Teresa Ziegler Townsend, dedicated community volunteer

Teresa Ziegler Townsend, 59, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at her home.

Terry was born Jan. 18, 1964, in Wilmington, to Richard A. Dickerson and the late Beatrice M. Ziegler. She graduated from Indian River High School Class of 1982.  

Teresa served her community in many capacities and had a special bond with any veteran organization. She was very involved with the American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary, serving as the legislative chair, and was awarded the American Legion Auxiliary Department Member of the Year for 2021-22. For the last 10 years, she became very involved with Wreaths Across America, and for the last five years served as the location coordinator at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. She was also proud of her sobriety, and she had a heart for those who struggled with recovery or those who had no family at Thanksgiving, when she helped coordinate Thanksgiving dinner at the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company. Terry made countless friends at American Legion Post 28, where she served as a bartender for the last eight years.

In addition to her father, Richard A. Dickerson, Teresa is survived by four siblings, Richard D. Ziegler and his wife Patti, Tacia D. McIlvaine, Beth Ann Carroll and her husband Michael, and Prudence Clifton and her husband Wesley; several nieces and nephews, including one special nephew, Preston McIlvaine III; and countless friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, at Community Church of Oak Orchard, 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may visit after 12 p.m.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wreaths Across America Local Sponsorship Group DE0016, wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/41146/Overview/?relatedId=14789.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.