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, where she was a member of the Women’s Association and had served as a deacon. She enjoyed league bowling at the Blue Hen Lanes in Newark and had served as the league secretary.
An avid traveler, she visited Hawaii, Europe and many parts of the United States. She delighted in swimming throughout her life and looked forward to beach vacations at Wildwood, N.J., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Miss Murray also enjoyed reading and watching sports, especially University of Delaware football.
She is survived by four siblings, Dorothy M. Burris of Woodcrest, George W. Murray Jr. of Newark, Janet M. Ivins of Milton and Margery M. Kinnikin of York, Pa.; three nephews, George W. Murray III of Newark, David L. Murray of Newark and Richard C. Ivins of Milton; two nieces, Ann K. Parsons of Lewes and Bernice Scott of Elkton, Md.; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and nine great-great-nieces and -nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Eugene H. Scott.
A funeral service was held at the First Presbyterian Church, Newark. Interment followed in Head of Christiana Cemetery, Nottingham Road, Newark.
Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711.
~
Susan Grimble,
owned accounting firm
Susan Grimble, 52, of Cape Coral, Fla., and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sept. 3, 2007, in Cape Coral, two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
A longtime resident and owner of an accounting business in Rehoboth Beach, Susan moved to Cape Coral in March of 2001. She was the chief financial officer of AD Systems.
She is survived by her loving friend and partner, Ed Gsell of Cape Coral; two sisters, Carolyn Watt of Wilmington, and Sarah Bukowski also of Delaware; and her mother, Rose Roser of Wilmington.
Susan’s loving spirit and warm smile will be forever remembered in the hearts of her loved ones and friends.
She overcame many obstacles in her short life, but never let that deter her from living each day to the fullest. Our lives are richer and more joyous for having known Susan.
She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, a port in life’s sudden storms, a place a friend could feel safe, always lending a hand or a shoulder.
She was a great listener, communicator and loyal friend. Her gentle soul loved gardening and stargazing. She could sit for hours reading quietly and peacefully.
Susan’s love of angels is really quite ironic, because she is our angel.
A memorial service was held for Susan in Cape Coral on Saturday, Sept. 15. And for those who attended or sent their sympathies from afar, our common bond is that we will all deeply miss Susan forever.
~
Dorothy Fisher Morgan,
retired from UD
Dorothy Fisher Morgan, 82, of Fieldwood, Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Newark, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Green Valley Terrace Nursing Home in Millsboro. Mrs. Morgan was born February 16, 1925, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Fisher.
She was educated in the Wilmington Public Schools, graduating from Wilmington High School, class of 1943. She married her husband of 58 years, William “Bill” Morgan, on July 16, 1949.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by three daughters, Jeannie Moore and her husband Chaplain (Colonel) Gary of Easton, Md., Diane Conte and Faye Duffy, both of Newark; two grandsons, David Webster and Nicholas Conte; two granddaughters, Courtney Moore and Jillian Duffy; one great-grandson, David Webster Jr.; her sister, Virginia Rossiter and her husband Paul; one niece and two nephews.
Mrs. Morgan was employed by F.W. Woolworth, American Viscose, Atlas Powder and for 20 years by the University of Delaware, retiring in 1988.
She loved to attend the Nur Shrine conventions and U.S. Navy reunions with her husband.
She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, and an active participant of the Elizabeth Circle. Prior to moving to Sussex County, she was a 30-year member of Christiana United Methodist Church, where she sang in the church choir and taught Sunday School.
She also loved music and theatre, traveling and cruising, and she was a voracious reader; most of all she loved her family.
The family would like to thank Dorothy’s many caregivers from Delaware Hospice and Green Valley Terrace Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where the family will receive friends starting at 6 p.m.
Interment will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to the charity of choice.
~
John U. Rogers,
retired construction supervisor
John U. Rogers, 80, of Greenwood, passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 80.
Mr. Rogers was born in Georgetown, son of the late Norman B. and Dorothy Cooper Rogers.
He was a retired construction supervisor.
Mr. Rogers was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
He was a longtime member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Rogers is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Evelyn Mitchell Rogers; a daughter, Jan Lockwood; a sister, Lois Downs; two grandchildren, Luke Lockwood and his wife Komae, and Brittany Lockwood; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Airport Road, Milford.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
09/18/07
~
Daniel J. Copans,
defense dept. retiree
Daniel John Copans, 77, of Rehoboth Beach, previously of Sarasota, Fla., died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, at Courtland Manor in Dover, after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mr. Copans was born in Huntington, N.Y., the son of the late Daniel and Edna Niver Copans. Dan has been a resident of Delaware since 1969, moving here from Arlington, Va. He was a member of the Alumni of Union College, class of 1951.
He worked for the Defense Department in Washington, D.C. for 25 years, retiring in 1979. Dan enjoyed riding bicycles, watching sports, going to the beach, cooking and reading the Washington Post. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Milton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Paula Lucacek Copans, in 1986, and a brother, Billy Copans.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Pauline E. Copans; seven children, Danny J. Copans and his companion, Diane, of San Francisco, Calif.; Christopher J. Copans and his wife, Marilyn, of Vienna, Va.; Brian M. Copans and his wife, Pam, of Athens, Ohio; William B. Copans and his wife, Judy, of Sterling, Va.; Leslie D. Gibson and her husband, Barry, of Astor, Fla.; Jennifer E. Johnson and her husband, Steve, of Vienna; Thea C. Kelleher and her husband, Steve. of Vienna; two stepchildren, Jodi E. Johnson and her husband, Paul, of San Francisco and Lt. Col. Joseph S. Rogers and his wife, Yolanda, of Hawaii; two sisters, Mary Jayne Cannella and her husband Gus of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Patricia Townsend and her husband Jack of Naples, Fla.; 13 grandchildren, Amy; Aubrey; Aleksandr; Christopher and his wife, Gabi; Daniel; Emma; Eleanor; Mollie; Max; Nathan; Roy; Riley; and Shelly; and two greatgrandchildren, David and Cecelia, all who adored their Op Pop, Pe Pa and Grandpa Dan.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church in Milton. Burial will be private.
Contributions may be made to American Parkinson Disease Assoc., J. Louis Blumberg Chapter, 332 Gerard Ave. Elkins Park, PA 19027 or Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
~
George R. Wilkinson Jr.,
Doo dah parade founder
George Robert “Bob” Wilkinson Jr., age 70, of Lewes, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in Elsmere as a result of a tragic automobile accident.
He was born March 7, 1937, in Wilmington, son of the late George R. Wilkinson and Virginia Marian White Wilkinson Coleman.
Mr. Wilkinson had a long and successful career in real estate in Sussex County starting with Anderson Stokes in the 1970s. He was one of the founders of the Doo-Dah Parade held annually in Lewes on the Fourth of July.
He loved to fish and entertain and where he was so too was his dog Lexie. He was especially devoted to his family and friends. He will be missed terribly by so many. He also served his country with the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his daughter, Connie-Jo Martinez and her husband John of Newtown, Pa.; two sons, George Robert “Guy” Wilkinson III and Scott Wade Wilkinson, both of Lewes; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce Leigh Matassino of Greenville, and Joyce Anne Simmons and her husband Bill of Georgetown; and his devoted friend, Lorenzo West of Lewes.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Rev. William Hopkins will be officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the S.P.C.A., 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
~
Jessie Lawson Wilkins,
Sussex businesswoman
Jessie Dodd Lawson Wilkins, 87, of Milford, passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at her home.
Mrs. Wilkins was a member of the Harbeson United Methodist Church, the Harbeson Homemakers, past president of the Georgetown PTA, had chaperoned for the Miss Delaware Contest and had formerly served on the Return Day Committee for Georgetown.
For many years she had been involved in the operation of the Harbeson Feed Company and Lawson Construction Company along with her first husband, Clifford William Lawson, who passed in 1970.
For many years she served as a hostess for her brother at the Dodd-Carey Funeral Home and for Keith Parsell in later years.
In addition she was predeceased by her sister Julia Dodd King in 1998.
She is survived by her husband, Loraine W. Wilkins; two sons, William Lawson and wife Judith of Georgetown, and Robert L. Lawson and wife Diana of Harbeson; a brother, Ronald F. Dodd and wife Rebecca of Georgetown; grandchildren Todd F. Lawson and wife Stacy of Arlington, Va., Clifford W. Lawson II and wife Meg of Georgetown, Kirk Lawson and wife Mary of Harbeson and Kris Lawson of Millsboro; two great-grandsons, Robbie Lawson of Harbeson and Case Louis Lawson of Georgetown; a stepdaughter, Linda Davis and husband Mike of Harrington; step-granddaughters Robin Esham and Carrie Lamb of Clarksville, Md., and Amber Welch and husband Scott of Bridgeville; step-grandson Micky Davis and wife Lori of Middletown; step-great-grandson Tyler Welch of Bridgeville; step-great-granddaughter Caitlin Davis of Middletown; and niece Kay King Sobolewski of Florida.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 16. Burial followed in Harbeson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to the Harbeson United Methodist Church, Harbeson.
~
Randy W. Norman,
fire police lieutenant
Randy W. Norman, 49, of Bethany Beach, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Norman was born Dec. 25, 1957, in Columbia, S.C.
Mr. Norman was assistant director of security at Sea Colony, Bethany Beach.
Mr. Norman was a member of Bethel U.M. Church, Dagsboro. He was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
He was a member of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company for the last 11 years where he previously served as chief engineer, corporate secretary, bingo organizer and chairman of the bingo drive. He was currently a lieutenant in the Delaware State Fire Police. His hobbies included fishing, collecting knives, and he loved Clint Eastwood westerns. He was devoted to his family, his country and to the fire department.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny William Norman.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jill Robb Norman; a son, Justin William Norman, Bethany Beach; a daughter, Sarah Lindsay Norman of Bethany Beach; a brother, Gary Wayne Norman of Portland, Ore.; his mother and stepfather, Lois D. Robertson Myers and James E. Myers of Greenburg, Ky.; and many fire department members and fellow security officers.
Services with Fireman Honors will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company. The Rev. Carol Svecz will officiate. Interment will be in Mariners Bethel U.M. Church Cemetery, Ocean View.
Contributions are suggested to Mr. Norman’s family in order to defray medical expenses, c/o Watson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Millsboro, DE 19966
~
Rosetta Powell-Savage,
Milton missionary
Missionary Rosetta Powell-Savage, 76, of Milton, departed this life Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, and went home to be with the Lord.
Missionary Rosetta was born Dec. 18, 1930, in Norfolk, Va., to the late Clara and Ross Lambert.
She received her early education in Titus Town, Norfolk.
In 1948, she moved to Milton and was converted in the Mount Zion Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Elder Jacob Brittingham Sr.
Missionary Rosetta then attended the Mount Sinai Holy Mission Church under the leadership of her sister, the late Pastor Viola Butts.
She was a missionary, pianist and member of the church choir.
Missionary Rosetta was known as a soloist, singing three of her favorite songs, “Smile,” “I Made it to the Main Highway,” and “Please Be Patient with Me.”
Later in 1998, she transferred her membership and continued her missionary work while serving God under the leadership of her daughter, Pastor Patricia Powell, in the newly renovated Watch God Move Christian Center, where she was mother of the church.
Missionary Rosetta’s strong religious conviction and belief in God dictated and guided her actions and reactions.
She was an icon in her community. She often visited the sick when she wasn’t feeling well herself.
Missionary Rosetta would make friends at the senior center when she visited in her spare time.
She would always lend a helping hand to assist those in need.
There were many occasions when she may see a person smoking and would go to them and say, “Smoking is bad for your health and it’s a bad habit. Jesus loves you and I do too and that is why I am telling you.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Powell Jr.; four brothers; three sisters, Viola Butts, Mary Mynatt and Louise Eley; and one son, Ernest Samuel.
She is survived by one brother, Raymond Lambert of Bridgeville, who lovingly called her “Mutt”; one sister, Daisey Williams of Salisbury, Md.; four daughters, Clara Wright of Ellendale, Delores Hurst of Laurel, Patricia Powell of Bridgeville, and Barbara Soto of Seaford; one son, Louis Powell Jr. of Georgia; one daughter-in-law, Debbie Powell; two sons-in-law, Willie Wright and Leroy Hurst; 24 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at Mt. Zion Holiness Church, Milton, with burial in the Milford Community Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
~
Betty J. Webb Hastings,
cafeteria server
Betty J. Webb Hastings, 73, of Lewes, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at her residence.
Mrs. Hastings was born in Chester, Pa., daughter of the late Fillmore and Polly Mae Dillinger Webb.
She formerly lived in Powder Springs, Ga., where she worked for 22 years as a cafeteria server at Compton Elementary School. Mrs. Hastings and her husband, Robert, retired to Lewes in 1997, where she greatly enjoyed her beach home. She also enjoyed watching TV, particularly “Law & Order” and “Matlock,” and doing word puzzles.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by two sisters, Reva Thompson and Eloise Hart; and two brothers, Fillmore Webb Jr. and Richard Webb.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert R. Hastings, a son, Thomas D. Reid of Dallas, Ga.; a daughter, Linda J. Campbell of Bear; a daughter, Karen J. Cook of Lewes; four grandsons, Anthony Petro, Joshua Campbell, Matthew Cook and Thomas Daniel Reid; two sisters, Phyllis Gatta and Patricia Frasher, both of Wilmington; a brother, Leslie Webb of Claymont; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with Edgar J. Miller officiating. Entombment will follow in the Bethel Methodist Cemetery Mausoleum, Savannah Road, Lewes.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
~
Mary Etta Sanders,
archery champion
Mary Etta Sanders, 78, of Westminster, Md., died Saturday morning, Sept. 15, 2007, at the Carroll Hospice Dove House.
Born Sept. 10, 1929, in West Henrietta, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late John C. and Inez Virginia Perry Durbin. She was the wife of the late Edward J. “Spike” Sanders, who died June 7, 2002.
Before retiring, Mrs. Sanders worked at Telemecanique.
She was a member of the National Field Archery Association, Maryland Archery Association, Mayberry Archers, Carroll County Senior Pool League and Zion United Methodist Church. Mrs. Sanders was Maryland State Archery Champion several times over, right-handed and left-handed. She received numerous gold medals at the Maryland Senior Olympics in archery and billiards.
She enjoyed hunting, billiards, fishing, archery and traveling and had been in all 50 states.
Mrs. Sanders is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon A. and Richard Seifert of Milton and Elizabeth M. and Jerry Darnell of Riverdale; a son, James A. Sanders of York, Pa.; a brother, Ralph Durbin of Conesus, N.Y.; a sister, Ruth Fanton of Honeoye, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Krista and Eric Seifert, Angela and Charles Darnell, Margaret Lowe, Cathrine Andersen and Juliette Lowe.
She was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Marge Sanders.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 254 E. Main St., Westminster, with her pastor, the Rev. Richard Shamer, officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157; or Westminster Senior Activities Center, Pool League, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.
~
Lillian P. Nielsen,
retired seamstress
Lillian Pilkington Nielsen, 86, of Ellendale died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at her home.
She was born Nov. 11, 1920, in Wilkes County, N.C. She was one of 13 children of the late Granville and Mamie Pilkington.
During World War II, Lillian operated a lathe in the Norfolk, Va. naval yard, where she met her husband. After moving to Delaware, she worked as a seamstress in several sewing factories in Milton and Milford. She also owned and operated a service station for many years.
Lillian was a member of Georgetown Chapel 9, Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Clowns of Delaware, where she was the clown named Daisy. She loved clowning around and having fun.
Lillian enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and making crafts of all kinds. She was talented and could make anything and everything. She also loved to sing. Her fun-loving spirit will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond W. Nielsen, in 2000; and nine sisters and brothers.
She is survived by a son, James Lowe of Bristol, Tenn.; three sisters, Nora Walker of Moravian Falls, N.C., Ella Batten of Thomasville, N.C., and Pearl Smith of Lexington, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other family members.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Milton, with interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
~
Mildred J. Short,
avid collector
Mildred J. Short, 81, of Millsboro, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, in her home.
Mildred was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7422, Millsboro. She was a collector of many things, some of which were glass chickens, lighthouses and toothpick holders.
Mildred was a member of the morning McDonald’s crew.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha E. Moore; her husband, John M. Short Sr.; and her sons, Gregory Short and John M. Short Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Kenneth L. Short and his wife Teresa of Mt. Carmel, Pa., and Richard Short and his wife Ina of Seaford; a sister, Lillian Gray of Millsboro; her grandchildren, John Short, Karl Short, Jeff Short and Dallas Short; a great-granddaughter, Alivia Short; many nieces and nephews; other family members, Fayetta Djakovich of Millsboro, Pete Djakovick and his wife Pam of Milton, and David R. Briggs of Millsboro; and her friends, Mary Wilkins and Katherine Atkins.
Services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Bob Hudson will officiate.
Burial will be in Millsboro Cemetery.
~
Dennis J. Donovan
retired chemist
Dennis J. Donovan, 78, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dennis was born in Wilmington, September 25, 1928, the son of Irish immigrants who settled on North Clayton Street. He graduated from St. Thomas Elementary School, Salesianum High School class of 1946 and LaSalle College.
He was employed as a chemist with the DuPont Co. before being drafted by the U. S. Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service, Dennis returned to the DuPont Co. He moved on to Fisher Scientific Co. as a sales representative and rose through management ranks during a 30-year career to become vice president of sales. He ultimately retired from VWR Scientific, Fisher Scientific’s parent company, as vice president, national accounts.
Dennis was the life of every party - and there were many - and a generous and gracious host to his six children and their friends at his homes in Raleigh, N.C., Annapolis, Md., and Rehoboth Beach. He was an avid traveler and he made it his mission to visit Irish pubs in cities across the globe. Dennis was a former trustee of St. John the Beloved Parish, leading a capital campaign that led to the construction of the current church. He was an active Eucharistic Minister and took great pride in leading the Sunday money counters and the annual Christmas decoration committee for the parish.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Dennis P. Donovan and Julia Healy Donovan; and his sisters, Catherine Donovan Kreggenwinkel and Annie Donovan. He is survived by his children, Erin Donovan and her husband, Robert Goodson, Kathleen Donovan, Patrick Donovan, Michael Donovan, Kevin Donovan and his wife, Elizabeth and Maureen Donovan and her husband, Bill Lenihan. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren who loved spending time with “Grandpoppy,” Kyle, Evan, Julia and Hannah Donovan and Kerry, Brendan and Brian Goodson. “Uncle Sonny” is also survived by his loving nieces, Judy Kreggenwinkel, Ann Mills and Carol Shimel; his former wife, Jeanne S. Moore; and his caring partner for the last several years, Debbie Zentmeyer.
An Irish wake was held at the Doherty Funeral Home, Pike Creek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Sherwood Park. Interment will follow the Mass in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dennis Donovan may be made to St. Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808 or to Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802.
~
Evelyn M. Holbert,
retired manager
Evelyn Marie Holbert, 69, of Millsboro, formerly of Warrington, Pa., passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at her home.
She was a quality control manager for E.R.C. in Doylestown, Pa. and Union, N.J,, retiring after 38 years of service.
Evelyn enjoyed fishing, cooking, and she loved spending time at home with her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Robert Michael Holbert; two sons, Tom Carroll and his wife Jenny, and Steven Carroll; a daughter, Tonya Stenken; and five grandchildren, Teddy, Sophia, Ellena, Michael, and Shelby.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Evelyn’s memory to American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, Wilmington, DE 19720.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
~
Doris M. Waples,
retired secretary
Doris M. Waples, 83, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at home.
Mrs. Waples was born on Oct. 3, 1923, in Millsboro, to the late Harvey and Blanche Phillips Lawson.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, William G. Waples Sr., in 1995.
Mrs. Waples retired from Stockley Center in Georgetown as a secretary in 1980.
She was a member of the Life Light Tabernacle, Millsboro. She loved to play cards and loved being with her family.
She is survived by two sons, William Waples and his wife Sandra of Millsboro and David Waples of Salisbury, Md.; one daughter, Gail Sexton and her husband Parris of Millsboro; one brother, Robert Lawson of Millsboro; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour before the service.
Interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery, State Street, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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