02/27/09

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Charles V. Marvel, retired farmer
Charles V. Marvel, 90, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Charles was born in Coolspring, the son of the late Theodore and Ethel Veasey Marvel. He was a farmer in the Lewes and Coolspring areas until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the N.R.A. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Calhoun Marvel. He is survived by his stepson, Albert Derickson Sr. of Lewes; one sister, Elva Short of Lewes; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after noon.
Interment will be in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, Lewes.

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Marion E. Anderson, retired teacher
Marion Elizabeth Camburn Anderson, 93, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. Mrs. Anderson was a history teacher in Toms River, N.J., and Arlington, Va., retiring at age 55. She was a member of the American Association of University Women for 60 years. She moved from Alexandria to Rehoboth Beach in the early 1970s and joined All Saints' Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club and Rehoboth Public Library. She loved to travel the world and was an avid mystery book reader and bridge player.
Mrs. Anderson is survived by a few distant cousins in New Jersey and her devoted caretakers, Dr. James and Betty Mann Beebe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Anderson in 2001. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach; the Rev. Max Wolf will be officiating. Interment will be private at All Saints’ Cemetery near Angola.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Frances Greer Williams, Sussex homemaker
Frances Greer Williams, 87, of Greenwood, formerly of Glenn Dale, Md., passed away Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at home.
Mrs. Williams was the daughter of the late Robert Millard and Zilla Mae Duncan Greer of Premier, W.Va. She was a homemaker, member of the Glenn Dale United Methodist Church and Glenn Dale Senior Citizens Association. After moving to Greenwood, she spent time with family and remained active through the Greenwood CHEER Center. She was an avid reader who appreciated the arts, nature, gardening, bingo and working puzzles. She enjoyed watching sports. Her wisdom, kindness and wit quickly earned her friends and admiration. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Williams in 1997; three sisters, Elizabeth Ray, Nelle Mutter and Nora Burnette and two brothers, James Greer and Andrew Greer.
She is survived by two brothers, Ellis Greer of Jacksonville, N.C., and Larry Greer of Narrows, Va.; two sons, Buddy Harvey and his wife, Louise, of Mechanicsville, Md., Michael Williams of California; two daughters, Greer Williams Stangl and Robin Williams, both of Greenwood; seven grandchildren, Troy Harvey, Julie Lawrence, Sharon Milburn, Paul Hester Jr., Elizabeth Stangl, Matthew Stangl,and James Stangl; and five great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at the Glenn Dale United Methodist Church, 8500 Springfield Road, Glenn Dale, with services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Perkins Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Greenwood CHEER Center. On the memo line put “In memory of Frances Williams”, 41 Schulze Road, Greenwood, DE 19950.

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Ellen L. Miller, loving family woman
Ellen Lindsay Miller, 89, longtime resident of Lewes Beach, and Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth, passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, after five months of various illnesses.
Ellen was a very loving and giving Army wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, volunteer and friend. She graduated from William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va. ,in 1941, where she received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion award. She married William R. Miller in 1942 and started her married life in Lewes, where her husband was stationed at Fort Miles. After 22 years of traveling in and out of the United States, they returned to Lewes.
Ellen was a past director of Lewes Senior Center and an insurance clerk for Beebe Clinic. Upon her retirement, she volunteered at Beebe Medical Center for 30 years. She was named a Volunteer of the year and Governor’s Point of Light by former Gov. Michael Castle. She was also named a volunteer of the year at Brandywine Assisted Living.
Ellen was a member of the Nautigals (Woman’s Auxiliary of the Nautical Sounds Barbershop Singers), Bethel United Methodist Church of Lewes and the Military Officers’ Association of America.
Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Janvier Whitton Lindsay and Catherine Crabill Lindsay; her husband, William R. Miller; her sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and George Peacock; her brother, Janvier W. Lindsay Jr.; and a grandson, Charles L. Miller Jr. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles L. and Joyce Miller of Vancouver, Wash.; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Peter Martin of Georgetown; her son, Robert W. Miller of Fort White, Fla.; her brother, Maurice E. (Jerry) Lindsay of Vancouver; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three nieces; and two nephews.
Giving, even in death, Ellen has donated her body to science and will later be reunited with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
There will be a memorial service for Ellen at Bethel United Methodist Church, Fourth Street, Lewes, Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m and fellowship following at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. Fourth Street, Lewes, DE or to Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE.

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George J. Westcott, Marine Corps veteran
George J. Westcott, 71, of Seaford, died on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.
George was born in Philadelphia May 30, 1937, the son of George E. and Eleanor Smith Westcott. Raised in Penns Grove, N.J., he was a graduate of Penns Grove Regional High School and was president of the class of 1955. Mr. Westcott, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, graduated from the University of Delaware in 1963. He worked in quality control management, marketing and technical marketing for the DuPont Company for 34 years, retiring in 1996. He then worked eight years for Milliken and Co. as well as owning his own consulting firm.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lorraine; two daughters, Kimberly Ann Westcott of Lewes and Kristen Mitchell and her husband Benjamin of Lewes; one grandson, Benjamin Richard Mitchell III (Trey) of Lewes; a sister, Patricia Green and her husband Tomway of Bridgeton, N.J.; brothers-in-law, Charles W. Back Sr. and his wife Charlotte of Albuquerque, N.M., Walter R. Back of Lakeland, Fla., and Calvin L. Back Sr. and his wife Marguerite of Cape May Courthouse, N.J.; and many nephews, nieces and great-nephews and nieces.
A funeral service was held at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Seaford. Interment was in the Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, it would honor the memory of George to contribute to The American Heart Association, Pennsylvania/Delaware Affiliate, 625 West Ridge Pike, Suite A-100, Conshohocken, PA 19428-0860; or the American Cancer Society, Mid-Atlantic Division, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801. Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford.

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Harriett Donofrio, former Cape teacher
Harriett Donofrio, 63, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, after an 18-year battle with breast cancer.
Harriett was born Nov. 16, 1945 in Salisbury, Md., and grew up in Mardela Springs, Md., where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in natural sciences. Lifelong learning was her passion as she pursued an interest in the study of the natural world, particularly wildflowers, sand, fossils and minerals.
She began her career working for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as a water quality technician before becoming a science teacher. She initially taught for 10 years in the Smyrna School District, followed by another 10 years in the Cape Henlopen School District. Throughout her teaching career she received many awards, including 1983 Delaware Teacher of the Year, 1983 Top Four Finalist for National Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Marine Educator and numerous honors from the University of Delaware and the Delaware Nature Society.
Professional organizations were also an important part of her life. She was elected to the board of Nature Sciences Teachers Association and served as president of Phi Delta Kappa, the Delaware Academy of Science and the Delaware Teachers of Science. She worked as a judge and coach for the Delaware Science Olympiad and sponsored students for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Following her 20-year teaching career, Harriett spent 16 years as the devoted director of the Delaware Teacher Center. In addition to her position at the Delaware Teacher Center, Harriett served as an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware.
After retirement, Harriett enjoyed traveling to places such as Spain, the Czech Republic, Africa, Australia, Baja California and New Zealand. When she was not traveling Harriett loved to read, play the piano and laugh.
Harriett was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Alfred Donofrio Jr.; and her parents, Vernon and Celia Beach of Mardela Springs.
She is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Donofrio and husband Aaron Shaw of Seattle, Wash.; and a son, David Donofrio and wife Joelle of Benicia, Calif. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Boone of Homer, Ark.; stepfather William Wright; and stepsister Myrna Enlow of Mardela Springs. Her mother and father-in-law, Florence and Alfred Donofrio of Wilmington also survive her, as well as sister-in-law Lori Donofrio of Wilmington; brother-in-law David Donofrio and wife Barbara of Scott’s Valley, Calif.; and many adoring nieces and nephews. Furthermore, Harriett is survived by her companion, caregiver and traveling partner, Gene Carlisle.
Services were held at Torbert Funeral Home’s South Chapel, Dover. Burial followed in Mardela Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to: Delaware Academy of Science 1355 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702, or to The Delaware Nature Society, P.O. Box 700, Hockessin DE 19707 or to Double Mills Inc. P.O. Box 120 Mardela Springs, MD 21837.

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Pauline M. Revel, retired nurse
Pauline M. Revel (nee Marsh), 85, of Millsboro, went home to heaven Monday, Feb. 23, 2009.
Pauline was born Dec. 10, 1923, in Lewes, the eldest of four children to Charles A. and Naomi Marsh, who, along with her brother Joseph, have been waiting for her in heaven.
Pauline graduated from Beebe School of Nursing in 1944 and served as a registered nurse for nearly 20 years. In 1946, on the shortest day of the year, Pauline Marsh married John Revel, a dedicated farmer and lay evangelist. Together they served their family and community for 45 years until John’s passing in 1991.
Pauline is survived by her children, Patricia and spouse, the Rev. David Landers of Clearwater, Fla., J. Byron and spouse Dr. Pamela Revel of Nicholasville, Ky., and Lisa and spouse Richard A. Carmean of Milford; grandchildren, Jason and Lisa Landers, Marsha Revel, Ryan and Jonathan Graham, Chris and Brianne Carmean; great-grandchildren, Rachel Landers, Dylan Graham, Owen Carmean and Jaden Williams; brothers Willard Marsh, Frank Marsh and his daughter Louise; sister Joan and spouse Charles L. Baker and their son and daughter-in-law Mark and Laurie Baker. She was also blessed by many loving nieces, nephews and faithful friends. Visitation opens at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, with funeral services beginning 11:30 a.m. at Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road. Interment follows at Millsboro Cemetery. The Rev. David Landers will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; Groome United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 299, Lewes, DE. 19958; or a Christian ministry of your choice.

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Dorothy Bailey Richey, excellent seamstress
Dorothy Inez Bailey Richey, 90, of Lewes, passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at Lofland Life Care in Seaford. Mrs. Richey was born June 7, 1918, in Muskogee, Okla., daughter of the late Levi Milton and Estelle Aiken Bailey. Mrs. Richey was a Navy wife and a long-standing member of Navy Submarine Wives. The family was living at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, but fortunately all were uninjured. Mrs. Richey was an excellent seamstress, had worked as a librarian and while living in the Richmond area had worked for Wachovia Bank for 10 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chesley Willard Richey in 1975. She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Jean Doran and her husband William of Lewes, and Nancy Lee Richey of Suffolk, Va.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19713.

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Harry L. Downing, Cape district retiree
Harry Linwood Downing, 72, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, in his home after a brief illness.
Harry was born June 11, 1936, to the late James H. and Virgie Cannon Downing in Pocomoke City, Md. Harry came to Delaware with his parents at a very young age, living in Lewes all of his life. Harry joined the Navy and received an honorable discharge. His working career included Doxsee Clam Factory, J.G. Townsend Company in Georgetown, and lastly, Cape Henlopen School District.
He is survived by three sisters, Ida F. Foreman of Millsboro, Hattie S. Downing of Milford, and Dolena E. and Leon Bowden of Milton; and two brothers, George P. Downing of Bridgeton, N.J., and Chancie E. Downing of Lewes. Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, Old State Road, Ellendale. Friends may call at the church two hours prior to the service.
Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services, Lewes.

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Dorothy ‘Dot’ Fopma, church member
Dorothy A. “Dot” Fopma, 78, of Georgetown, formerly of Lanham and Ocean City, Md., went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009.
Dot was born April 4, 1930, in Grandville, Mich., daughter of the late Jacob and Anna Huizenga Vredevoogd. She was a member of St. Matthew’s By-the-Sea United Methodist Church in Fenwick Island and attended Central Worship Center in Laurel.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Orval Carl Fopma; four sons, Randall J. Fopma and his wife Cyndee of Hudsen, Fla., Steven Carl Fopma and his friend Ann Marie Papa of Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., Jeffrey Scott Fopma and his wife Reda Jane of Virginia Beach, Va. and Michael S. Fopma and his wife Melody of Olney, Md.; three sisters, Ethel Teer of Durham, N.C., Betty Zwemer of Vero Beach, Fla. and Carolyn Dykstra of Dearborn, Mich.; and five grandchildren, David, Julie, Craig, Tiffany and Skyler Fopma.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. Matthews By The-Sea United Methodist Church, 1000 Coastal Highway., Fenwick Island. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services. The family suggests memorial contributions in Dot’s name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or St. Matthews By-The-Sea UM Church; or Central Worship Center, 14545 Sycamore Road, Laurel, DE 19956.

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Glennie L. Messick, Sussex homemaker
Glennie Lee Williamson Messick, 87, of Milton, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
She was born in Whiteville, N.C., the daughter of the late Daniel and Addie Williamson. She attended Crossroads Community Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, sewing, embroidering and quilting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arther H. Messick; and a sister, Lula Batten.
She is survived by her son, James Stevens Messick of Milton; twin sister, Glennie Bee Willey of Georgetown; step-daughter, Aliene Lacato, and one grandson, James Michael Messick and his fiancé Maura Dutton; niece, Virginia Wright; nephews, Buddy Messick and Arthur Batten; great-nephews, Tommy Smith and David Smith; and great-nieces, Theresa Joy Triggs, Carla Lettis and Laura Melson. Funeral services were held at Crossroads Community Church, Georgetown. Burial was in Cokesbury Cemetery, Georgetown. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

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Eileen V. Reckling, bowling alley owner
Eileen Virginia Godfrey Reckling, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in her home. She was born June 6, 1924, in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late William and Evelyn Flaherty Godfrey.
A native of Baltimore, Mrs. Reckling was employed as a manager at Colt Bowling Lanes in Woodlawn, Md.; Johnny Unitas was the owner of the bowling alley and a good friend. In the early 1980s, Eileen and her beloved late husband of 62 years, Gerald E. Reckling Sr., relocated to Delaware. Mrs. Reckling enjoyed participating in the many activities available to her at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center along with her dear friends, Agnes Johnston and Bette Hall. She found great pleasure in taking long walks on the beach and Boardwalk with her late husband and their devoted dog, Daisy. More recently, Eileen had volunteered at Beebe Medical Center where she made many wonderful friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Mrs. Reckling is survived by her son, Gerald E. Reckling Jr. of Baltimore, and her cousin Marge Schwabland of Westminster, Md. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gerald E. Reckling Sr. in 2003. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes. The family suggests contributions be made to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Joan R. Tilton, retired receptionist
Joan R. Rosade Tilton, 76, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center in Millsboro.
Born in Philadelphia, Joan was reared and educated in Sharon Hill Pa.
Mrs. Tilton was a graduate of Sharon Hill High School in 1950. Joan was a longtime resident of Delaware County, residing in Aston and Middletown Township for many years.
She has resided in Milton since 1987. Mrs. Tilton was a receptionist for many years at Kent Dental in Aston, Pa. and Dr. Leonard Krachman’s dental office in Aston and Chester, Pa. Most recently, Joan was employed by Draper King Cole of Milton.
She was a member of the Goshen Methodist Church, Milton and was a group leader with the Girl Scouts in Brookhaven, Pa. She also enjoyed painting.
She is survived by her husband, Lee Tilton; two sons, Barry Franke of Claymont and Garry Lee Tilton of Milton; a daughter, Susan Shrom of Chesterfield, Va.; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home Ltd., 5980 Chichester Ave, Aston, with visitation at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood.