Kent County, Delaware - Obits: from The Dover Post
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* Myrtle A. Daniels, 80
SMYRNA - Myrtle A. Daniels, of Smyrna, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in
Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 80.
Services have been rescheduled to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Daniels and
Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where friends may call
after 1:30 am.
Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.
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* Margaret A. Sharpe, 79
FREDERICA - Margaret A. Sharpe of Frederica died of heart failure Saturday,
Feb. 15, 2003, in her daughter's home. She was 79.
Services have been rescheduled to 1 p.m. Friday in the Price Funeral Home, 6
Dorman St., Harrington, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in the Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart
Association, 1151 Walker Road, Suite 202, Dover, DE 19904.
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* John J. 'Sonny' Davis Jr., 71
NEW CASTLE - John J. "Sonny" Davis Jr. of New Castle died of cancer Sunday,
Feb. 16, 2003, in Christiana Hospital of Christiana Care, Newark. He was 71.
Mr. Davis was a graduate of Wilmington High School, class of 1950. He also
attended Temple University for commercial art.
During the Korean conflict, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine
Corps and was awarded a National Defense Service Metal.
Upon leaving the Marine Corps, he became a Delaware State Police trooper. He
was seriously injured in 1959 protecting the Rayfield Home in Collins Park
during the riot. He underwent operations to repair the physical damage but was
forced to retire. He remained loyal to and in contact with the Delaware State
Police. After his police career ended, he became the owner of the Mac Abee's
record store in Wilmington. He then joined Ferris School for Boys as a juvenile
field investigator, then was promoted to correctional security superintendent.
Still desiring to be in the justice system, he pursued his ambition to become
director of internal affairs for the state Department of Correction, from which
he retired in 1995.
Mr. Davis was a member of the Red Devil football team. Over the remaining
years of his life, he was an active member of the Retired Association of State
Police and was very involved in visits to ailing retired state troopers over the
past years. He also was a member of American Legion Stahl Post 30 and coached
football and soccer for Our Lady of Fatima Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and John Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marie Austin Davis; a sister,
Phyllis Dougherty of Newark; a brother, Willard Davis of Millsboro; and numerous
nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Friends may call from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday in McCrery Memorial Chapel,
Kirkwood Highway and Duncan Road, near Wilmington.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel.
Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware State Police Museum, P.O.
Box 430, Dover, DE 19903-0430.
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* Gladys P. Horn, 100
LEWES - Gladys P. Horn of Lewes died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2003, in Harbor
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. She was 100.
Mrs. Horn was born in Fairmont, W.Va., daughter of the late W.L. and Sophia
Smith Pitzer.
She was a homemaker and had worked at various jobs throughout her life. She
worked at restaurants in West Virginia and Washington state during the 1930s and
1940s, including during World War II. She took piano lessons as a child and
later became a teacher of piano. She took on housekeeping jobs for prominent
families in the area, and by doing this was able to obtain the position of
governess for Sen. Edmondson and his daughter, Ann Bland. She also took care of
family members at their homes until their passing.
She was an avid gardener and loved plants and flowers. This love was evident
to those around her by all the canning she did and the flowers she grew. She was
known for storing bulbs in nylon stockings for sharing with others. She said
that her father had told her that she could grow anything in a thimble to a lard
can. Also, her handiwork and crafts were exceptional, along with being
beautiful. The needlework, knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing and other
crafts were exceptional. She kept and made notes, cut clippings and articles of
interest and went both local and universal throughout her lifetime, especially
during the early 1900s and during World War II. Her scrapbooks and photo albums
leave her legacy. The record-keeping and attention to detail share so much of
the past and help to bring it to the future for us.
Mrs. Horn had great compassion for people and life itself. Even up to her
final days, she had a sense of humor. She never got enough knowledge and read
everything she could get her hands on and liked to be quizzed to keep her mind
alert. She was a courageous, compassionate, strong-willed person. She was very
intelligent and was an inspiration to all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver
Horn; and a brother, Ernest H. Pitzer.
She is survived by a sister, Lillian H. Sumner, a niece, Patricia Davis, and
a great-nephew, John Matthew Sharp, all of Wilmington; a stepson and his wife,
Russell and Diane Horn, of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; a friend, Toni Oddo, of Lewes;
and a host of other cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.
Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday in Parsell Funeral Homes and
Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Services and burial will be in Bridgeport, W.Va.
The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of one's choice.
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* Edna E. Jordan, 87
CAMDEN - Edna E. Jordan of Camden died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, after a
lengthy illness. She was 87.
Mrs. Jordan was born July 26, 1915, in Camden, daughter of the late El and
Gertrude Pennewell, and the last descendent of the Pennewell family.
She lived most of her earlier adult years in Harrisburg, Pa.; Florida; and
Bridgeport, Conn. While in Harrisburg, she married Joseph Jordan.
She enjoyed talking and making people laugh. She also enjoyed cooking.
While living in Harrisburg, Mrs. Jordan became a member of St. Paul Baptist
Church, where she faithfully attended and was a dedicated usher. After returning
to Delaware, she became a member of Zion A.M.E. Church under the leadership of
the Rev. Randall Freeman.
She is survived by three nieces and the husband of one, Florence Brown and
Harriet Gilmore, both of Dover, and Lawon and James Scott of Camden; two nephews
and their respective wives, Nelson and Jean Driggus of Dover and James and
Phyllis Driggus of Camden; a goddaughter, Aleathea Scott; a host of cousins,
great-nieces and great-nephews; and three dear friends, Viola Minus Butler,
Christine Feliciano and Henry Barr.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W.
Division St., Dover, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
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* Grace Draper Millman, 85
MILTON - Grace Draper Millman, of Milton, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003,
surrounded by loving and caring family in her home. She was 85.
Mrs. Millman was born Aug. 2, 1917, in Milton, the first daughter of the
late Grover C. and Ella Brittingham Draper.
She was a cafeteria manager for Milton High School, H.O. Brittingham
Elementary, Lewes High School and retired from Cape Henlopen High School after
24 years with Cape Henlopen School District.
Besides entertaining and collecting cookbooks, she enjoyed bowling and
flower gardening, especially her roses, which she graciously shared with shut-
ins and friends. Her yard was always a scenic beauty and inspired artists to
paint it.
Affectionately known as "Amazing Grace," Mrs. Millman was a member and past
president of the Delaware School Food Service Association. Her famous sticky
cinnamon buns were always a treat for students and faculty, as were her chicken
and dumplings for family and friends. For many years, she prepared meals for
Lewes Rotary Club meetings and for special occasions at White's Chapel United
Methodist Church. She was a dedicated member of White's Chapel UM Church and had
served as Sunday school teacher, choir member, and held positions on the
administrative board. She has served as president of White's Chapel United
Methodist Women, Hollymount Home Demonstration Club, Milton Senior Citizens and
was eulogist for members. She was a member of Georgetown Chapter 9, Order of
Eastern Star and Gideon Ladies Group.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 66
years, Richard, in May 2002; and two sisters, Clara Draper Robinson in October
2000 and Esther Draper Morris in April 1999.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Margaret Draper
Millman of Milton; two daughters and a son-in-law, Bessie V. Hickman of
Millsboro and Phyllis M. and John P. Wapniarek of Newark; six grandchildren,
Cheryl Ann Hickman of Selbyville, Richard D. Millman II and wife, Jamie, of San
Francisco, Catherine W. Berchock and husband, Joseph, Joyce L.Wapniarek, John R.
Wapniarek and Dominick Remedio, all of Wilmington; four great-grandchildren,
Grayson W. Berchock, Justen, Kayla and Maegan Remedio; two sisters, Olivia
"Candy" Hudson, of Harbeson, and Ruth Draper Tyndall of Millsboro. "Aunt Grace"
was special to her many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday in Short Funeral Services, 416
Federal St., Milton, with an Eastern Star Service at 1 p.m.
Services will be 1 p.m. Monday in White's Chapel UM Church, 15357 Coastal
Highway, Milton.
Burial will be in adjoining cemetery. The Rev. Everett L. LeCates Jr. and
Rev. Randall J. Booth will officiate.
Memorial contributions are suggested to White's Chapel UM Church, c/o
Shirley Millman, 16753 Coastal Highway. Lewes, DE 19958, or to Delaware Hospice,
Southern Division, 600 N. DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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* Robert C. Phillips, 72
MILLSBORO - Robert C. Phillips of Millsboro died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in
Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 72.
Mr. Phillips was born in Gloucester City, N.J.
He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army.
He was a Glouscester City policeman for 25 years.
Mr. Phillips was a member of the American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard.
He is survived by his wife, Elsa Phillips; two brothers; three sisters; six
sons; a daughter; 15 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Mary Mother of
Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard.
Burial will be private.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Long Neck Elementary School
Mentoring Program.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
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* Kay Pierman, 91
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Kay Pierman of Silver Spring died Wednesday, Feb. 19,
2003, in Caroline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Denton. She was 91.
Mrs. Pierman was born in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Alfred J. and Nora
Kathleen O'Brien Reif.
She vas a secretary for Fisher Scientific in Pittsburgh, retiring in 1977.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Brian C. and Carol A. Pierman
of Preston; a grandson, Jim Pierman of Annapolis; and a great-granddaughter,
Nicole Pierman.
Services will be private.
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* Ronald Earl 'Ronnie' Reece Sr., 54
CLAYTON - Ronald Earl "Ronnie" Reece Sr., of Clayton, died Monday, Feb. 17,
2003, on his horse farm in Clayton. He was 54.
Mr. Reece was born Nov. 14, 1948, in Rogersville, Tenn., son of Fay Kemp of
Smyrna and the late Dallas F. Reece Sr.
He moved to the Clayton area with his family as a young child.
Mr. Reece was a welder by trade, and he and two of his brothers worked for
the Boilermakers Union for many years until he retired. Throughout his life, he
worked as a logger, a trade handed down from his father when the elder Mr. Reece
and his sons ran the logging business for many years. Ronald and his wife
operated Reece Family Miniature Horse Farms in Clayton.
He took great pride in showing and caring for the champion miniature horses
and operating the farms. His favorite times were when the foals were born. He
was proud when the Reece family was invited to represent Delaware at the
presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. The whole Reece family went, 32
family members, friends and 23 of their champion miniature horses. He was a
great friend to many and had a special talent for telling stories and jokes.
Some of his best times were spent sitting outside in the yard, tinkering on
equipment and talking with his boys. He was loved by all and will be in his
family members' hearts forever.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce
"Caesar" Reece.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of l7 years, Toni
Reece of Clayton; two sons, Ronald "Buck" Reece Jr. and Barry Dean Reece, both
of Smyrna; seven stepchildren, Natalie Schuler, Toni Watkins, Gina Brown,
Michael Hodgeman, Danielle "Peas" Hill, Jamie Keeler and Kristine Keeler; two
brothers, Dallas Reece Jr. of Sudlersville, Md., and Dale Reece of Millington,
Md.; a sister, Lisa Sipple of Smyrna; 14 grandchildren; and several nieces and
nephews.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Fellows, Helfenbein and
Newnam Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St., Millington, Md.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Sudlersville Cemetery, Sudlersville.
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* John L. Sammons Sr., 73
BRIDGETON, N.J. - John L. Sammons Sr., of Bridgeton, died Tuesday, Feb. 18,
2003, in South Jersey Hospital System-Bridgeton Division, after a brief illness.
He was 73.
Mr. Sammons was born in Bridgeton and was the son of the late Oscar and
Lettie Sammons. He had lived at his present address for 10 years and prior to
that had lived in the Millville, Del., area.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean conflict.
Prior to his retirement he had been employed in the maintenance department
at Wade East Apartments in Millville for 10 years.
Mr. Sammons was a member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Indian Tribe and the
American Legion.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet
Jones Sammons; four brothers, Oscar Sammons, Charles Sammons, Alfred Sammons and
Vernon Sammons; and two sisters, Rebecca Sammons and Grace Jones.
He is survived by three sons, John Sammons of Bridgeton, Michael Sammons of
Minatola and Curtis Sammons of Millville; a daughter, Patricia Sammons of
Pennsylvania; three sisters, Thelma Pierce of Bridgeton, Dorothy Sammons of
Cedarville and Ave Mosley of Dover, Del.; and several grandchildren, nieces and
nephews.
Funeral services will be noon Saturday in the Padgett Funeral Home, 160 Main
St., Cedarville, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Cedarville.
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* Barbara A. Silbereisen, 62
HARRINGTON - Barbara A. Silbereisen of Harrington died Tuesday, Feb. 18,
2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford, after a short illness.
She was 62.
Mrs. Silbereisen was born in Georgetown, daughter of the late Peyton and
Bessie Hawkins.
She worked as a warehouse supervisor for Chick's in Harrington for more than
20 years.
She was a very loving and caring mother and grandmother.
Mrs. Silbereisen was a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge.
She is survived by a son, Clifford Knotts of Harrington; four daughters,
Brenda Humphrey and Lynn Silbereisen, both of Harrington, Debbie Silbereisen of
Colorado and Melissa Silbereisen of Frederica; two brothers, Roy Hawkins and
Ronald Hawkins, both of Harrington; seven sisters, Helen Gallo, Virginia Hughes,
Josephine Haymen, Gloria Sylvester, Sharon Rash and Joyce Hughes, all of
Harrington, and Geraldine Taylor of Milford; her former husband, Robert H.
Silbereisen, with whom she remained lifelong friends; and 12 grandchildren and
one great-grandchild.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Price Funeral Home, 6 Dorman St.,
Harrington.
Burial will be in St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood.
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* Dorothy Rose Sterling, 88
FREDERICA - Dorothy Rose Sterling, of Frederica, died Thursday, Feb. 13,
2003, in her home surrounded by her family. She was 88.
She was born July 31, 1914, in Crisfield, Md., one of 12 children of the
late Elijah and Ella (Bennett) Bethard. She moved to Delaware after the death of
her husband, Gordon "Dick" Sterling Jr., in 1961.
While in Delaware she worked for Bethard's Grocery Store in Dover and later
for Woolco Department Store.
Mrs. Sterling was a member of Capitol Baptist Church, Dover.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Dixie and Jack Evans of
Frederica, with whom she lived, and Patricia Ann and Donald Hinmon of Satellite
Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-
grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the Capitol Baptist Church, 401 Kesselring
Ave., Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be held at a later date in Sunny Ridge Memorial Cemetery,
Crisfield.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the
Capitol Baptist Church, 401 Kesselring Ave., Dover, DE 19904.
Arrangements by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.
Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com or
www.pippinfuneralhome.com.
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* Ella Woods, 68
LINCOLN - Ella Woods of Lincoln died of heart failure Tuesday, Feb. 18,
2003, in Milford Manor, Milford. She was 68.
Mrs. Woods was born March 14, 1934, in Brooksville, Fla.
She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Woods Sr.; and a son,
Robert Woods Jr.
She is survived by two sons, Anthony Woods of Milford and Ronnie Woods of
Syracuse, N.Y.; two daughters and a son-in-law, Sandra Woods of Wilmington and
Barbara and Joseph Batson of Seaford; nine grandchildren; six great-
grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church,
Slaughter Neck, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Old Hickory Cemetery, Slaughter Neck.
Arrangements by Young's Funeral Home, Milford.
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