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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 ************************************************************************** * Thelma Mildred Mosley Blakey, 72 MIAMI - Thelma Mildred Mosley Blakey of Miami died of emphysema Saturday, May 3, 2003, in her son's residence in Miami. She was 72. Mrs. Blakey was born in Milford Neck, near Milford, Del. She graduated from Delaware State College (now University), Dover, Del., with a degree in biology. In the 1950s, Mrs. Blakey pursued a career as a medical technician at what is now Howard University Hospital. She spent part of the 1960s as a director of community-outreach programs for the American Cancer Society and as proprietor of The Shop, a Washington, D.C., art-house boutique that sold paintings. She left Washington in the 1970s to live in Jamaica. She subsequently lived in Dover in the 1980s, while working as director of Alumni Affairs at Delaware State College; subsequently lived in Capahosic, Va., and moved to Miami last year. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Katus Reginald Blakey, in 1975. She is survived by three sons, Michael of Capahosic, Jeffrey of Port Antonio, Jamaica, and Kevin of Miami; a brother; a sister; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the Blakey family cemetery off Hardwick Mountain Drive, Barboursville. Arrangements by Preddy Funeral Home, Gordonsville, Va. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Michele Anne Cramer, 35 GEORGETOWN - Michele Anne Cramer of Georgetown died of natural causes Wednesday, May 14, 2003, in The Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. She was 35. Mrs. Cramer was born in New York, daughter of Lorraine Nowicki McMurtry of Georgetown and the late George McMurtry. She was a manager with Vanity Fair in Rehoboth Beach. Mrs. Cramer was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Georgetown. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a daughter, Ashley Cramer; three sons, Casey Cramer, Blaine Tiller and Jesse Tiller, all of the family home in Georgetown; maternal grandmother, Julia Nowicki of Hicksville, N.Y.; two brothers, George McMurtry of Flushing, N.Y., and James McMurtry of Patchogue, N.Y.; and two sisters, Deborah Giglio and Julia Rowley, both of Georgetown. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Edward Street, Georgetown. The Rev. Daniel McCloskey will officiate. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Jaseem Eric Dunning, newborn MILTON - Jaseem Eric Dunning of Milton was born and died Monday, May 12, 2003, in Beebe Medical Center. He is survived by his mother, Shirese Dunning of Milton; his father, Eric Christopher of Milton; three sisters, Jaelisha Dunning and Makayia Trapp, both of Milton, and India Mae of Ellendale; maternal grandmother, Pamela Ayers of Lincoln; maternal grandfather, Purnell Ayers of Lewes; maternal great- grandmother, Margaret Ayers of Lewes; maternal great-grandfather, William Dunning of Lewes; maternal great-great-grandmother, Naomi Perry of Lewes; paternal grandmother, Debra Christopher of Milton; paternal grandfather, Eric Christopher of Dover; paternal great-grandmother, Idella Watts of Miton; paternal great-grandparents, James and Sandra Watts of Milford; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Friendship Baptist Cemetery, Lewes. Arrangements by Young's Funeral Home, Milford. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Catherine Ann 'Aunt Cap' 'Mom Mom Cap' Harris, 56 DOVER - Catherine Ann "Aunt Cap" "Mom Mom Cap" Harris of Dover died Monday, May 12, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover, surrounded by her family. She was 56. Ms. Harris was born Jan. 7, 1947, in Woodside, daughter of Ruth Burris of Magnolia and the late Elwood Burris. She attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Booker T. Washington schools. Ms. Harris was employed by Playtex for 37 years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by two daughters, Frances E. Cason of Woodside and Jennie "Tip" Harris of Frederica; two sons, Mark Harris of Dover and James C. Cain Jr. of Townsend; two stepchildren, Selena Baines and Stanford Smith, both of Harrington; four sisters, Lena King of Felton, Evelyn Tolson and Phyllis Harris, both of Magnolia, and Lydia Sherrod of Camden; nine brothers, Samuel Harris, Terry Harris and Emory Harris, all of Woodside, Preston Burris, Douglas Burris and William Harris, all of Magnolia, James Harris of Star Hill; and Carlton Harris and Lawrence Harris, both of Dover; a brother-in-law; four sisters-in-law; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; a great- grandson, Gary Griffin; two step-great-grandchildren; three godchildren, Robert Harris, Lamar Tolson and Linda Haith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Services will be noon today in Mount Zion AME Church, Dover, where friends may call two hours earlier. Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Elma P. 'Sis' Walker-Higgins, 86 ELLENDALE - Elma P. "Sis" Walker-Higgins of Ellendale died of natural causes Monday, May 12, 2003, in her home. She was 86. Mrs. Higgins was born June 25, 1916, in Ellendale, daughter of the late Cora Robinson and Titus Young. She began her Christian journey at an early age. Mrs. Higgins was a lifelong member of Mount Zion AME Church in Ellendale, where she sang on the senior choir. Her melodious voice echoed throughout the congregation for years until she moved to Chesilhurst, N.J. She was a faithful and dedicated member of the Eliza Jane Price Missionary Society, of which she later became president. She served as a member of the board of stewards and was recently made steward emerita. She served with dignity as a member of this board. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her first husband of more than 50 years, John Walker, June 21, 1997; and by her second husband, James S. Higgins, March 21, 2003. She is survived by a daughter, Margo E. Hitchens of Laurel; a brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Blossie Waters of Wilmington; two stepsons and the wife of one, Vernon and Regina Higgins of Wilmington and Richard Higgins of Chesilhurst; two stepdaughters, Geneva Scott of Philadelphia and Victoria Thomas of Kingsland, Ga.; two brothers-in-law and the wife of one, Brown Walker of Ellendale and Ralph and Velma Higgins of Philadelphia; two sisters-in-laws, Florence Pitts of Philadelphia and Ethel Higgins of Dover; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be noon Saturday in Mount Zion AME Church in Ellendale, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Siloam AME Church Cemetery, Slaughter Neck. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Patrick Joseph Lannon, 51 CLARKSVILLE - Patrick Joseph Lannon of Clarksville, formerly of Washington, D.C., died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in his home. He was 51. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a mobile computer repairman and owner of Alpha Computers, and did research work for the U.S. Patent Office. Mr. Lannon was a member of Mason-Dixon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 at Quillens Point in Ocean View. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas J. Lannon. He is survived by his mother, Maxine, of Washington; four brothers, Michael, Stephen, Thomas and John; and four sisters, Mary, Cathy, Teresa and Margaret. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Ann's Catholic Church, Del. 26 in Bethany Beach. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery South near Millsboro. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Mason- Dixon VFW Post 7234, P.O. Box 91, Ocean View, DE 19970. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Ocean View. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Johna Jamie Lynn Martin, 16 CLAYTON - Johna Jamie Lynn Martin of Clayton died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 16. Johna was in the 11th grade at Smyrna High School, where she enjoyed art and chorus. She loved to draw, sing and dance. She was a caring and loving person who always wore her heart on her sleeve, and had a special way of putting her feelings into words through poems. She enjoyed the time that she spent with her family. She enjoyed going hunting with her dad and playing with Gidget, Hoochie and Missy. She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandmother, Carlotta Melvin; and her maternal grandfather, Allen V. Miller. She is survived by her parents, John James Elwood Martin and Karen Louise (Miller) Martin of Clayton; three sisters, Amanda Martin, Summer Martin and Marissa Martin, all of Clayton; maternal grandmother, Madelyn R. Mears of Bedford, Pa.; paternal grandparents, Joanne Martin, Michael Martin and John Martin, all of Clayton, and Charles Schuyler of Henderson, Md.; paternal great- grandfather, Marion McMullen of Greensboro, Md.; aunts and uncles, Ronald and Susan Miller, Roger and Renee Miller, Sonya Lowe, Wayne Martin, Chris Schuyler, Jason Schuyler, Josh Martin and Melissa Martin; four cousins, Chasidy Miller, Justin Miller, John Flick and Stacy Miller; and numerous great-aunts, great- uncles, other family and friends. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call three hours earlier. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the funeral home. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Irene L. McColley, 88 MILFORD - Irene L. McColley of Milford died of natural causes, after a long illness, Thursday, May 15, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was 88. Mrs. McColley was born in Bridgeville, daughter of the late Charles and Deal Donovan Bennett. She was a point roller for L.D. Caulk in Milford for more than 35 years, retiring several years ago. Mrs. McColley also enjoyed spending time with her husband, Robert Harlan McColley, hunting and fishing until his death in 1983. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers; and a sister. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Sara Ward of Wilmington; a niece, Betty J. Buchanan of Milford; and several other nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Monday in Henlopen Memorial Park, Del. 1 near Milton. Arrangements by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Hannah Ruth Moore, 65 COLUMBIA, Md. - Hannah Ruth Moore of Columbia died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in Medlink Hospital and Nursing Center, Washington, D.C. She was 65. Mrs. Moore was born Aug. 28, 1937, in Emporia, Va., daughter of the late Ananias B. Clanton and Elizabeth Pelham Clanton. She graduated in 1955 from Edward W. Wyatt High School in Emporia and attended North Carolina A'&;'T State University, Greensboro, N.C., where she met and married the late DeThorne Moore. They lived in South Hill, Va., and Dillwyn, Va., before moving to Denton, where they raised their family. She lived in Denton 30 years. Mrs. Moore worked for the Caroline County Department of Social Services for 25 years. She is survived by her four children, Ananias D. Moore of Columbia, Andrea Moore Drew of Bowie, Alexis C. Moore of Silver Spring and Avice Moore Koffi of Newark, Del.; a sister, Mary L. Sullivan of Emporia; a dedicated cousin, George Clanton of Washington; two sons-in-law, Todd Drew and Mathieu Koffi; a daughter- in-law, Brenda Moore; five grandchildren; a brother-in-law; three sisters-in- law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Hurlock. Arrangements by William Reese and Sons Mortuary, Annapolis. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Paul H. Pruitt Sr., 60 CLAYTON - Paul H. Pruitt Sr. of Clayton died peacefully of natural causes Wednesday, May 14, 2003, in his home. He was 60. Mr. Pruitt was born April 6, 1943, in Wilmington, son of the late Clifton J. Pruitt Sr. and the late Marjorie Foraker Stewart. He was a musician, playing the guitar and touring all over the country, and was the youngest lead-guitar player for Bill Haley and the Comets in the early '70s. He enjoyed being at the Smyrna Diner, talking with his friends. He loved his family. Mr. Pruitt was a devout Christian who attended Kent Christian Center in Dover. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Dawn Renee Krafchick; and a brother, Benjamin Foraker. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jackson Pruitt; three daughters, Maria E. Steele of Oxford, Pa., Eva Mae DeVincentis of Newark and Ashley Elizabeth Pruitt of the family home; a son, Paul H. Pruitt Jr. of Newark; a stepson, Bruce Hamm Jr. of Newport; a stepdaughter, Nicole J. Hagner of Dover; a brother, Clifton J. Pruitt Jr. of Claymont; 15 grandchildren, Renee, Michelle, Brandi, Brittney, Ariel, Kaitlyn, Casey, Brittney, Tony, Brandon, Logan, Ryan, Coty, Caitlin and Joey; and his two dogs, Bugsy and Elmo. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour before services. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Donald Ray 'Skipper' Pumphrey, 36 SMYRNA - Donald Ray "Skipper" Pumphrey of Smyrna died Saturday, May 10, 2003, in Green Valley Nursing Home, Smyrna. He was 36. Mr. Pumphrey was born Dec. 8, 1966, in Lewes, son of Gloria R. Pumphrey and Donald R. Hall of Lewes. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandmother, who raised him, Lottie Mae Sample of Rehoboth Beach; his paternal grandparents, George and Juanita Ames of Rehoboth Beach; 11 brothers, Elton Pumphrey, Leroy Antonio Pumphrey, Timothy Pumphrey, Sidney Ray Frazier, Quinn Frazier, Eric Frazier, Damien Ayers, BJ Holbman, Dewaynne Holloman, Antonio Frisby and Melvin Crippens; two sisters, Mechelle Pumphrey and Gloria Frisby; seven uncles, John Pumphrey Sr. of Cool Spring, Leon Ward and Leroy Ward, both of Alexandria, Va., William Ames of Somerset, N.J., John Hall of Cool Spring, George Ames Jr. of Rehoboth Beach and Robert Ames of Milton; six aunts, Beverly Frisby of Seaford, Peggey Ward of Alexandria, Va., Daisy Williamson of Lewes, Carolyn Ames of Brownmills, N.J., Brenda Maull of Rehoboth Beach and Mary Ward of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a great aunt, Adline Outlauw of Lewes; a great uncle-in-law, Julius Maull of Rehoboth Beach; an aunt-in-law, Sandra Ames of Columbia, S.C.; several nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends. Services will be 1 p.m. today in Soul Saving Station Church, Rehoboth Beach. Burial will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Lewes. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Kenneth K. Remington, 78 HARRINGTON - Kenneth K. Remington of Harrington died Wednesday, May 14, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was 78. Mr. Remington was born in Mott, N.D., son of the late Keith Henry Remington and Caroline Elizabeth Campbell. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 during World War II on an ammunition ship stationed in the Philippines. He left the Navy in 1946 to get married. Because his new bride, Hilda Ruth Remington, fell ill, Mr. Remington enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1951, stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. In 1952 he was assigned to Bordeaux, France, as a commissary officer. Sadness hit in 1952 when Mrs. Remington passed away, prompting him to return home to attend her funeral, when he collected his son, Wayne, and returned to France. There they remained for many years in Europe. Mr. Remington retired honorably in Fort Polk, La., in April 1965. He returned home in 1973 and settled in Delaware, where he made his home. He loved animals. For almost 15 years, he bought and sold livestock. In his spare time, he liked fishing and he enjoyed gardening. Mr. Remington was a very active member of American Legion Post 7 of Harrington, where he was in charge of membership for 20 years. Through the American Legion, Mr. Remington was a member of the 40/8 of Dover. Mr. Remington was also a member of the VFW of Milford and a member of the Cootee. He is survived by a son, Wayne Arnold Remington of Aurora, Ore.; a brother, Darrel Remington of Mott, N.D.; and two sisters, Grace Fulton of Belle Fouche, S.D., and Eithleen Marthaller of Hettinger, N.D. Memorial service will be 7 p.m. Monday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Highway, Harrington. The American Legion and VFW will participate in the memorial service. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in North Dakota. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Harrington American Legion Post 7, Harrington, DE. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Carlena Taylor, 49 NEW CASTLE - Carlena Taylor of New Castle died Monday, May 12, 2003, in Wilmington Hospital of Christiana Care, Wilmington. She was 49. Ms. Taylor was born Sept. 5, 1953. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Salisbury, Md., where friends may call lone hour earlier. Burial will be in Dea's Chapel Church Cemetery, Horntown, Va. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Elsie A. 'Trixie' Wilson, 78 MILFORD - Elsie A. "Trixie" Wilson of Milford died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was 78. Mrs. Wilson was born in England, daughter of the late William and Lillian Juler Grummitt. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She taught ballroom dancing for 42 years and enjoyed ballroom dancing at the Shawnee Dance Club, Crystal Dance Club and Golden Ballroom Dance Club, both in Denton, Md., and at the Seaford Dance Club. Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Ladies of the Elks, Milford; Daughter of the British Empire, Parson Thorne Chapter, charter member; and past president and treasurer of the Trans-Atlantic Brides and Parents Association. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mable and Irene Grummitt. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, William A. Wilson; a son and daughter-in-law, Dale W. and Barbara Wilson of Clarksville, Md.; two grandchildren, Susan Lauren and Scott Matthew Wilson; and a sister, Valerie Baker of England. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Berry-Short Funeral Home, N.W. Front Street, Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. Remembrances can be posted at newszap.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------