Isabel Wharton Smith, garden center owner

Isabel Wharton Smith, 98, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

She was born July 21, 1917 in Ocean View to the late William and Hattie Wharton, and was one of nine children. In addition to her parents and siblings, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. Smith in 2003.

Isabel graduated from Lord Baltimore School in 1935. She married Frank Smith, and they embarked on a new life journey together, always working side by side. They turned Frank’s hobby into a family business, and opened Frank J. Smith Nursery and Garden Center. Isabel spent all of her days working outside in the various aspects of the business. Her favorite job was working in the garden center where she could not only care for the plants but also socialize with all the customers. Up until her late 80s, when the business closed, she could always be found carrying potted plants around, and watering and maintaining the upkeep of the garden center. She truly loved working with plants and was loved by all of her many faithful customers over the years.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Isabel also loved her family and spending time with them. In recent years she especially loved visiting with her great-granddaughters, who were her pride and joy.

Isabel is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Marianne Smith of Millsboro; her granddaughter Deanna Smith Eyler and her husband Chad of Hockessin; along with two great-granddaughters, Erin and Brynn Eyler. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, including a special niece to whom she was very close, Janine Betts and her husband Darryl. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who took care of Mrs. Smith, Darlene Sturgeon, Glenda Peyatt and Joan Wegt.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 24, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Burial will be held privately at the Millsboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Isabel’s memory to Vitas Hospice, 20773 Professional Park Blvd., Suite 200, Georgetown, DE 19947, or to Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966.

Letters of condolence may be emailed via www.watsonfh.com.