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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 ************************************************************************** * Clarence A. 'Junie' 'Bone Ranger' Allen Jr., 55 GREENWOOD - Clarence A. "Junie" "Bone Ranger" Allen Jr. of Greenwood died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, of respiratory failure in his home, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 55. Mr. Allen was the son of the late Clarence A. Allen Sr. and the late Mildred Ann Prattis Weal. He moved to Delaware at the age of 6 months with his family. He received his education at Greenwood High School (now Woodbridge High School). Upon completion of high school, Mr. Allen enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country in the Vietnam War, from which he later received an honorable discharge. While in the Army, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Expert M-14 and M-16 Sharpshooter awards and commendations. He was a very skilled man who loved to work. Prior to his disability and illness, he held employment at various places, including L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, Bridgeville Machine Works, Bridgeville, and the Golden Corral, Seaford, and he was most recently employed, prior to his disability, with Sam Yoder and Sons, Greenwood. During his free time, he enjoyed spending time with and caring for his family, shooting pool, playing backgammon and being the best non-NBA basketball player there was. He also assisted with the care of aunt, Owena Cephas, before her death, and his cousin, Nancy Cephas, who is still living. Mr. Allen was a man who also loved to praise God, which he did during his membership at Williams Chapel Church in Bridgeville and his fellowship with the Mount Moriah Church in Greenwood. In addition to his parents and his aunt, he was preceded in death by his stepparents, Moses Weal and Mabel LaMar; three sisters, Valerie, Gail and Jennifer; and a very special cousin, Cheryl Cephas, who was like a sister to him and for whom he cared during her illness. In addition to his other cousin, he is survived by three sons, Victor Knowles of Smyrna, Calvin Allen of Georgetown and Clarence Allen III of Bridgeville; his former wife, Drucilla (Knowles) Allen; five sisters, Benita Weal Solola, with whom he resided, of Greenwood, Owena Weal and Sandra Madden, both of Providence, R.I., Thea Nichols of Newark and Brenda Jones of Seaford; four brothers, Wade Weal of Greenwood, Dana Sutton of Bridgeville, Garrett Allen of Philadelphia and William "Billy" Allen of Bath, N.Y.; four sisters-in-law, Stephene "Peaches" Weal of Greenwood, Stacie Sutton of Bridgeville, Marilyn Allen of Philadelphia and Beverly Allen of Seaford; another stepmother, Esther Sutton of Bridgeville; two stepbrothers, Curtis LaMar and Gary LaMar, both of Philadelphia; two stepsisters, Joan Betts and Joyce Overton, both of Philadelphia; two aunts, to whom he was very close and who helped raise him after the death of his biological mother, Louise Smith and Marian Dexter Smith, both of Bridgeville; and an uncle, Daniel Smith of Bridgeville. Services will be 1 p.m. Sunday in Williams Chapel Church. 5011/2 N. Cannon St., Bridgeville, where friends may call from noon to 12:45 p.m. The Rev. Wilford McNeill will officiate and the Rev. Charles W. Smith Jr. will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Bridgeville. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Alice L. Banta, 89 DOVER - Alice L. Banta of Dover died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in Bayhealth- Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 89. Miss Banta was born Oct. 5, 1913 in Wilmington, daughter of the late Claude and Pauline Banta. Until her retirement, she was a member of the support staff for the Delaware State Board of Education. Miss Banta had lived in Dover for the past 30 years. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Kent County SPCA, 6 Shelter Circle, Camden 19934 or to a favorite charity. Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover. Letters of condolence may be made to delmarvaobits.com/torbert. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Anita D. Creasy, 85 LEWES - Anita D. Creasy of Lewes died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. She was 85. Mrs. Creasy was born in Nicholson, Pa., daughter of the late Robert and Eva Stone Dix. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Creasy was a member of the Ladies Auxilliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Creasy in 1999. She is survived by two sons, Larry Creasy of Narvon, Pa. and Richard Creasy of Lewes; a brother, Robert Dix of Milton, Pa.; and six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes. Burial will be private in Veterans Memorial Cemetery South, Millsboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Peter E. Donnelly, 72 POINT PLEASANT, N.J. - Peter E. Donnelly of Point Pleasant died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in Laurelton Village Care Center. He was 72. Mr. Donnelly was born in New York, City, resided in Dover, Del. and moved to Point Pleasant in 1990. Mr. Donnelly retired in 1969 as a master sergeant with the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Donnelly, who died in 1984. He is survived by a daughter, Candace Benson of Dallas; a sister, Claire Deter of Point Pleasant; a grandson, Chris Geiger of Helen, Ga.; and a great- grandson, Christian Geiger. Burial with full military honors will be 1 p.m. Friday in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden, Del. Arrangements by The Neary-Quinn Funeral Home, Manasquan, N.J. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Dorothy V. Evans, 90 OCEAN VIEW - Dorothy V. Evans of Ocean View died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in her home. She was 90. Mrs. Evans was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late Maria Rosalia Schwarz and William Karl Doderer. She was a homemaker and worked in the Pre-sentence Office of the Court of Common Pleas at the Sussex County Courthouse, Georgetown. She was a concert violinist and played at Carnegie Hall at the age of 5. Mrs. Evans was a 56-year member of the Ocean View Church of Christ and a member of the Frankford Chapter 12 of the Order of the Eastern Star. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Capt. Louis B. Evans; a daughter, Peggy Ann Wilgus; a sister, Maria Carolina Doderer; and a grandson, Glenn Murray. She is survived by three daughters and three sons-in-law, Mary Lou and Herb Murray, Norma Lee and Bill Wingate and Betty Jane and George Keen; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be noon Saturday in the Ocean View Church of Christ, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in the Mariner's Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 600 Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Ocean View. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Clinton Edward Hall, 74 FRANKFORD - Clinton Edward Hall of Frankford died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in the Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Lewes. He was 74. Mr. Hall was born in Ocean View, son of the late James G. and Maggie E. Rogers Hall. He was a farmer and poultry worker before retiring. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, crabbing, fishing, gardening and most of all, talking. Mr. Hall was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Evelyn Snead Hall; a daughter, Vanessa Waters of Frankford; a stepson, Leroy Snead of Selbyville; a stepdaughter, Connie Harmon of Frankford; two brothers, Aldon Hall of Clarksville and Ernest Hall of Philadelphia; three sisters, Agnes Coleman of New Jersey, Leona Hall of Clarksville and Lucinda White of Wilmington; eight grandchildren, Denisha Stanley, Dionne Johnson, Traves Snead, Dishika Waters, Nakedra Waters, Leera Snead, Jasmine West and Davonte Waters; and four stepgrandchildren. Services will be 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Patriot's Way, Millsboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sophronia (Froney) Bailey Henry, 98 MILFORD - Sophronia (Froney) Bailey Henry of Milford died following a brief illness Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at Genesis Nursing Home, Milford, where she had been a resident for the past eight years. She was 98. Mrs. Henry was born Feb. 27, 1904, in Northhampton County, Va., daughter of the late James and Ida Bailey. She had achieved an eighth-grade education. Accepting Christ as a youth, she became a member of African Baptist Church in Cheriton, Va., for many years. Upon moving to Delaware in the mid-50s, she joined Mount Enon Baptist Church in Milford, where she served on the missionary and willing worker's board. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Henry; five brothers, Edward, David, Fleming, Sanford and Fred; and a sister, Helen. She is survived by a daughter, Ida Mae Henry Sturgis of Greenwood; a son and daughter-in-law, Irvin Nathaniel and Roberta of Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Sandra Maria Bowe, who she raised as her own; Thomas L. Henry; Linda Whipple and husband, Lonzo; and Irvin N. Henry Jr. and wife Patricia; five great-grandchildren, Shon Bowe who she played a significant roll in raising, Tasha, Lauren and Michael Henry and Nicole Whipple; a great-great-grandchild, Marquel; three brothers, George, Thomas and Milton Bailey; a sister, Pearl Gaymon; three sisters-in-law, Theora, Evelyn and Nora Bailey; and many devoted nieces, nephews, surrogate children, grandchildren and friends. Services will be noon Saturday in Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford, where friends may call two hours earlier. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Stella M. Huey, 79 MILFORD - Stella M. Huey of Milford died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in Bayhealth/Milford Memorial Hospital. She was 79. Mrs. Huey was a seamstress at I.L.C. in Frederica in 1985. She operated Stella Ceramicsa for many years, retiring in 2002. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, James H. Huey Sr.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Maureen Austin of Baltimore, and Jesse and Nancy Miles of Viola; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Ed Moczulski of Milford; two stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law, James Jr. and Jane Huey of Milford and C. Lester and Pat Huey of Milford; a sister, Peggy Whey of Rock City, S.C.; a brother, Raymond Larcombe of Lake Worth, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great- grandchildren. Services will be noon Saturday in Berry Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Denton Cemetery, Denton. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Charles Edward 'Brother Jenkins' Jenkins Sr., 82 SEAFORD - Charles Edward "Brother Jenkins" Jenkins Sr. of Seaford died of natural causes Friday, Jan. 30, 2003, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. He was 82. Mr. Jenkins was born in Concord, near Seaford, son of the late Ada and Williams Jenkins. He was the 10th of 12 children. He received his early education at the Frederick Douglass School in Seaford. Mr. Jenkins married Ida Mae Hunter Jan. 7, 1941. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, he received an honorable discharge. He worked for Parson Mills Lumber Yard, Houston Culver Fertilizing Co. and Nanticoke Cleaners. In 1966, his big break came, and he became employed by the Seaford School District until 1985, and retired with 19 years of dedicated and productive service. He spent his last years working, along with one of his sons, in the plywood business. He enjoyed watching and attending sports, especially the Orioles, gardening and livestock. He lived a wonderful life with his family, and he loved his family and the Lord with all of his heart. Mr. Jenkins received salvation many years ago under the ministry of Bishop Clarence Denson at the East Clarence Street Church of God, where he was a member for many years. He was an active member of Williams Chapel Church in Bridgeville, and he was a devout Christian who served as a deacon and a trustee of the church as well as a father of the church, and before becoming ill, he sang on the Male Choir and the Senior Choir. He was the one who prayed over the Communion emblems at the church before Holy Communion for at least the past 30 years or more. He was a quiet man who had his own special seat within the church, and everyone knew Brother Jenkins' seat. In addition to his wife of 62 years, he is survived by three sons and three daughters-in-law, Robert Lee and Elizabeth Jenkins of Salisbury, Md., Charles Jenkins Jr. and Regina Jenkins of Dover and Linwood and Francine Jenkins of Concord; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Myrtle Jenkins of Middleford, Frankie and Tyrone Griffin of Bridgeville and Beatrice and Elzey Jones of Seaford; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Williams Chapel Church, 5011/2 N. Cannon St., Bridgeville. Services will be noon Saturday in the church, where friends also may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Wilford McNeill will officiate and the Rev. Charles W. Smith Jr. will deliver the eulogy. Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Bridgeville. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Jessica Darlene Jewett, 21 GEORGETOWN - Jessica Darlene Jewett of Georgetown died suddenly Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003. She was 21. She is survived by her loving parents, Bob and Kelly Jewett; five brothers, Bob, Aubrey, Moss, Shay and Jimmy; a sister, Sarah; her birth mother, Kelly Springer; her grandparents, Cmdr. and Mrs. John Springer; and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of life, in the form of an open house, will be 1 p.m. Sunday in the home of her parents, 23 Snow Road, Georgetown. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made in Jessica's name to Friends of SPCA, PO Box 885, Rehoboth Beach, Del., 19971. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Virginia M. 'Ginny' Johnson, 70 SEAFORD - Virginia M. "Ginny" Johnson of Seaford died of a heart attack Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford. She was 70. Mrs. Johnson was born April 1, 1932, in Bridgeville, daughter of the late Leon Cannon and Frances W. Nichols-Purnell. She received her formal education in the Seaford School District. Mrs. Johnson married Charles H. Johnson Sr. May 12, 1959; they became the proud parents of six children. In her younger years, she became employed by Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, where she served in the capacity of dietary supervisor for 27 years before she retired in 1986. Mrs. Johnson was a woman full of love and had a genuine concern for the family. She always did what she could to make sure her family was taken care of in every way, neglecting her own needs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 1982; a son, Dennis T. Johnson; and four brothers, James Purnell, Robert Nichols, Harris Cannon and Nathaniel Cannon. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Gilda Nichols- Pinckens and Marion Pinckens of Bridgeville, Peggy F. Nichols of Salisbury, Md., and Darlene E. and Michael Thompson of Seaford; two sons and two daughters-in- law, Oliver G. and Barbara Nichols and Charles H. Johnson Jr. and Stephanie Johnson, all of Salisbury; five brothers and four sisters-in-law, Elmer Purnell Jr. and Loretta Purnell, Edward and Barbara Purnell and Cleon Cannon, all of Seaford, and Wilson and Betty Ann Purnell and William L. and Ethel Purnell, all of Bridgeville; eight sisters and six brothers-in-law, Lucretia Richards, Gwendolyn and Robert Hammond, Esther and Walter Pinder and Gloria and Victor Epps, all of Seaford, Betty and Wayne Wilson of Cambridge, Md., Phyllis Jackson and Edith and James Heath, all of Sicklerville, N.J., and Diane and Wayne Morris of Lewes; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Citadel of Hope Deliverance Ministries, formerly the Cathedral of Faith Church, Concord Road, Seaford. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the church. Burial will be in Macedonia Cemetery, Seaford. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ola Mae Laws, 97 GEORGETOWN - Ola Mae Laws of Georgetown died of heart failure Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, in Harrison House, Georgetown. She was 97. Mrs. Laws was born Sept. 26, 1905, in Laurel. She was a domestic worker. Mrs. Laws was a member of Prospect A.M.E. Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Laws; and a son, Charles Laws Sr. She is survived by a son, Granville Oney of Georgetown; a sister, Bertha Baynard of Milford; two daughters-in-law, Edna Laws and Helena Oney, both of Georgetown; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in Prospect A.M.E. Church, Railroad Avenue, Georgetown, where friends may call two hours earlier. Burial will be in Mount Calvary A.M.E. Cemetery, Concord. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Alvin J. Pinder, 68 FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Alvin J. Pinder of Federalsburg died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, Del. He was 68. Mr. Pinder was born July 1, 1934 in Greenwood, Del., son of Gilbert Pinder and Cora Tull Pinder. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1972 after serving more than 20 years. Mr. Pinder enjoyed fishing, hunting, guns, country music, parties and people. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Filbert Pinder. He is survived by three sons, Gilbert Pinder of Bridgeville, Del., Tom Pinder of Forest City, N.C. and Walter Pinder of Tucson, Ariz.; two daughters, Leta Banks of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Sheila Pinder of Milford, Del.; a sister, Hilda Maloney of Thompsonville, Del.; and eight grandchildren, David, Joe, Stacey, Harry, Erik, Gilbert B., Josh and Destiny. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday in the Fleischauer Funeral Home, 48 W. Market St., Greenwood, Del., where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood, Del. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Roy D. Smith, 80 DOVER - Roy D. Smith of Dover died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, in his home. He was 80. Mr. Smith was born Jan. 4, 1923, in Defiance, Ohio, son of the late Guy and Mary Berg Smith. He was a truck driver for King Trucking, a long hauler freight company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ginnie, in 1990. He is survived by a son, David Smith of Sylvania, Ohio; a daughter, Tina Wilhelm of Defiance, Ohio; and a brother, Marvin Smith of New Bavaria, Ohio. Services will be private. Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Charles R. Thrift, 76 CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Charles R. Thrift of Chestertown died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital, Chestertown. He was 76. Mr. Thrift was born Jan. 29, 1927 in Church Hill, son of the late Clyde Charles and Marie Elison Thrift. He was a 1945 graduate of Chestertown High School. Mr. Thrift served his country in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre in the 12th Armored Division under Gen. Patton's command. He was later selected and served in Gen. Patton's Funeral Brigade. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Chestertown. In 1947, he began working for an asphalt service and later in the 1950s with David A. Bramble Construction as plant manager. He retired in 1993 with more than 40 years in the asphalt industry. Mr. Thrift married Carrie Mae Dulin of Massey, Md. June 29, 1951. He had a love for woodworking and he had built furniture and remodeled his home. He also enjoyed fishing and crabbing. Mr. Thrift was a member of the Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post 36 in Chestertown. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Leroy on Jan. 19, 2003; and two sisters, Doris Loomis and Mildred Walbert. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Michael Dulin Thrift of Chestertown; a daughter, Robin T. Bigelow Cooper of Denton; two sisters, Hilda Raleigh of Fairlee, and Madeline Watts of Glen Burnie; and five grandchildren. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 130 Speer Road, Chestertown. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Church Hill Cemetery. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital Foundation, 100 Brown Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 or Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 126, Chestertown, MD 21620. ---------------------------------------------------------------