10/23/09

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Rose M. Gerace, Sussex homemaker
Rose M. Gerace, 69, of near Georgetown, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at home.
She was born April 4, 1940, in Ellendale.
Mrs. Gerace was a homemaker, a member of the American Legion Post 24 Auxiliary in Dagsboro and a charter member of the Eagles of the Ocean View Elks Lodge.
She is survived by her husband John A. Gerace; a son, Andrew Skillman of Georgetown; three daughters, Dawn Maahs of Newark, Christine Brock of Seaford, and Amy Phillips of Bridgeville; a brother and sister-in-law, Andrew and Marie Gerace; her close friend, Lynne; six grandchildren, Gregory and Courtney Maahs, Leah Brock, Megan Chimel, Kamie and Tyler Phillips; and a great-grandchild, Mason Chimel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Skillman; and a brother Johnny Beebe.
A service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26, at the Millsboro Wesleyan Church, 255 Wilson Highway, Millsboro, where friends may call at noon.
Pastor Wayne Parsons will officiate. Interment will be private at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Corinne Lillian Cobb, social activist
Corinne Lillian Cobb, 80, of Millsboro, formerly of Edgewood, Md., quietly passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, while in her home surrounded by loving family members and friends after a courageous battle against cancer.
Corrine was born in Chicago, Ill., daughter of the late Gwendolyn and James Carnwath. She married Albert Cobb, the love of her life, and together they nurtured their four children with love and humor. She was a retired member of the Johns Hopkins Hospital staff, working 20 years as a patient representative, serving as a devoted advocate of patients’ rights, from the Shah of Iran to dying AIDS patients. Through the years she championed the issues of many social and political causes.
She was a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, book club member, art history student, Meals on Wheels representative, a member of Millsboro’s Red Hat Chapter and a loyal member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Millsboro. One of her favorite recent activities was her friendship with a small group of diverse women who met often to discuss current events. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Albert in 1996; and her beloved son James Albert Cobb in 2002.
Corinne is survived by her two daughters, Carol Wayne of Millsboro and Patricia Cobb Richardson of Long Neck; and a son, Stephen Cobb of Ocean View. In addition, she is survived by her son-in-law Gene Richardson and daughters-in-law, Deborah Cobb and Barbara Cobb of Naples, Fla. She is also survived by her brother, John Carnwath and his wife Louanne of Midlothian, Va.; along with eight grandchildren, Melissa Cobb, Julie Cobb, Merri Moylan, Ruby Wayne-Wood, Honey Kearns, Adam Wayne, Willy Wayne and Lucy Wayne; as well as seven great-grandchildren and numerous friends and neighbors who will all miss her wit, passion and wonderful stories.
Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Millsboro at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St Mark’s General Discretionary Fund, PO Box 422, Millsboro, DE 19966. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.

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Marie Edna Taylor, church missionary
Marie Edna Taylor, 91, of Millsboro, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, Salisbury, Md.
Born in Georgetown, Nov. 22, 1917, she was the daughter of the late John Harmon and Ethel Bell Ricketts Harmon. Her husband, Shelton Taylor Sr., died in 1983. She was a member of Dickerson Chapel AME Church where she served as a missionary, stewardess, layperson and senior choir member. Prior to retiring, she was employed at Collins & Ryan Gas Company, Millsboro Furniture Store, and the Sussex County Board of Education as a bus driver. Mrs. Taylor was also a member of the Order of the Golden Circle 81 PHA.
Loving memories will remain with two sons, Edward (Margaret A.) Taylor of Somerdale, N.J., and Mervin M. (Herles S.) Taylor of Galloway, N.J.; two daughters, Jean L. Parson of Millsboro and Audrey Jones of Wilmington; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, in-laws and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she has been preceded in death by one son, Shelton Taylor Jr.; two daughters, Blanche Beckett and Catherine Taylor Marshall; three brothers, Floyd Harmon, Joseph Harmon and John Harmon; and five sisters, Mary Catherine Harmon Sammons, Jean Harmon Bundy, Rachel Harmon Coston, Helen Harmon Harrison and Mildred Harmon Cottman.
Mrs. Taylor will lie in state from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 23, at Dickerson Chapel AME Church in Millsboro. The funeral service will begin at noon. The Rev. Richard H. Worthy is the officiating pastor. Interment will be in Old Field Cemetery on Route 24 in Millsboro.
A ministry of comfort and dignity is being provided by the Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home in Salisbury.

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Rev. David Baker Sr., retired minister
The Rev. David W. Baker Sr., 95, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at Harrison Senior Living in Georgetown, after a long life of dedication to his family and the United Methodist Church. He was born July 17, 1914, in Wilmington, son of the late Rev. Frank A. Baker Sr. and Mrs. Louise Reybold Baker.
The oldest of six children, the Rev. Baker attended public school in Delaware and Maryland, graduated from Wicomico High School in Salisbury, Md.; attended Union College in Kentucky; graduated from the University of Delaware in 1939; and from Drew Theological Seminary in 1942. At his death, he was the last living pastor to join the former Wilmington Conference in 1939, which later that year became the Peninsula Conference, now the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. In June 2009, he celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination.
On Dec. 28, 1940, he married Florence Ellen Hottel and together they served the following parishes: in Delaware, Stanton, Epworth at Rehoboth, Calvary at Milford, Centenary at Laurel, Salem at Selbyville and St. Matthews at Fenwick Island (built during his tenure), Mt. Olivet at Seaford, St. Mark’s and Chester Bethel in Wilmington; and in Maryland, Warwick, Union and Concord in Federalsburg, from which he retired in 1984. He was superintendent of the Salisbury District and Conference Council director from 1974 to 1979.
During his active ministry, the Rev. Baker served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for 12 years (as chairman four years), trustee of Wesley Junior College, now Wesley College, and on the Commission for Barrett’s Chapel from 1998 to 2002 to raise funds for the Permanent Endowment Fund.
The Rev. Baker worked with three fellow clergymen who found the site of a former scout camp near Centreville, Md. The property was purchased by the Peninsula Conference, cleaned up, repaired and dedicated as Camp Pecometh, which even today is a retreat site for children and adults.
The Rev. Baker was a member of Jefferson Lodge in Lewes since 1945, a 32nd degree Mason and served as Grand Chaplain of Delaware for three years.
After retirement, the Rev. Baker served 13 years at Epworth U. M. Church, Rehoboth Beach, as an assistant, 11 of those years with his son, Jonathan.
David and Flo have three children by birth and three by marriage: Sheryll and Gary Law of Selbyville; David W. Jr. and Sandra of Seaford; Jonathan and Donna of Rehoboth Beach; they have six grandchildren by birth and five by marriage; blessed with nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Also survived by brothers Frank Jr. and his wife Barbara of Dames Quarter, Md., and Terry and his wife Terry Lee of Salisbury.
A celebration of his life and ministry will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker and the Rev. Patricia Loughlin co-officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will be private at Barrett’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Barrett’s Chapel Permanent Endowment Fund, 6362 Bay Street, Frederica, DE 19946; or Epworth United Methodist Church at address noted above; or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Gary S. VanSciver Sr., exalted Elks ruler
Gary S. VanSciver Sr., 56, of Rehoboth Beach passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Gary was born in Lewes Jan. 24, 1953, son of the late Thomas VanSciver and the late Dolly VanSciver Mickel. He graduated in 1971 from Cape Henlopen High School and was active in athletics and drama. Gary was employed for 26 years as a sales consultant at C.P. Diver Chevy-Olds in Lewes. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 for 32 years. During that time he served as exalted ruler for three terms and was named the Elks’ Officer of the Year for 2002-03. He was also vice president of the Southeast District, Maryland, Delaware & Washington, D.C. Elks Association. Gary served for several years as a member of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. Gary enjoyed his family, friends, golfing and being around water.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rita; son, Gary of Rehoboth Beach; and daughter, Katie of Charlottesville, Va. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald VanSciver of Hollywood, Fla. and Dr. James VanSciver of Salisbury, Md.; and his “favorite” sister, Holly VanSciver of Lewes; a grandson, Koby; many nieces and nephews and friends.
A celebration of Gary’s life, where friends are welcome to share their memories, will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Gary’s name to Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-2256.

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Herman ‘Bill’ Megee, Townsends retiree
Herman F. “Bill” Megee, 85, died at home with his loving wife by his side Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Millsboro.
Bill was born Aug. 30, 1924, in Jones Store, Spotsylvania, Va., to the late Frank L. and Lulu E. Brooks Megee.
Mr. Megee was a World War II veteran having served his country in the Merchant Marine and later the U.S. Coast Guard. He was employed by and retired from DuPont Corporation, Sun Oil Company, and Townsends Inc.
Bill is survived by his wife Phyllis B. Harmon-Megee; stepson Arthur S. and his wife Mary A.T. Morris of Dover; brother John and his wife Betty Jean Megee; sisters, Evelyn Forest and Winnefred Parkhill; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and his beloved dog Bud. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Edith Ellingsworth and Myria Carmellis.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Harmony United Methodist Church, 27270 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior for family visitation. The Rev. Claudia Waters will officiate. Burial will be private. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Sgt. Donald ‘Donnie’ Long, retired trooper
Sgt. Donald R. “Donnie” Long, 64, of Dagsboro, passed away at his home Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in the company of his loved ones.
He served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War and was a retired sergeant with the Delaware State Police.
Donnie was a member of Mariner’s Bethel U.M. Church in Ocean View and Lodge 37 A.F. & A.M. of Dagsboro. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed many years as a boat captain, traveling to many ports.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Terry Steele Long; his daughter Ashley L. Brosnahan, her husband Neil and their two children, Mikaela and Devon. He is also survived by his father Robert Long and his wife Anna; and sister Ruth Patterson. His mother Eleanor and brother Roy preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, at Mariner’s Bethel U.M. Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.

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Arlyne M. Jensen, Bethel church member
Arlyne M. Jensen of Lewes, 82, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at home.
Arlyne was born in Plainfield, N.J., the daughter of the late Lothard and Emma Wuethrich Jensen. She was a chief of the Administrative Office for the U.S. Army in Ft. Monmouth, N.J. She was a member of Bethel U.M. Church in Lewes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ida Mae Rakos.
She is survived by two sisters, Edith E. Bulinski and Ethel Burke, both of Lewes; nine nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Marie Short Ryan, Grace Church member
Marie Elizabeth Short Ryan, 85, dearly loved wife of the late Paul Ryan, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marie was born Aug. 25, 1924, in Wilmington, to the late Everett P. Short and Bertha Parsons Short. She was a member of Grace M.E. Church in Wilmington and later attended Atonement Methodist Church in Claymont. In June 1942 she graduated from Wilmington High School and on Nov. 19, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart. After raising her children, Marie became employed by Strawbridge and Clothier department store and worked at the Merchandise Mart until her retirement.
Marie was a kind, gentle and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and Paul shared a wonderful life together, seldom being apart from each other. After retirement, Marie and Paul moved to Ocean City, N.J.; later they relocated to a farm near Barton, N.Y., and in 1992 they returned to Ocean City where they spent their remaining years. They loved the time spent with their children and grandchildren, especially fishing from their boat in Corson’s Inlet, sitting on the beach and going to the boardwalk in Ocean City.
Marie’s beloved husband of 57 years, Paul L. Ryan, preceded her in death April 22, 2000. Her only sister, Nancy Short Kendall, died in 1993. She is survived by two sons, Paul Phillip Ryan (Norma Gene) of Wilmington, and Jeffrey L. Ryan (Sheri) of Barton; two granddaughters, Lindsay Marie Ryan and her fiancé Scott Henning of Arden, and Lorilea Ryan of New Paltz, N.Y.; also one grandson, Jeffrey L. Ryan Jr. (Nicole) of Barton; three great-grandchildren also survive: Victoria Ashley Ryan and Mia Grace Henning, both of Arden, and Zachary Donahue of California. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Anamae Rogers of Oak Orchard, and Joan Brohawn of Rehoboth Beach; and many nieces and nephews including Toby (Shirley) Ryan of Townsend, and Raymond (Rosemarie) Kendall of North Carolina. A memorial service is to be scheduled at a later date. Interment will be private.

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Clarence E. Beckett, bus driver
Clarence Edward Beckett, 62, of Millsboro, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at Bayhealth Memorial Hospital, Milford.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of William E. Beckett Sr. and Anna Andrews Beckett, both of Frankford. After graduating in 1965 from the William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, he became employed at NCR and later H & H Poultry Company driving tractors and trailers. Prior to retiring in 2001, he was employed at Chlormon Chemical Company in Delaware City. After retiring, he was a bus driver for the Indian River School District.
He was a member of Antioch A.M.E. Church where he served as a steward, chair of the Public Relations Committee, and member of the men’s ministry, men’s choir and Frankford Crusaders. He was a former member of Iron Hill Church in Glasgow and Union Wesley United Methodist Church in Clarksville.
In addition to his parents, he leaves a legacy of love with his wife, Estheleta D. Allen Beckett of Millsboro; three sons, Clarence E. (Grace) Beckett Jr. of Salisbury, Md.; Andre Beckett of Dover, and Corey (Christina) Wingo of Camden; one stepdaughter, Zelda (Ivan) Vasail of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother, Jerome (Lucy) Beckett of Frankford; a mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dorothy and Willard B. Allen of Lewes; seven brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; one godchild, Anthony Pinkowsky of Beaver Dam, Ohio; two aunts, Roberta Snead of San Antonio, Texas, and Mildred Beckett of Millsboro; one uncle, Sylvester Houston; 17 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, in-laws and friends. He has been preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Clarence Andrews; paternal grandparents, Henry and Lola Beckett; a brother, William Beckett Jr.; and a sister, Linda Beckett.
Mr. Beckett will lie in state from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, and 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Antioch A.M.E. Church in Frankford. The funeral service will begin at noon. The Rev. James Foster will be officiating pastor. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Mr. Beckett to the National Kidney Foundation, 111 S. Independence Mall East, Suite 411, Philadelphia, PA 19106. A ministry of comfort and dignity is being provided by the Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home in Salisbury.