03/03/09

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Jean V. Hitchens, animal lover
Jean V. Hitchens, 65, of Dagsboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro. Jean was born May 8, 1943, in Dagsboro, daughter to the late Handy and Hester Robinson Justice. Jean was employed by Cargill for 20 years and most recently as a waitress for Doyle’s Restaurant in Selbyville for over 20 years. She was deeply devoted to her family, especially her boys and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Justice. She is survived by her three sons, Keith and his wife Tina of Bishopville, Md., Kevin of Dagsboro, and Gregory and his wife Kathleen of Gumboro; five grandchildren, Nicole, Scott, Spencer, Kaitlin and Nicholas Hitchens; a brother, Jack Justice and his wife Bonnie of Millsboro; and her loving companion, Frank Murray of Dagsboro.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Thatcher Street, Frankford, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be held at St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville. Jean was such an animal lover that the family suggests memorial contributions in Jean’s name to the Sussex County SPCA, 29918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Kayla R. Harmon-Tate, Georgetown student
Kayla Renea Denitra Harmon-Tate, 12, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, as a result of an automobile accident on Route 113 in Bridgeville. Born in Seaford, she was the daughter of Kelvin Harmon of Salisbury and Ellen R. Tate of Lewes. She was a sixth-grade student at Georgetown Middle School in Georgetown. Kayla was a member of the band and softball team. She was a member of Grace and Mercy Ministries in Greenwood, where she served as a member of the step team, youth choir and junior ushers ministry.
In addition to her parents, she will be lovingly remembered by six brothers, Antonia Harmon, Darnell Harmon, and Marcus Harmon, all of Salisbury, Md., Kevin Harmon of Snow Hill, Md., John Everett III of Berlin, Md., and Michael Phillips Jr. of Lewes; two sisters, Shari (Ralph) Elsey of Snow Hill, and Sharmara Hewitt of Norfolk, Va.; a maternal grandmother, Ellen Tate of Lincoln; and a host of uncles, aunts, four nephews, two nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. A funeral service was held at United Deliverance Bible Center Complex in Laurel. The Rev. Joyce Mizzelle officiated.

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Jamie L. Sheetz, cabinetmaker
Jamie Lewis Sheetz, 28, of Malvern, Pa,, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009.
Jamie was a lifelong resident of Malvern, where he lived with his parents, Jim and Lois Sheetz, part-time residents of Lewes.
Jamie was employed primarily as a cabinetmaker and woodworker. He created many beautiful pieces of furniture through his work and for his family. He was recognized as the Outstanding Industrial Arts Student when he graduated from Great Valley High School in Malvern in 1999. Jamie volunteered for the past several years, delivering flowers and fruit baskets to widows and also holiday gifts to students at The Timothy School for Autism through the Malvern/Paoli Chapter of the Odd Fellows.
In addition to his parents, Jamie is survived by three sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Jerry Vaughn, and Terry Sheetz and Ben Boomer, all of Malvern, and Vicki and Ralph Davis of Lewes; two nephews, Neil (Andrea) Vaughn of Paoli, Pa., and Kyle Vaughn of Malvern; a niece, Abigail Davis of Lewes; and a grand-niece, Genevieve Vaughn of Paoli.
Services were held in Malvern. Memorial contributions can be made in Jamie’s name to Chester County Little League, P.O. Box 246, Malvern, PA 19935; or to The Timothy School for Autism, 973 Old Lancaster Road, Berwyn, PA 19312.

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Melvin Miles Tindall, amusement co-owner
Melvin Miles Tindall, 95, of Millsboro, passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Atlantic Shores Nursing Home, Millsboro.
He was born in Laurel, son of the late John Miles Tindall and Essie Hearn Tindall. Mr. Tindall served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was co-owner of Eastern Shore Amusement Inc. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 19 of Laurel, AMVETS of Long Neck, and the Lewes and Seaford Moose lodges.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Truitt Tindall; and five brothers. He is survived by his nieces, Charlotte Schneebeli and Margaret T. Hudson; two great-nephews, Jeffrey and Gregory Hudson; four great-great-nephews, Joshua, Andrew, Philip and Daniel Hudson; and a great-great-niece, Amanda Hudson. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will be at Parsons Cemetery, 912 N. Division St., Salisbury, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Melvin’s memory to Bethany Church, 19845 Lowes Crossing Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

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Ta’Shaun Mallory, devoted daughter
Ta’Shaun Lashae “Tatey” Mallory, 10, of Laurel, departed this earth Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Ta’Shaun was born at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Aug. 18, 1998, to Towaun Mallory and Shamika Mercer. Tatey, as we called her, loved the Lord. She was a devoted and loving daughter, niece, sister and granddaughter. She loved to go to church, read books, sing and praise dance. Tatey was a student at Laurel Intermediate School, where she was in the fifth grade. Before moving to Laurel, she attended Georgetown Elementary School. She sang in the school choir and was on the honor roll. She did tae kwon do at Floria Martial Arts. She joins in heaven her brother, Phillip Brewer; her paternal grandfather, Raymond Sample Sr.; her paternal grandparents, Chattie and Lee J. Sabb; and maternal grandparents, Bernice and James E. Winston. Tatey had a loving spirit. Everyone she came in contact with fell in love with her. She loved her family very much.
She was a member of Grace and Mercy Ministry with Pastor Morzell in Greenwood. She often attended St. John 2nd Baptist Church in Millsboro under the guidance of Pastor Annie J. Custis as well. She leaves to cherish her memories, her father, Towaun Mallory of Millsboro; her mother, Shamika Mercer of Laurel; and two brothers, Dion and Nasir Mercer of Laurel. She also leaves her stepfather, Brandon Gibbs of Georgetown; stepmother, Jana Miller of Millsboro; as well as her paternal grandparents, Leeron and Tashanda Sabb of Greenwood; her paternal grandmother, Tina Mallory of Gumboro; her maternal grandparents, James and Avis Mercer of Baltimore; and her maternal grandmother, Chevelle Morris of Millsboro; a paternal great-grandmother, Doris Sample of Gumboro; and maternal great-grandparents, Flocellia and James Gaskins of Millsboro. Tatey also leaves behind her aunts, Crystal Megginson and Tia (Donta) Moultrie, all of Laurel, Erica Howard of Milford, LaRhonda Mallory of Smyrna, Sierra Mallory of Gumboro, Natasha (Kenneth) Barber of Trenton, N.J., and Tiana Sabb of Greenwood; her uncles, Corey Mercer and Damon Mercer, both of Baltimore, Devon Sabb, Trayvon Sabb of Greenwood, Lee Gibbs, Leeron Sabb Jr. of Georgetown; and a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, friends and other family.
Services were held at Catherine Camper Complex Center, Laurel.

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Samuel “Jim” Moore, retired well driver
Samuel “Jim” Moore, 82, of Bethel, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009.
He was born in Bethel, a son of the late Rueben and Mildred Wright Moore. Jim retired from the E.I. DuPont Company in Seaford after 36 years of service. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer in the 1262nd area service unit during World War II. He had also worked in the family business as a well driver and for many years he owned and operated numerous rental properties. Mr. Moore was a member of the Laurel American Legion Post 19 and a member of Sailors Bethel United Methodist Church. He will be remembered by many family members and friends for his generosity and great heart to the needy. He was an avid camper, radio operator and great gardener, known especially for his tomatoes. His memory will be honored daily by his many friends who joined him daily at the Bethel Store “Pretty Women Bench.”
He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Hall and husband Thomas of Laurel, and Tina Thomas and husband Gary of Seaford; a sister-in-law, Betty Moore of Rehoboth Beach; his grandchildren, PR1AW USN Blair Hall and wife Georgi of California, Md.; and Anthony Leonard of Seaford. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Cookie Moore, who passed in 2008. A brother and two sisters also preceded him.
A funeral service was held at Sailors Bethel United Methodist Church, Bethel. Internment followed in Bethel Community Cemetery. The Rev. Art Smith and Charles Campbell officiated.

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Eileen V. Reckling, bowling alley manager
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, Md., 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. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Maynard W. Timme, well-known jeweler
Maynard W. Timme, 82, of Ocean City, Md., formerly of Olean, N.Y., where he was a prominent political figure, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, in his home. Born April 30, 1926, he was a son of the late Carl F. and Rose Jones Timme. In 1949, he married the former Nancy A. Forrest, who survives him.
Mr. Timme was educated in Olean schools. In 1950 he received a bachelor of arts degree and a U.S. Army commission from St. Bonaventure University. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in Europe as a frontline combat infantryman in Gen. Patton’s 3rd Army, 26th Division, where he earned the Combat 20 Infantryman’s badge, a Bronze Star for action against the armed enemy and the European Theater Medal with two major battle stars as well as three other medals.
He was called into service during the Korean War and served in the 7th Army, 69th Field Artillery Battalion as a battery executive officer. Later he moved up to Battalion Headquarters as an S-2 intelligence officer where he earned a second Bronze Star for his work on the front lines with the Artillery Battalion Forward Observers and Infantry Company commanders in pursuit of enemy intelligence. He also received the Korean Theater Medal with two battle stars.
A lifelong Democrat, Mr. Timme was elected to serve on the Cattaragus County Legislature in 1971. He served there 12 years, three as minority leader. He introduced the first open meetings (sunshine) law and fought for its ultimate passage, opening up the closed doors of committee meetings to the public and press. He also led and coauthored reform legislation to clean up the costly county insurance practices, saving the county thousands of tax dollars.
Locally, he helped coordinate campaigns for various state and federal political candidates. He was elected as a delegate to the 1972 National Democratic Convention in Miami, Fla. In 1983, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of the city of Olean. Mr. Timme was active in the local March of Dimes, where he served a year as county fundraising chairman, and the Olean Kiwanis Club saw his active participation in its annual community activities. He served as president of St. Mary’s Interim Parish Council, helped the VFW reach financial goals and helped St. Bonaventure with its annual Alumni Fund Drive.
A jeweler for 54 years, Mr. Timme was employed for 30 years at Dee’s, later Reed’s Jewelers, in Olean. Moving to Ocean City, he continued in the fine jewelry business as general manager of Fifth Avenue Jewelers in Rehoboth Beach, where he remained active until recently. He loved music, books and writing stories about his life.
Surviving besides his wife of Ocean City are their children, Michael C. Timme of Nashville, Tenn., Patrick W. Timme of East Berne, N.Y., David P. Timme of Harrisburg, Pa., Barbara J. Timme Hastings of Allegany, N.Y., Stephen M. Timme of Marino Valley, Calif., Joseph G. Timme of Coral Springs, Fla., Susan A. Timme Dolan of Littleton, Colo., Mark T. Timme of Norfolk, Va., Marianne R. Timme Lemmers of Summerfield, N.C., and Christine R. Timme Zuraw of Mesa, Ariz.; 32 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl M. Timme of Olean; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin sister, Mary Timme Meiers, formerly of Allegany. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure University Library or Archbishop Walsh High School.

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Eileen B. Esgro, retired counselor
Eileen B. Esgro, 68, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Eileen lived in Camden and Burlington counties, New Jersey, before moving to Rehoboth Beach in 1985. She was a graduate of Gwyned Mercy College, Gwyned, Pa., and Trenton State College, N.J., where she earned her master’s degree in counseling. She retired from education in 1992 after 28 years of service.
Eileen is survived by her loving husband, Sebastian “Buck” Esgro; her sister, Virginia Major; her niece, Dr. Sueann Bennett who she loved dearly; two brothers-in-law, Anthony and George Esgro and their families; and several cousins. The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the physicians and nursing staff of the ER and CCU at Beebe Medical Center for the professional and compassionate care given to Eileen.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Eileen be made to the Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Mary A. Talley, retired shop owner
Mary A. Talley, 100, of Selbyville, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at the home of her daughter Nancy in Milton.
Born in Blackiston, Md., she was the daughter of the late John and Ella Morris George. Mrs. Talley had owned the former Sea View Towne Shoppe in Selbyville and the Sea View Beach Shoppe in Fenwick Island and Ocean City, Md., for 46 years before retiring at the age of 90. She also loved collecting antiques, her poodles, cooking, being with friends and life in general.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Harlon H. Talley Jr. of Selbyville; a son, Rollin P. McCabe Jr. of Newark; two daughters, Nancy M. Reed and her husband Jimmy of Milton, and Janice Murphy of Wilmington; a daughter-in-law, Louise McCabe of Millsboro; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rollin McCabe; her second husband, Ray Grapperhaus; a son, Robert McCabe; and a granddaughter, Linda Baker. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 27, with burial in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.