Kent County, Delaware - Obits: from The Dover Post ************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Melinda Jarvis Devereaux ************************************************************************** * Bessie W. Parker Boggs Remembrance services for Bessie W. Parker Boggs, 89, of Dover, were held Monday, Feb. 3, at Trader Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. Boggs died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at Silver Lake Center, Dover. She was born June 15, 1913, near Woodside, daughter of the late Ernest and Bessie Morris Wilcutts. Mrs. Boggs was a charter member of the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and Roby United Methodist Church in Leipsic. She retired in 1974 as a license examiner with the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles in Kent County. She also worked as a waitress at the Village Inn in Little Creek during the 1950s. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James “Jimmy” Parker, in 1964; her second husband, J. Paul Boggs, in 1974; four brothers, Nolan Wilcutts, Walter Wilcutts, Ernest Wilcutts and Roy Wilcutts; and her sister Anna Neiwoit. She is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, James W. Parker of Bowers Beach and Charles E. and Connie Parker of Odessa; a daughter and her husband, Maureen and Ronald Reb of Dover, with whom she lived; two grandchildren, Kevin W. and his wife, Kelly M. Reb of Smyrna and Robert A. Reb of Smyrna; two great- grandchildren, Jerald T., Rocklin N. and Magdalyn Reb,; two sisters, Clara W. and her husband, George Russell, of Milford and Jessie W. Walls of Dover; and her longtime companion, John Webb. Burial was in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. Arrangements were by Trader Funeral Home, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Master Sgt. Robert L. Fester, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Services for Robert L. Fester, 74, of Dover will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 South Bradford St., Dover. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the funeral home. Mr. Fester died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. Mr. Fester was born May 26, 1928, in Bellevue, Pa., to the late Joseph H. and Edna P. Owens Fester. He was served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and Vietnam, and retired after 23 years as a master sergeant. He was a life member of the Disabled Veterans Association. He loved working with wood and making things for his family and friends in his little shop. He also volunteered for Special Olympics. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Fester and Ed Fester; and three sisters, Virginia Swatsfigure, Ida Mae Mules and Edna Harper. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret of Dover; three sons, William F. Fester of Biloxi, Miss., Robert K. Fester of Milford and Timothy M. Fester of Dover; a daughter, Edna F. Trosclair of Biloxi; three grandchildren, Curtis and Natalie Trosclair and Danielle Herrman, all of Biloxi; and a great grandson, Christopher Herrman of Van Cleve, Miss. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kent Sussex Industries, 258 North Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, DE 19963. Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com/torbert. Burial will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Frank Hansen Memorial services for Frank Hansen, 56, of Dover, were held Friday, Jan. 24, at the Mamie Warren Senior Center, Smyrna. Mr. Hansen died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at his home. He was born Sept. 3, 1946, in Jersey City, N.J., son of the late Clarence and Anna Lee Hansen. Mr. Hansen worked as a mechanical engineer for 29 years for Mack Trucking and Seagram’s. He worked at Progresso Foods in Vineland, N.J. for five years. After retiring in 1996, he taught math at Delaware Technical '&;' Community College and volunteered as a math teacher at the Delaware Correctional Facility in Smyrna. He also was the director for the Mamie A. Warren Senior Center in Smyrna. Mr. Hansen was a 25-year member of the Nordic Lodge No. 574 Sons of Norway, Totowa, N.J., and The National Society of Professional Engineers. He is survived by a sister, Janet B. Pszenny and her husband, Bill of Pemberton, N.J.; a niece, Lee Ann Forvour of Jobstown, N.J.; a nephew, John Pszenny and his wife, Crystal of Pennsville, N.J.; two aunts, Roberta Lee of Lewes and Nona Lee of Pennsylvania; one uncle, Gustav Lee and his wife, Elsie of Lewes; and four great-nieces and great-nephews. Burial was private. Arrangements were by Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Tien En Li Services for Tien En Li, Ph.D., 76, of Dover, will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. Mr. Li died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at his home. He was born the youngest of four siblings in Kansu Province, northwestern China. At an early age, he was recognized as an exceptional student, placing second in a national exam. His family encouraged him to study, hoping he could be the only one to escape their impoverished life in rural China. They sold their only working farm animal so he could travel across the country to attend high school. In 1949 he graduated from Chengchi University in Nanjing, China. The Sino- Japanese war and Communist Revolution prevented him from returning to his home province. Having no other choice, he left war-torn China for Taiwan where he became an instructor of statistics at Chung Shing College in Taipei. While there, he published a book, The Conservation of Natural Resources and the Economy. In 1956, with the help of friends, he was able to afford passage to America on a cargo ship, which took 40 days. He worked as a translator for a Chinese- American newspaper in San Francisco. He earned a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in 1958 and his doctorate in economics from Texas A'&;'M University in 1961. He worked as a computer programmer at IBM in Houston, Tex. and as a research associate at the University of Illinois. In 1962 he came to Dover where he became a professor of economics at the then Delaware State College. He was popular among the students for his unique teaching style and sense of humor. He married Wan-Wan Jerng in 1966. After 30 years of service, he retired from Delaware State University in 1991. In 1993, he was able to travel back to his hometown in China to revisit his family and relatives. He enjoyed going to horse races, cooking, gardening, and carpentry. He was always willing to help newcomers in the local community and students who often sought his advice and wisdom. Mr. Li’s lifetime was devoted to pursuit of knowledge and educating others. His two sons both graduated college at the age of 16 and are currently college professors. He is survived by his wife Wan-Wan and two sons, Eugene Li of Durham, N.C. and Victor Li of Odenton, Md. Flowers are welcomed, and letters of condolence may be sent to www.delmarvaobits.com/torbert. Memorial contributions may be sent “In memory of Tien Li” to Delaware State University, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Burial was in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sherronda Lynnae Purnell Manlove Services for Sherronda Lynnae Purnell Manlove, 31, of Dover, were held Saturday, Feb. 1, in the Church of God, Seaford. Mrs. Manlove died of cancer Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was born Nov. 2, 1971, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, daughter of John Lloyd and Ethel Pettyjohn Purnell of Bridgeville. Mrs. Manlove was employed with the Dover Post newspaper. She was a member of Home of Mission Bible Church of God in Harrington. She was preceded in death by a brother, Orlando Pettyjohn. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Chris Manlove; a son, Kevonte Purnell of Seaford; a brother, William Purnell of Felton; two sisters, Valencia Purnell of Greenwood and Vonsheila Purnell of Woodside; two grandmothers, Annie Pettyjohn of Seaford and Carolyn Manlove of Dover; a special uncle, Harry Pettyjohn of Seaford; three uncles; six aunts; a brother-in-law, Jose Torres of Dover; two sisters-in-law, Carrie Harris of Felton and Cleo Lowe of Dover; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Burial was in Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Laura Ann Miller Services for Laura Ann Miller, 29, of Hartly, were held Saturday, Feb. 1, in Belfrost Baptist Church, Bel Air, Md., and Monday, Feb. 3, in First Baptist Church, Dover. Mrs. Miller died after a battle with leukemia Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, surrounded by her family in Christiana Hospital, Newark. She was born May 14, 1973, daughter of Robert Conrad and Karen Elaine Lockwood of Joppa, Md. Mrs. Miller graduated in 1991 from Joppatowne High School. She owned and operated The Gospel Shoppe in Dover. As a devoted Christian, the shop allowed her to share her ministry and her love of Christ. Mrs. Miller was a devoted member of First Southern Baptist Church, Dover. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of six years, Steven Miller; a daughter, Sarah Elaine Miller; a sister and her husband, Heather Lynn and Sean Hingardner of Edgewood, Md.; her maternal grandmother, Carolyn Wagner of Baltimore; her paternal grandparents, Conrad J. and Bettylou Lockwood of Baltimore; and her father and mother-in-law, Richard and Joan Miller of Joppa. Burial was in the Garden of the Word in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. Arrangements were by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Margaret Anne Mosley Services for Margaret Ann Mosley, 62, of Rockville, Md., formerly of Kenton, were held Monday, Feb. 3, at Jerusalem-Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Rockville. Ms. Mosley died of cancer Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Montgomery Hospice’s Casey House, Rockville. Ms. Mosley was born Sept. 26, 1940, in Kenton, daughter of Mildred Wright- Mosley of Smyrna and the late Allen Mosley Sr. She attended Smyrna Elementary School and later attended William Henry School. Ms. Mosley was self-employed as a private-duty nurse who cared for people in their homes. She had a special gift for caring for the elderly. She enjoyed reading the Bible, going to church, watching the news and indulging herself in books. She was a very loving and kind woman. Ms. Mosley was a member of Jerusalem-Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Rockville. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Eloise Nixon; a brother, Michael Mosley; and a niece, Carol Mosley. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a sister, Shirley Mosley of Smyrna; six brothers and two sisters-in-law, William and James Mosley, both of Smyrna, Allen Jr., Arnold and Catherine Dixon-Mosley, all of Clayton, Winfred and Diane Stevens-Mosley of Templeville and David Mosley of North Carolina; an aunt, Cora Wright of Smyrna; a devoted friend, Lillian Baker of Rockville; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Arrangements were by Snowden Funeral Home PA, Rockville. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ernest L. Newman Services for Ernest L. Newman, 69, of Dover, were held Sunday at Berry Short Funeral Home, Felton. Mr. Newman died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, of complications of cancer in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born in West Frankfort, Ill., son of the late Jack and Virginia Newman. Mr. Newman was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a service technician for Middletown Appliance for five years, retiring in 1998. Since early 2000, he had owned and operated Ernie’s Collectibles in Laurel. Mr. Newman was former vice-president of the Viola Town Council. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Ellis. He is survived by his wife, Clara Newman; a son, Kenny Newman of Sailor Springs, Ill.; two daughters, Nancy Barnfield of Frankford and Bonnie Bellew of Metropolis, Ill.; six stepchildren, John Habicht of Hartly, George Habicht Jr. and Linda Habicht, both of Frederica, Janet Laird of Felton, Brenda Bifferato of Wilmington and Earl Breedon of La Plata, Md.; two sisters, Kathy Watson of Round Lake Beach, Ill., and Sarah Higgs of West Frankfort; a brother, Jack Newman of Texas; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Burial was in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Alexander Oakes Sr. Services for Alexander Oakes Sr., 84 of Dover, were held Friday, Jan. 31, in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Mr. Oakes died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born July 14, 1918, in South Wales, Great Britain, son of the late John and Ann Brizell Oakes. Mr. Oakes served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a tool and die maker for the DuPont Co., retiring in 1980. Mr. Oakes was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Dover. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leona Oakes; two sons, Robert Oakes of Greenbackville, Va., and Alexander Oakes Jr. of Medford, N.J.; a sister, Dorothy McGill of Columbus, N.C.; and three grandchildren. Burial was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Arrangements were by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Kenneth F. Poore Private services and burial were held recently for Kenneth F. Poore, 62, of Dover. Mr. Poore died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, surrounded by his family at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. He was born July 15, 1940, in Smyrna, son of the late William and Elizabeth Mayberrie Poore. He attended Smyrna High School. Mr. Poore was a self-employed produce salesman and did some wholesaling in the Delaware and Maryland area for most of his life. He enjoyed watching old movies, playing cards and dinners out with his friends and family. Mr. Poore enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and going to flea markets to find that perfect and special something. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Poore is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Lee and Charles Todd, of Dover; and a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ruth Poore, of Harrington. Arrangements were by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Erin M. Trowbridge Remembrance services for Erin M. Trowbridge, 18, of Felton will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in Trader Funeral Home, Dover, where friends may call two hours earlier. Ms. Trowbridge died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in St. Alphonsus Medical Center, Boise, Idaho, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born Feb. 23, 1984, in Milford, daughter of Robert Trowbridge of Port Penn and Cordelia Mears Collins of Felton. Ms. Trowbridge was a 2002 graduate of Dover High School and was living with her aunt and uncle, Lisa and Darren Talcott, while furthering her education. She was free spirited, and enjoyed talking on the phone, being with friends and living life to its fullest. She touched many with her heart and with her smile. She also was an organ donor, so others could have life. In addition to her parents and aunt and uncle, she is survived by her stepmother, Amy Trowbridge of Port Penn; her stepfather, John Collins of Felton; three brothers, Robert Trowbridge Jr. of Port Penn and Eugene and Clifton Greek, both of Felton; three sisters, Cassy and Carrie Lancaster, both of Port Penn, and Lynsy Collins of Felton; her maternal grandparents, Linda and Roger Mears, of Felton; her paternal grandparents, Lawrence and June Sullivan of Bowers Beach; her paternal step-grandparents, George and Sue Lancaster of Port Penn; her maternal step-grandparents, Harold and Sarah Collins of Dover; and her special friend, William Station of Korea. Letters of condolence may be made at www.delmarvaobits.com or sent to traderfh@aol.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Benjamin F. ‘Jake’ Twilley Sr. Remembrance services for Benjamin F. “Jake” Twilley Sr., 82, of Hartly, were held Friday, Jan. 31, at Trader Funeral Home in Dover. Mr. Twilley died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born April 13, 1920, in Seaford, son of the late Bailey and Lydia Downes Twilley. Mr. Twilley was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He worked at Bolan Motors for many years. He retired from IUOE Local 542 of Philadelphia. Mr. Twilley was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, farming, fishing and crabbing. He built and raced stock cars and go-carts. In his later years he loved to work on small engines in his shop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, William “Bill,” and Richard; and a sister, Madaline Ivory. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Jane Twilley of Hartly; three sons, W. David Twilley, Paul and his wife, Josephine Twilley, and Benjamin F. Jr. and his wife, Michele Twilley, all of Hartly; two daughters, Rebecca and her husband, John Kohout, and Sally and Chuck Wojcieszyn, all of Hartly. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Ross Twilley of Magnolia and Dorothy Twilley of Bear; eleven grandchildren, Christina Mitchell, Kelly Lloyd, Stacy Sylvester, Jason Kohout, Julie Dove, Matthew Angrisani, Erin Wojcieszyn Holly Wojcieszyn, Charles “Buck” Dougherty, Ryan Dougherty, and Vance Dougherty; five great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Margie Massey. Burial was in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Master Sgt. Cornelius VanDrunen, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Services for Cornelius VanDrunen, 80, of Wyoming, were held Friday, Jan. 31, in Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Camden. Mr. VanDrunen died suddenly Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, in the Celebration Hospital, Orlando, Fla. He was born May 12, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Mich., son of the late Frank and Anaa DeLaat VanDrunen. Mr. VanDrunen served in the U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After his retirement from the Air Force, he operated Van’s Mobile Service and First State Mobile Home Transport. He most recently operated a greenhouse and sold produce and plants, operating Pop’s Produce at Spence’s Bazaar. Mr. VanDrunen was a faithful member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Camden. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Katherine “Kitty” VanDrunen; four sons, Cornelius “Butch” VanDrunen Jr. of Harbeson, Larry VanDrunen of Argyle, Texas, Thomas VanDrunen of Wyoming and Stephen VanDrunen of Millsboro; two daughters, Sandra Glass of Wyoming and Katherine Walls of Normal, Ill; two brothers, Frank VanDrunen of Byron Center, Mich., and Robert VanDrunen of Wyoming, Mich.; and 13 grandchildren. Burial was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Arrangements were by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Bishop Benjamin L. Washington Services for Bishop Benjamin L. Washington, 94, of Dover, were held Monday, Feb. 3, at the Bibleway Church of God in Christ, Dover. Bishop Washington died of natural causes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in Silver Lake Nursing Home, Dover. He was born in Seaford, son of the late Walter and Bessie Washington. Bishop Washington received his early education in the public schools of Salisbury, Md., and Mardela, Md., and during his service in the ministry, he received various credential and awards for his progressive work in the ministry. He began his calling into the ministry as a young minister in the Church of the Living God organization, evangelizing and building and establishing numerous churches. He held various official positions as an executive board member of the Board of Bishops and the National Finance Committee and was a prominent figure in key leadership roles in the Church of the Living God. He remained active as the Diocesan Bishop of Delaware and Pastor of the Mount Carmel Church of the Living God until his health declined. In addition to his work in the ministry, he was also a master carpenter and retired from the then-Delaware State College in 1974 as a supervisor in the carpentry department. Although he retired from his job, his work in the ministry continued. He leaves a legacy of devotion and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Priscilla Ryder Washington; two brothers, the Rev. Clifford Washington and the Rev. Walter Washington; and a sister, Ruby Washington Ward. He is survived by his very devoted and faithful wife, Anna L. Washington; his son, Curtis Washington; a brother, Elder Winfield Washington; two sisters- in-law, Blanche Washington and Beatrice Anderson; a brother-in-law, William Anderson; a nephew, Edward Ward; four nieces, Mildred Davis, Ana Easley, Lillian Marcus and Marilyn Purnell; and a host of other friends and loved ones. Arrangements were by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. ---------------------------------------------------------------