Rebecca Dempsey, loyal NASCAR fan

Rebecca “Becky” Dempsey, 88, of Lewes, formerly of Dover, passed away peacefully, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare.

She was born March 12, 1935, in Dover, to the late John Wesley Tigner and the late Helen (Reed) Tigner.

She attended Smyrna High School, where she was a drum majorette. 

She worked as an operator for Bell Telephone Company and later worked at Kent General Hospital as a candy striper and later as an x-ray assistant. After moving from Dover to Lewes in the 1970s, she worked as a bookkeeper at Clearwater Bluewater until she retired. 

Becky enjoyed country music, dancing, card games and crocheting. She was a loyal NASCAR fan and Dale Jarrett was her favorite driver. Becky was also a member of the Cheswold Ladies Auxillary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Edward J. Dempsey; and her brother John B. Tigner.

She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, James Dempsey; daughter, Linda Reitzes and her husband Andy of Dover; son Michael Dempsey and his wife Joni of Milton; and granddaughter, Taylor Dempsey of Tampa, Fla.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in her name to Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company, 371 Main St., Cheswold, DE 19936.