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All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Melinda Jarvis Devereaux ************************************************************************** * Blocksom, Viola –– Seaford. Died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, at age 89, in Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. Locally survived by three daughters and a son-in- law, Joanne Gibson, Mary and H. Nelson Burton, and Joyce Bowers, all of Dover. Interment was in Macedonia Cemetery, Seaford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Briddell, Ollie Alberta ‘Beanie’ –– Greenwood. Died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, at age 67, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was employed at various poultry plants throughout Sussex County, and retired from Townsends Inc. in 1996. Locally survived by a daughter, Sylvia Hines of Dover. Burial was in Old Hickory Cemetery, Slaughter Neck. --------------------------------------------------------------- * DeRose, Nicholas D. –– Lewes. Died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, at age 74, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a military policeman, and was employed as a prison guard at the Delaware Correctional Center where he retired after 27 years. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gladys Boyd DeRose. Locally survived by a sister, Anna Dixon of Marydel. Burial was in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Guldin, Robert C. –– Smyrna. Died Saturday, Dec. 7, at age 55, in Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from 1964 to 1968. He was awarded two Bronze Stars. Survived by his wife, Deborah A. Powers-Guldin. Burial was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. --------------------------------------------------------------- * McKay, Bertha Beth –– Milford. Died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at age 91, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was a homemaker. She was involved in the manufacturing of the World War II B-29 Super Fortress aircraft. She worked for Boeing in Wichita, Kan. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Quinn, Audrey Elizabeth –– Milford. Died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at age 67, in the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore. She worked at St. Agnes and Kernan hospitals in Baltimore and Dickinson Medical Group, Milford. Survived by her husband of 29 years, Edward F. Quinn III, M.D. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ratledge, Grace V. –– Milford. Died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at age 84, in Milford Center, Milford. She worked in a powder plant in Elkton, Md., during World War II, after which she went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a flagman. She most recently was a caregiver to the elderly. Locally survived by her son, Benjamin F. Ratledge of Dover. Burial was in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Spicer, James N. –– Harrington. Died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, in Milford Center, Milford. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 64th Fighter Wing Air Corps in Schweinfer, Germany. He was a tool and die marker for the J.L. Clark Co. in Lancaster, Pa., retiring in May 1989. Survived by his wife Frances Dee Spicer of Harrington. Burial was in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sutherland, Margaret Donald McAllister –– Wilmington. Died of congestive heart failure Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Foulk Manor North. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York, and was very active in her church. Survived by her husband of 51 years, Richard Arthur Sutherland. Locally survived by a son, Richard James of Marydel. Burial was private. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Taylor, Sallie Virginia ‘Mickie’ –– Greensboro, Md. Died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at age 73, in Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Denton, Md. She was an employee at Playtex of Dover for three years, the Reach Glove Factory of Greensboro for 10 years and IMS of Ridgely for 20 years. Locally survived by a brother, James Satterfield of Felton, and two sisters, Louise Smith of Farmington, and Rhyllis Lofland of Felton. Burial was in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Timbrell, Donald D. –– Smyrna. Died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, at age 61, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery, Berwick, Pa. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Towers, William Edward Sr. –– Harrington. Died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at age 76, in his home. He owned and operated Towers Auto Service in Harrington from 1962 to 1989, until his retirement. Survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley Fortney Towers. Burial was in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Washington, Sylvester –– Greenwood. Died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at age 66, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He worked for as a bus driver for the Milford school system for eight years and later owned and operated his own lawn service. Survived by his wife, Janice. Locally survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Zonia and Luis Saldana; and a granddaughter, Kiana Saldana, all of Felton. Burial was in Shellman, Ga. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Wothers, Ella Mae –– Greensboro, Md. Died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at age 87, in the Memorial Hospital of Easton, Easton, Md. She was a seamstress for ILC for nine years, and worked for George Loukides for 10 years. Locally survived by three daughters, Doris Emory of Magnolia, Maire Wright of Camden and Joyce Cozze of Felton. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home, Greensboro, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * George Gilbert Barnett Graveside services for George Gilbert Barnett, 81, of Dover, were held privately. Mr. Barnett died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at Chatham Nursing Home, Chatham, Pa., He was born July 9, 1921 in Magnolia, son of the late Jacob E. and Rosalie M. Flach Barnett. He spent his entire life in the Dover area. Mr. Barnett served his country in the U. S. Army, and was a farm laborer for most of his life. He is survived by a sister, Sara B. Taylor; and a nephew, Chuck Taylor, both of Dover. Arrangements were by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Martin J. Burns A memorial service for Martin J. Burns, 69, of Dover, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover. Mr. Burns died at home Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, following a battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 11, 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., son of the late Leonard and Alice Burns. He spent most of his early life in upper New York state. Mr. Burns graduated from the University of Delaware, where he received a bachelor of science degree and his master’s degree in education. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy at Bainbridge, Md., and then on the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier. He began his teaching career at George Gray Elementary School in Wilmington and then moved to Carrcroft Elementary School, also in Wilmington. In 1965, he came to Dover to serve as principal of the newly opened Fairview Elementary School, from which he retired in 1990. Mr. Burns was a former member of the Delaware Association of School Administrators as well as a former member and president of the Delaware Elementary School Principals Association and the Capital School Board. During his retirement he continued to pursue his lifelong interests of cooking, traveling, and collecting antiques, silver, paintings and oriental rugs. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Julie; a daughter, Mary Ellen and her husband, George Song of Albany, Calif.; two sisters, Regina Hoskins of Lexington, Ky., and Lorraine Phelps of Pensacola, Fla.; and a brother, Robert Burns of Warner Springs, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that favorite “Martin stories” be sent to Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Virgie Marie Carlisle Services for Virgie Marie Carlisle, 93, of Felton, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton. Mrs. Carlisle died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was born Oct. 19, 1909, in Greensboro, Md., daughter of the late Wesley and Minnie Sipple Walls. Mrs. Carlisle graduated from Felton High School in 1928, earning many academic awards even though she worked long hours at home on the family farm. She retired from the Felton School District in 1976, after working 10 years in the school cafeteria. Mrs. Carlisle was also employed as the Felton correspondent for the Milford Chronicle for 60 years, retiring at the age of 90. During those years, she missed submitting only one weekly installment, that due to illness. She also served as a water and tax collector for the town of Felton. Mrs. Carlisle was a member of the Felton United Methodist Church, the Felton Alumni Association and the Felton Community Historical Society. Her life had spanned almost a century. She survived the swine flu epidemic, the hardships of the depression, World Wars I and II, and experienced the many technological advances that took place in the late 20th century. Even though she kept pace with the changing world, she realized her values and her priorities were her most precious possessions, and passed along her love and knowledge to her family and many friends. She was devoted to her children and home, but always modeled the importance of women being knowledgeable about the community and the world. She enjoyed lively discussions about education and politics, two of her favorite topics, with friends that dropped by to see her once she became unable to leave her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry P. Carlisle Sr., in 1964; two brothers, John and Roland Walls; a half brother, Courtland Sipple; her stepdaughter, Barbara Mansfield; and a step-granddaughter, Debra Parisi. She is survived by her two sons, Harry P. Jr. and a daughter-in-law, Lana, of Salisbury, Md., and Arthur Gene, with whom she lived; two daughters and a son-in-law, Marie C. Shultie of Felton and Patricia and Richard Farley of Milford; a long-time friend C. A. Tilghman, Jr. of Dover; two granddaughters, Debra Smith of Salisbury and Julee Farley of Milford; a step-granddaughter, Deanne Ricco of Florida; a step-grandson, Herbert Mansfield Jr. of Claymont; and a step-great granddaughter, Stephanie Parisi of Bear. Flowers will be accepted and appreciated by the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Virgie Marie Carlisle’s memory to the Felton United Methodist Church, Main Street, Felton. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Robert James Colcord Services for Robert James Colcord, 57, of Dover, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover. Mr. Colcord died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born Jan. 1, 1945 in Clinton, Mass., son of Carrall Ned Colcord Jr. and Rose R. Burgwinkle Colcord. Mr. Colcord was a navigator in the United States Navy. After leaving the service, he worked for the L'&;'W Insurance agency in Dover for 15 years. In 1991, he stared his own insurance agency, Robert J. Colcord Agency Inc. He graduated from Delaware Technical '&;' Community College in 1972 with a degree in data processing. He is survived by a son, Jonathan R. Colcord of Dover; a daughter, Christy Lynn Zerhusen and her husband, Charles of Ashburn, Va.; two brothers, Roger L. Colcord of Discovery Bay, Calif., and Richard E. Colcord of Leominster, Mass., a sister, June R. Landry of Leominster, Mass. and two grandchildren, Caroline Madison and Christian Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Boys and Girls Club, 120 N. State St., Box 90, Dover, Del., 19901. Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com/torbert. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Mildred Cross Services for Mildred Cross, 74, of Dover were held Friday, Dec. 13, at Crossroads Christian Church, Dover. Mrs. Cross died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, surrounded by her family. She was born March 7, 1928 in Harrison, Ga., daughter of the late Sam Barlow and Mary Sheila Freeman. Mrs. Cross was a former employee of the Wheatley Canning Co. in Clayton and Green Giant Packing Co. in Felton. She also was a devoted homemaker. Mrs. Cross was a faithful member of Star Hill A.M.E. Church, Dover. She was a Christian woman, a devoted mother, a loving grandmother and a kindhearted friend. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, A.C. Cross; and a daughter, Dorothy Jean Allen. She is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, A.C. Mitchell, and his friend, Alice Porter, both of Upper Darby, Pa., Wilburn and Robena Cross of Philadelphia, Curtis Cross of Dover and Walker and Gwen Cross of Dover; three grandsons whom she raised, Roosevelt Allen III of New York City and Antonio C. Allen and Alahondro D. Cross, both of Dover; one adopted son, Joseph Jones, and his wife, Janet, both of Dover; two daughters and a son-in-law, Rose M. Cross- Spielman and Greg Spielman and Patricia Cross-Pitts, all of Dover. Mrs. Cross is also survived by three granddaughters whom she raised, Angela L. Allen, Lakeyra N. Spielman and Lakendra N. Spielman, all of Dover; two sisters, Mary Lee Taylor of Harrison, Ga. and Mammie Jones of Dublin, Ga.; a brother, Howard Barlow of Findale, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Retha Mae Barlow- Cooper of Dover; two special friends, Pearl White and Korene Jones, both of Dover; a special niece, Gladys Moore Brown; 21 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Burial was in Gibbs Memorial Cemetery, Woodside. Arrangements were by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Machita Edvina Custis Services for Machita Edvina Custis, 45, of Harrington, were held Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Union Baptist Church, Dover. Ms. Custis died after a long illness Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, in the Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was born Dec. 31, 1956, in Northampton County, Va., daughter of Linwood Custis Sr., and the late Earnestine Bray Custis. Ms. Custis graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1975. She was employed with DAPI and Courtland Manor until 1987 when she began working with L.D. Caulk Dentistry. She was employed with Caulk for the past 15 years. Ms. Custis enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered as a loving mother, caring grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Family members and friends affectionately called her “Peaches.” In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Walter and Helen Custis; maternal grandfather, Ralph T. Bray Sr.; a nephew, Craig L. Custis; and an uncle, Ralph T. Bray Jr. In addition to her father, she is survived by a daughter, Adreanna Custis of Frederica; a son, Keymouria Custis of Harrington; four grandchildren, Ke’Ondre Mullen, Kaylia Custis, Markas Custis and Erin Dixon, all of Frederica, and a sister, Ernestine C. Custis of Dover. She is also survived by six brothers and five sisters-in-law, Linwood and Nancy Custis of Laurel, Lawrence and Ruby Custis of Felton, Jerry Custis of Wilmington, Joseph and Ramona Custis of Greenwood, Ricky and Toni Nottingham of Alexandria, Va., and James and Carolyn Fitchett; maternal grandmother, Clara Bray of Felton; a devoted nephew, Isaiah Custis of Harrington; a special friend Julius Minus of Dover; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Burial was in Gibbs Memorial Cemetery, Woodside. Arrangements were by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Arthur N. Diehl Jr. Services for Arthur N. Diehl Jr., 80, of Frederica, were held Friday Dec. 13, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. Mr. Diehl died Monday Dec. 9, 2002, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was born July 3, 1922 in Royersford, Pa., son of the late Arthur N. Diehl Sr. and Sarah Carl Diehl. Mr. Diehl worked for 43 years before retiring as a screw machine operator at Niapco Products in Pottstown, Pa. He enjoyed tinkering around the house and was an avid animal lover, especially of dogs. He loved his shepherd/collie mix “Lady.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Cress Diehl in 1996; and his son, Scott Diehl in 1980. He is survived by good friend and neighbor, Delores White, and her son, Boyd White of Magnolia; two brothers, Thomas and William Diehl, both of Spring City, Pa.; a sister, Patricia Weiss; and a host of nieces and nephews. Burial was in Barratt’s Chapel, Frederica. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Eliza Grant Lofland Fitzcharles Services for Eliza Grant Lofland Fitzcharles, 87, of Dover, formerly of Lincoln, were held Friday, Dec. 13, in Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Mrs. Fitzcharles died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, in Dover. She was born in Houston, daughter of the late Cornelius VanVorst and Lizzie Wyatt Grant. Mrs. Fitzcharles was a bookkeeper for the former Milford Trust Co., in Milford, and later for Charles Summers, C.P.A., in Milford. She also worked at the Sussex County Board of Assessment in Georgetown for many years. She was a 1932 graduate of Milford High School. Mrs. Fitzcharles was an active member of the Lincoln United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the WSCS, taught vacation Bible school, was secretary of the board of directors and was a member of the Sunbeam Sunday School class. She was a member of the Milford and Harrington senior centers and the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry Owens Lofland, in 1962 and her second husband, H. Monroe Fitzcharles, in 1988; two brothers, Cornelius VanVorst Grant Jr. and George Grant; and two sisters, Mary Cahall and Sara Virginia Stayton. She is survived by two daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet Lofland and Donald J, Mitchell of Lincoln and Claudia L. and Wm. Ray Johnson of Dover; three grandchildren, Donald L. Mitchell, Donna Renee Johnson and Randy William Owens Johnson and his wife, Theresa; and a great-grandson, Kyle William Johnson. Burial was in Bridgeville Cemetery, Bridgeville. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Dorothy Mae Gibson Services for Dorothy Mae Gibson, 63, of Dover, were held Friday, Dec. 13, in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Ms. Gibson died after a short illness Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was born June 7, 1939, daughter of George Waters of Dover and the late Louise Gibson. Ms. Gibson was a loving and giving person. She always wanted to help someone else. She loved her family very much and was always grateful for what they had done for her. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Virginia Gibson. In addition to her father, she is survived by a son, Johnny Gibson of Dover; five grandchildren; and two sisters, Hannah Brown and Cora Jones, both of Dover; and a brother, Lonnie Jones of Dover. She is also survived by a niece, Stephanie Jones of Dover; two nephews, Nathaniel Bull and Wilmer Gibson Jr., both of Dover; five aunts, Malinda Evans, Helen Gibson and Mary Belle Waters, all of Dover, Elizabeth Scruggs of New Jersey and Anna Mae Gibson of Georgia; a very close friend, Joseph Seymore; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Burial was in Whatcoat Cemetery, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Johnnie Mae Guinn Services for Johnnie Mae Guinn, 63, of Dover, were held Saturday, Dec. 14, in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. Guinn died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was born Sept. 4, 1939, daughter of the late John Henry Holmes and Susie Mae Whitaker. Mrs. Guinn attended elementary and high school in Warner Robbins, Ga. Later, she moved to Delaware, where she met and married John H. Guinn. Mrs. Guinn was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church, Dover, and attended Calvary Assembly of God with her grandchildren. She was a volunteer at the Salvation Army Center. She is survived by her six children, Michelle, John Jr., Christine, Kendall, Kenneth and Brenda; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four sisters; two brothers; her mother-in-law; an aunt; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Burial was in Sharon Hills Cemetery, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Josephine "Gladys" Hall Remembrance services for Josephine “Gladys” Hall, 86, of Dover, were held Saturday, Dec. 14, at Trader Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. Hall died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at Capitol Healthcare Services, Dover. She was born Jan. 25, 1916 in Dover, daughter of the late Eba and Jessie May McCabe Bishop. Mrs. Hall was a homemaker and enjoyed her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Earl Hall; a brother, Elbert Bishop; and a sister Elizabeth Bishop. She is survived by her brother and his wife, Morris and Patricia Bishop of Dover; two nephews and their wives, Philip and Beth Bishop of Newark and Patrick and Hilda Bishop of Florida; three nieces, Betty Blair, Jessie Bishop Bonanno and Gladys Bishop, all of Dover; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Bishop of Dover. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Mary Louise Hughes Graveside services for Mary Louise Hughes, 89, of Hockessin, were held Friday, Dec. 13, in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. Ms. Hughes died Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, in Cokesbury Village, Hockessin. She was born Oct. 9, 1913 in Kenton, daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth Cooper Hughes. Ms. Hughes was a homemaker. She was an accomplished artist, gardener and caregiver. Ms. Hughes was a member of Kenton United Methodist Church and of P.E.O. Chapter E in Wilmington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Hughes; and a sister, Claire Conly. She is survived by two brothers, Edward L. Hughes of Kenton and Richard Hughes of Wilmington; a sister, Elizabeth Arnold of Kennett Square, Pa.; 15 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and a great-great-great-niece. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Cokesbury Village. Arrangements were by Faries Funeral Directors Inc., Smyrna. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Jesse Ryder Jones Memorial services for Jesse Ryder Jones, 84, of Dover, were held Friday, Dec. 13, in Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Dover. Mr. Jones died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002. He was born April 4, 1918, in Salisbury, Md., son of the late Jesse and Estella Church Jones. Mr. Jones received his education in the public schools of Wicomico County, Md. During his teen years, he had worked at Norris Moore’s barbershop to keep it clean and later noted the fact that after a haircut, a customer often needed a shoeshine. He and Mr. Moore worked out a deal. Later, he moved to Philadelphia and was employed at Sun Shipyard and then to New York, where he was employed by several celebrities in including Bert Parks and Ray Walston, the lead character from the My Favorite Martian television series. While in Great Barrington, Mass., he was a waiter at the Yale Barn. He also was employed at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y., in the engineering department, retiring after 18 years of service as one of the supervisors. Mr. Jones also enjoyed all his ventures, fishing and fixing things and was known as “Mr. Fix-It.” He was a devoted husband and loving father. Mr. Jones confessed Christ at an early age, becoming affiliated with St. Catherine’s A.M.E. Zion Church and an integral part of the Carrington Male Chorus, while in Rochelle, N.Y. After relocating to Dover, he became a member of the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and began singing with The Voices of Thunder until his health began to fail. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, whom he married in 1977, Ethel M. Jones; his daughters, Estelle, Sharon, Beverly, Wanza, Donna and Emily; his sons, Raymond and Henry; his grandchildren, Antonio, April, Jamella, Napoleon, Tonya, Nicholas, Stacey and Calvin Jr.; a sister, Mattie Ryder Dutton of Salisbury; and a host of other relatives and friends. Burial was private. Arrangements were by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Judy A. "Kelley" Clifton Kelley Services for Judy A. “Kelley” Clifton Kelley, 59, of Plano, Texas, formerly of Dover, were held privately. Mrs. Kelley died after a long battle with cancer Monday, Dec. 8, 2002. She also lived in Newark for many years. She was born in Chester, Pa., and attended Dover High School. She worked for security in the Bank of New York, Avon, and Shipley Manor. Mrs. Kelley was a guitarist and an animal lover, and lifelong member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club. She will be loved and missed by all of her family. She is survived by her mother, Loretta D. Clifton of Newark; a daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Dannile Etherton; three grandchildren, Adrian, Nicolette and Jewelyan of Plano; a son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Denise Kelley of The Colony; a sister, Bonnie Clifton of Elkton, Md.; two brothers and their families, Robert Clifton of Newark and Mike Clifton of Smyrna; three sisters and their families, Debi Salvucci of Newark, Patti Clifton of Elkton and Vicki Garrison of Newark. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Celester O'Neal Lewis Jr. Services for Celester O’Neal Lewis Jr., 32, of Cheswold, were held in Dallas. Mr. Lewis died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, in Dover. He was born Oct. 9, 1970 in Mineral Wells, Texas, son of Celester Lewis Sr. of Texarkana, Texas and Gloria Jean Lewis of Dallas. He was reared in Mineral Wells, and moved to Dover at the age of 13. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Liasia Morris and Trinity Lewis; a son expected to be born in February 2003; his fiancée, Angela Morris of Cheswold; a sister, Vanessa Kaye Hagans of Palm Bay, Fla.; two brothers, Daniel McCreary of Dallas and Robbie Young of Frederica. He is also survived by his grandmother, Mary E. Lyles of Lawton, Okla.; a great-aunt, Gloria Phillips of Wichita Falls, Texas; five aunts, Wanda K. Lyles, Sharon Atkinson, and Annette Lyles, all of Lawton, Regina Wesley of Dallas and Vanessa Sims of Denton, Texas; and three uncles, Charles Lyles of Temple, Texas, Harold Quinn Johnson of Dallas and the Rev. Anthony Sims of Denton, Texas. Arrangements were by Miller Funeral Services, Milford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Richard F. Komorowski Memorial services for Richard F. Komorowski, 68, of Greenwood, were held Friday, Dec. 13, in Bethany Church of the Brethen, Farmington. Mr. Komorowski died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, in his daughter’s home in Greenwood. He was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Baltimore, son of the late Florian “Joe” and Helen Paquette Komorowski. He lived most of his life in Delaware. Mr. Komorowski was a 1952 graduate of Greenwood High School, and served in the Delaware Army National Guard. Mr. Komorowski worked for Tilcon Delaware Inc. of Dover for 41 years, retiring as equipment superintendent in 1991. After retiring, he and his wife traveled in their R.V. visiting the 49 continental United States and several Canadian provinces. During their travels, Mr. Komorowski met many wonderful people and enjoyed volunteering for the National Forest Service and several state campgrounds. He also “hosted” an Idaho visitor center and an Arizona “ghost town.” He volunteered for the Salvation Army in three states. He was an avid Nascar fan who loved Fords, and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Harrington Lodge No. 534. Mr. Komorowski returned to Delaware in 2002. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Janice Faye Komorowski; and an infant granddaughter, Caroline Komorowski. In addition to Clara, his wife of 25 years, he is survived by four daughters, Suann Seymore and Patricia Komorowski, both of Seaford, Debra Komorowski of Greenwood and Shelly Komorowski of Smithville, Md., and a son, Richard F. Komorowski II of Laurel. He is also survived by a stepdaughter, Linda Campbell of Seaford; three stepsons, Randall Miller and David Miller, both of Greenwood, and Steven Miller of Margate, Fla.; his brother, Edmund Komorowski of Wilmington; his sister, Sandra Messick of Florida; 14 grandchildren; and his best friends, Henry and Wanda Webb of Greenwood. Arrangements were by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Clara E. Mast Services for Clara E. Mast, 61, of Clayton, will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the home of Simon Yoder, Dinah’s Corner Road, Dover. Friends may call at the Mast home, 1075 Seeneytown Road, Dover. Mrs. Mast died Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, in her home. She was born June 20, 1941 in Wyoming, daughter of Eli and Kattie Ann Mast. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jonas Mast; four sons, Samuel Mast, John Mast, Andy Mast and Henry Mast, all of Dover; three daughters, Mary Yoder of Hartly, Kattie Yoder of Semore, Iowa, and Emma Coblentz of Dover; 31 grandchildren; four brothers; and seven sisters. Burial will be in the Amish Cemetery, Dover. Arrangements were by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * The Rev. Eva G. Naill A Celebration of Life for the Rev. Eva G. Naill, 90, of Dover, was held Friday, Dec. 13, at Trinity Wesleyan Church, Dover. The Rev. Naill died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at Millcroft Nursing Home, Newark. She was born Sept. 18, 1912, in Crellin, Md., daughter of the late Stanley and Addie Adams Ashby. The Rev. Naill was a minister along with her husband serving the Nazarene Church in Madison, W.Va., Rand, W.Va., Cleveland, Ohio, Vermilion, Ohio, Williamsburg, Va., and Wilmington. She was a member of the Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Dover, where she was active in the ministry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Willis D. Naill. She is survived by two sons and their wives, Ronald D. and Pat Naill of Wilmington and Richard A. and Colleen Naill of New Castle; a sister and her husband, Loretta and the Rev. Joseph Hoopengardner of Hollywood, Md.; three grandchildren, Richard Naill, Shane Naill and Shera Naill; and three great- grandchildren, Madison Naill, Monroe Naill and Brock Naill. Burial was in Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ruth C. Porter Services for Ruth C. Porter, 100, of Dover, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home, Greensboro, where friends may call one hour earlier. Mrs. Porter died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, in Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Denton. She was born Oct. 31, 1902, in Henderson, Md., daughter of the late Samuel D. and Rose Starkey Carrow. She was raised by her aunt Frances “Aunt Frank” Carrow after her mother’s death at the age of 4. She was a resident of Caroline County for most of her life. Mrs. Porter worked as a clerk for the Greensboro Post Office. She moved to Dover where she was a member of the Wesley Methodist Church. She also was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Greensboro, Md. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Porter Sr. on Jan. 12, 1972; and two sisters, Edna Jones and Martha Fleming. Mrs. Porter is survived by three sons, Clayton Porter Jr. of Houston, Tex., Robert Lee Porter of Harrington and James H. Porter of Dover; six granddaughters; 12 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 57, Greensboro, Md., 21639. Burial will be in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Edward J. Ratledge Remembrance services for Edward J. Ratledge, 57, of Felton, will be held at noon Thursday. Dec. 19, at Trader Funeral Home, Dover, where friends may call one hour prior. Mr. Ratledge died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was born June 30, 1945, in Wilmington, son of the late Milburn and Laure Perison Ratledge. Mr. Ratledge drove a forklift at SeaWatch and worked in the packing department at Playtex. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ella Ratledge of Felton; a son, William Ratledge of Felton; two grandchildren, William and Jannett Ratledge, both of Felton; and his mother-in-law, Jeannett Russum of Magnolia. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com or sent to traderfh@aol.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Thelma M. Reed A Celebration of Life for Thelma M. Reed, 69, of Dover, was held Friday, Dec. 13, at Trader Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. Reed died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was born Aug. 21, 1933, in Dover. Mrs. Reed worked at Playtex for 33 years. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by a son, Dale; and a sister, Catherine Coleman. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Herbie D. Reed of Dover; a son, Benjamin Reed of Dover; two daughters and a son-in-law, Sharon Lewis of Virginia and Rosalind and Dennis Quick of Magnolia; and a sister, Irene Baugh of Tennessee. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Dorothy M. Regan A life celebration for Dorothy M. Regan, 71, of Bear, formerly of Frederica, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Beeson Memorial Services, 2053 Pulaski Highway (U.S. 40, Fox Run), Newark, where friends may call one-half hour earlier. Mrs. Regan died peacefully Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, in the Millcroft Nursing Home, Newark. She was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, daughter of the late Edward and Alice Haughn Avey. She came to live in the United States, first in Michigan, and the remainder of her life in Delaware. She was a former resident at Andrews Lake in Frederica. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, James Regan Jr. in 1983. She is survived by five children, Michael J. Regan and his wife, Sok Chong of Felton; Larry J. Regan and his life partner, Robert Ritz of Bear; Patricia A. Recore and her husband, Francis, of Sacramento, Calif.; Gregory J. Regan of Breese, Ill.; Pamela J. Regan of Philadelphia; six grandchildren; and a great- granddaughter. Burial will be in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Mildred Rodriguez Service and burial for Mildred Rodriguez, 80, of Elkton, Md., formerly of Dover, will be held privately. Friends may call from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Highway, Wilmington Manor, New Castle. Mrs. Rodriguez died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, in Sunbridge Care Center, Elkton. She was born March 29, 1922 in Bridgeport, Conn., daughter of the late John and Teresa Santana Otero. Mrs. Rodriguez retired in 1984 as a staffing assistant for Dover Air Force Base after 21 years of service. She also was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a member of the Dover American Association of Retired People (AARP). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Toribo Rodriguez, in 1982. She is survived by a son, Kurt A. Rodriguez of New Castle; two brothers, Hilton Otero of East Hanover, N.J., and Richard Otero of Haymaker, Va.; and a sister, Ruth Parry of Verona, N.J. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA, P.O. Box 6067, Stanton, DE 19804. Letters of condolence may be made at www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Edna Jean Sheppard Services for Edna Jean Sheppard, 64, of Hartly, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 South Bradford Street, Dover, where friends may call one hour Prior to the funeral service. Mrs. Sheppard died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002 at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was born December 28, 1937, daughter of the late Clifton and Edna David Short. She was a homemaker and a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mrs. Sheppard enjoyed bluegrass music, playing bingo and doing crossword puzzles, and she loved her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Clifton Short. In addition to her husband, Milbourne W. Sheppard, she is survived by four daughters, Debbie Jean Stone of Dover, Cynthia May Wallace and her husband Chris, of Hartly, Sandra Sheppard Lucks and her husband, John Wayne of Wyoming and Shirley Ann Sheppard of Hartly; two sisters, Shirley Ann Holleger of Woodside and Mary Jane Hastings of Laurel; six grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com/torbert. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Senior Master Sgt. John Charles Sluss, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Services for John Charles Sluss, 79, of Dover, were held Friday, Dec. 13, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. Mr. Sluss died Wednesday Dec. 11, 2002, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. He was born June 26, 1923 in Cumberland, Md., son of the late George L. and Mary M. Rogan Sluss. He moved to Delaware in 1970. Mr. Sluss served his country as a carrier and a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years. He saw action during World War II and the Korean and Vietnamese wars. Part of his duties with the military police included guarding President Lyndon B. Johnson’s plane. After retiring as a senior master sergeant in 1969, Mr. Sluss was a car salesman for a short time with the Holden Mundy car dealership. He was a member of the Camden/Wyoming Moose Lodge, American Legion Walter L. Fox Post No. 2 and the First State Shrine Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Sara Girley Sluss in 1993. He is survived by a son, Charles Sluss; a daughter, Susan Sylvester of Wyoming; his caretaker and granddaughter, Robin Sylvester of Felton; and four other grandchildren, Cindy Wilson of Dover, Donna Thompson of Milford, Regina Knotts of Wyoming and Donald Sylvester of Dover. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ruth Day Sparks Services for Ruth Day Sparks, 91, of Clayton, will be at held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union Street, Smyrna, where friends may call starting at 10 a.m. Mrs. Sparks died Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, at Westminster Village Assisted Living Facility in Dover. She was born August 1, 1911, in Clayton, daughter of the late Robert I. and Anna “Annie” Long Day. Mrs. Sparks graduated in 1929 from John Bassett Moore High School, Smyrna. She and her husband, the late G. Medford Sparks, R.Ph., owned and operated Sparks Pharmacy in Clayton until his death in 1956. She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Smyrna, where she was a past president of the Church Altar Guild. She was also a homeroom mother and past PTA president of the Clayton School and a former member of the Smyrna Century Club. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert I. Day Jr. and Roland J. Day. She survived by two daughters, Sara S. Thomas of Crisfield, Md., and Sandra S. Robinson of Smyrna; two grandsons, Robert W. Thomas, III of Gurnee, Ill., and William M. Thomas of Selma, N.C.; two granddaughters, Kimberly M. Robinson of Newark and Tanya L.R. Shelton of Richmond, Va.; and four great-grandchildren. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Smyrna immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St. Smyrna, DE 19977; or Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements were by Faries Funeral Directors, Smyrna. --------------------------------------------------------------- * C.E. "Buck" Wilburn Services for C.E. ‘Buck’ Wilburn, 68, of Dover, will be held privately. Mr. Wilburn died after a long illness Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Maryville, Tenn., son of the late Ernest and Lillie Wilburn. Mr. Wilburn was a master craftsman, having worked in all phases of the building industry for more than 50 years. He was a quiet, soft spoken man who loved his family, fishing, hunting, playing his guitar and taking scooter rides with his dog, Chippie. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family and will always be remembered for his intelligence and teasing sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Trula “Sandy” Wilburn; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Gail and Jim Ulp of Dover and Linda and Henry Briggs of Marydel; a son, Ernest Wilburn of Dover; two brothers, Johnny Wilburn and Fred Wilburn; four sisters, Margaret Hollis, Mary Thatcher, Candy Hutsell and Henrietta Christian. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Charles Briggs, April Briggs, Stephanie Belk, Melanie Settle, Kelly Ulp, Kimberly Wilburn, Mela Wilburn and Ernest Wilburn; and seven great-grandchildren, Alicia Vallenavedo, Alex Settle, Ashley Settle, Elizabeth Briggs, Jamie Briggs, Aidan Donahue and Zachary Belk. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association or the National Kidney Foundation. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Marilee D. Wynn Services for Marilee D. Wynn, 58, of Dover, were held Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Minus Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. Wynn died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, in Greenwood. She was born April 7, 1944 in Greenwood, daughter of the late Wilson and Alice Coverdale. Mrs. Wynn attended Delaware State College. She worked for 22 years at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter L. Wynn; and a sister. She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Charmaine and Isiah Hicks, of Dover and Elaine Bailey of North Carolina; two sons and a daughter-in- law, Walter and Margaret Coverdale of Cheswold and Carlton Wynn of Dover; a brother, Lawrence Coverdale of New York; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Helen Elizabeth Ricks Young Graveside services for Helen Elizabeth Ricks Young, 79, of Milford, were held Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Mrs. Young died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, in the Genesis ElderCare Milford Center, Milford. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Ellendale. Mrs. Young was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Young. She is survived by a stepdaughter, Gloria White of Frederica; five stepsons and their wives, Lawrence Eugene and Marilyn Young and Ronnie Young and his companion, Mary Anglin, all of Frederica, James and Virginia Young and Carl and Elanor Young, all of Felton and William and Stella Young of Georgetown. She is also survived by a sister, Annie Arlease Ricks Perkins of Washington, D.C. and Suffolk; three brothers, Stephen A. Ricks Sr. of Suffolk, Richards A. Ricks Sr. of Portsmouth, Va., and the Rev. John W. Ricks Sr. of Washington, D.C.; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Pettyjohn and Margaret West, both of Frederica and Rachel Gibson of Dover; two brothers-in-law, Clarence Young of Frederica and Samuel Young of Milton; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. ---------------------------------------------------------------