Anna Lee Minner, ladies auxiliary leader
Anna Lee Minner, 92, of Houston passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at the Country Rest Home Independent Living, Greenwood. Anna Lee was born in Harrington, the daughter of the late Clarence S. and Edna (Wyatt) Tucker.
She worked at Playtex and at I.L.C. in Frederica from 1949-89 where she did samples on bras and girdles. She also was a pattern maker on space suits for the astronauts. After she retired, Anna Lee did some home healthcare and helped at the Harrington Senior Center. She was a member of the Houston United Methodist Church for over 70 years where she taught Sunday School.
Most important to Anna Lee was her involvement in the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service. She joined the ladies auxiliary of the Houston Volunteer Fire Company in 1968, and was immediately elected to the office of secretary of the auxiliary. Additionally, she was appointed to the position of sunshine chairperson. She was elected to the office of vice president in 1984 and then to the office of president in 1985. She attained life member status of the Houston Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in 1999. In 1989, Anna Lee joined the auxiliary of the Carlisle Fire Company in Milford. She served as dining room chairperson and auxiliary chaplain for several years.
In 1996 she was elected to the office of v vice president and was selected as the Lady of the Year. She was then elected to the office of auxiliary president for the years 1998-99. She authored the memorial service program now used to honor deceased members of the ladies auxiliary. In 1999, Anna Lee was appointed to the position of chaplain of the Kent County Association and held that position through June 2003. In 2001, she was appointed to the position of chaplain of the Delaware Volunteer Fireman’s Association.
Other activities Anna Lee was involved in as an auxiliary member was serving on the Recruitment and Retention Committee of the D.V.F.A. Among her contributions to the committee was the making of the curtains that adorned their trailer. She also served on the D.V.F.A. Sixtieth Anniversary Book Committee and authored the memorial prayer. Anna Lee will also be remembered by all as “Mrs. Claus,” assisting Santa Claus at all of Carlisle Fire Company and Houston Volunteer Fire Company Christmas functions for many years. Her service continues. In addition to her parents, Anna Lee was preceded in death by her husband James Minner; and a sister Thelma (Tucker) Donovan.
She is survived by her son, Preston Minner and his wife Hope; a brother Ralph Tucker (Hazel); nieces and nephews Thelma Ann Legates (George), Charlotte Ann Startt (Eugene), Leon Tucker (Kathy), Betty Lou Wilson (Melvin), Gloria Jean Tucker, David Tucker (Patricia), and Steven Tucker and family.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Houston Volunteer Fire Company Memorial Hall, 143 Broad St., Houston. Another viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., at the Houston United Methodist Church, 235 Broad St., Houston. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either Houston U.M. Church 235 Broad St., Houston, DE 19954, the Carlisle Fire Company, P.O. Box 292, Milford, DE 19963, or the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 122, Houston, DE 19954. Arrangements by McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, Harrington.
Letters of condolence may be sent to www.loflandandmcknatt.com.
