Jane Mustard Dodd, former pageant winner

Jane Mustard Dodd, 83, of Millsboro, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

Jane was born in Charlottesville, Va., Nov. 7, 1931, daughter of the late Edgar Lionel and Marion Pauline (Roberts) Mustard. She was a graduate of Georgetown High School Class of 1949 and attended the University of Delaware and Goldey-Beacom College before marrying her husband George A. Dodd in 1952.

Jane was encouraged by her mother to participate in the 1949 Miss Delmarva Pageant, which was held during the second Delmarva Chicken Festival. With over 50 contestants entered, she was crowned Miss Delaware and Miss Delmarva and also held the title of Miss Georgetown. Jane worked for the Sussex Post and Sussex Countian newspapers in the mid 1970s, first as a photographer and reporter. She eventually became the social editor and feature writer of the newspaper. Mrs. Dodd also owned The Yarn Tree, which she operated out of her home in Millsboro, selling yarn and providing lessons to those that enjoyed knitting.

Mrs. Dodd was actively involved with the Sussex County Arts Council as their publicity coordinator and volunteered with the Red Cross. She also served as a den mother during the early 1970s, when her children were involved in the Cub Scouts.

In addition, to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband, George A. Dodd, in 2004. She is survived by two sons, James Winston Dodd of Lewes and A. Jess Dodd and his wife Elyce of Dagsboro; a daughter, Georgetta D. Toomey and her husband David of Georgetown; and a stepson, George Barry Dodd and his wife Nancy of Georgetown. Jane is also survived by a sister, Nancy M. Aldridge of Baltimore, Md.; two grandchildren, D. Benjamin Toomey of Austin, Texas and Lauren D. Toomey of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; two stepgrandchildren, Erika Dodd of Longwood, Fla. and George Barry Dodd II of Georgetown; and a great-granddaughter, Kyla Elle Dorman of Port St. Lucie. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 8, at St. George's Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road (Rt. 23), Harbeson. Interment will follow at Millsboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jane's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com