Kent County, Delaware Obituary Collection (Obits and death notices from Various Funeral Homes in Kent County, Delaware.
Many obituaries from Camden, Dover, Smyrna, and surrounding area.
Dover, Del. - A mass of Christian burial will be held for Evelyn 'Grace' McDonnell, 89, of Dover, at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South State Street, Dover. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
Mrs. McDonnell died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital.
Born in Kinston, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Herbert Lundy Garris and Ellie Mumford Garris.
Raised in Raleigh, N.C., Mrs. McDonnell graduated from Hugh Morson High School and the Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, N.C. She had enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and served as a 2nd lieutenant.
Her duties included service with the Duke University Hospital Unit — 65th Gen. Hospital from 1942 to 1942. While in service she had been stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C., from 1942 to 1943, and had served in England with the 8th Air Force from 1943 to 1945. By the time of her discharge she had earned the rank of 1st lieutenant.
Upon her discharge, Mrs. McDonnell moved to the Philadelphia suburbs and had pursued her vocation in nursing. She had served at Presbyterian Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr College Infirmary, Haverford State Hospital and as a Philadelphia school nurse.
She was well known for her vivacious personality and her gracious manner. She was a historian and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with everyone. She also was an expert sewer and was well known for her beautiful, smocked children’s outfits.
Mrs. McDonnell also was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was one of those people who really made a difference and one who will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John J. McDonnell in 1993; and a son, John J. McDonnell in 2004.
Mrs. McDonnell is survived by two sons, James C. McDonnell of Bethesda, Md., and Daniel O. McDonnell of Wallingford, Conn.; two daughters, Maureen A. Farley of Hummelstown, Pa., and Margaret E. Bray of Milford; a brother, Dr. Herbert L. Garris of Pine Hurst, N.C.; and 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family suggests donations in her memory be made to Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.
Ethel Beatrice Hicks Stevens, 92
PHILADELPHIA - Ethel Beatrice Hicks Stevens of Philadelphia died, after a long illness, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1998, in Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia. She was 92.
Mrs. Stevens was born Aug. 6, 1906, in Marydel, Del., the daughter of the late Mary and Matthias Hicks.
She was educated in the Delaware school system and attended night school in New York. She completed a home-study course in practical nursing and a sewing course after 1955, in Philadelphia.
She enjoyed working and held various jobs in domestic and factory work and as a companion to the sick and shut-in.
Mrs. Stevens was always a strong force in her family; for many years, her home was known as the gathering place for holiday festivities. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She will be remembered for her compassion, great sense of humor and quick wit.
She was creative in arts and crafts, ceramics being her specialty, sharing them with friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling, movies, amusement parks and theater.
She came to know the Lord early in life, and that was reflected in her attendance and fellowship with her church family. She introduced all her children to the Lord early and never lost her faith during hard times and disappointments.
Mrs. Stevens joined St. Rita's Senior Center, where she remained active, receiving several citations for helping the sick. She joined Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in 1955, and attended regularly until her illness. She was a member of Class 22 and served as Communion steward.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paris Elliot Stevens, in 1980; and eight siblings.
She is survived by five sons, Charles I. Stevens of Harrington, Del., the Rev. Paris E. Stevens of Dover, Del., Paul L. D. Stevens, William H. Stevens and Quentin J. Stevens, all of Philadelphia; three daughters, Irma A. Stevens of Los Angeles, Irene E. Stevens of Philadelphia and Doris A. McDowell of Philadelphia; three daughters-in-law, Catherine Stevens of Harrington, Harriet Stevens of Frederica, Del., and Barbara Stevens of Philadelphia; 28 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, 750 South Broad St., Philadelphia, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Alfred Malloney, pastor, will officiate.
Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester, following service.
Arrangements made by Julian Hawkins Funeral Home Inc., Philadelphia.
Samuel J. Bradley, 62
HARRINGTON - Samuel J. Bradley of Harrington died Sunday, Dec. 27, 1998, in Bayhealth Medical Center-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 62.
Mr. Bradley was born in Andrewsville, the son of the late Arley and Sara Bradley.
He worked for 30 years for the Delaware Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, as an equipment operator and laborer.
Mr. Bradley was a former member of the Fox Hunters Club of Vernon. He enjoyed watching baseball and football games.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann McCafferty Bradley of Harrington; two sons, Thomas Arley Bradley of Greensboro, Md., and Bruce Bradley of Harrington; two daughters, Beverly Dyott and Lori Ann Bradley, both of Greensboro; a stepson, George Richards of Harrington; a stepdaughter, Aimee McCafferty of Harrington; and three grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. Du Pont Highway, Harrington, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.
Irving E. Culver, 78
CLAYTON - Irving E. Culver of Clayton died Monday, Dec. 28, 1998, in Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 78.
Mr. Culver was born Nov. 6, 1920, in Laurel, son of the late Claude and Florence Culver.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II.
He worked as a delivery person from 1950-1971 for Frear Dairy. He worked in the parts department for Willis Chevrolet in Smyrna from 1971-1991, retiring in 1991.
Mr. Culver was a member of the Ewell's St. Paul Methodist Church in Clayton and a member of the AARP.
He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Marian Culver of Clayton; a son, Irving L. Culver of Hartly; two daughters, Katherine Louise Gillen and Shirley Ann Arthur, both of Dover; a brother, Marshall William Culver of Dover; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, where friends may call 7-9 p.m. today.
Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ewell's St. Paul Methodist Church, P.O. Box 266, Clayton, DE 19938.
Mary 'Maggie' Curtis, 71
SALISBURY, Md. - Mary 'Maggie' Curtis of Salisbury died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury. She was 71.
Mrs. Curtis was born Feb. 18, 1927, in Salisbury, the daughter of the late Noah and Vessie Ellis.
She was educated in the public schools of Wicomico County.
She worked in Wicomico County.
Mrs. Curtis will be remembered for all the love and shelter she gave to many children and for having a strong, but loving, voice that brought comfort to many.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norwood Curtis Sr.
She is survived by her loyal companion of many years, Marcellus Roxbury; three sons, Norwood Curtis Jr., Marion Curtis and Gerald Curtis, all of Salisbury; two daughters, Mary Jean Everett and Carolyn Curtis, both of Salisbury, and Regina Curtis of Washington, D.C.; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Collins of Salisbury; two brothers, Marion Collins of Salisbury and Jake Collins of Philadelphia; a sister, Flora Mae Savage of Salisbury; 10 grandchildren, including Sheila Gattis and Nora Curtis, whom she raised as her own; six great-grandchildren; several nieces; and a host of cousins and friends.
Service will be 11 a.m. today at the Family Worship Center in Salisbury, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.
Burial will be in Green Acres Memorial Park, Salisbury.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Salisbury.
Sally L. Dixon-Devito, 54
WILMINGTON - Sally L. Dixon-Devito of Wilmington died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington. She was 54.
Ms. Dixon was born Aug. 24, 1944, the daughter of the late Lydia Lily Tharpe.
She was a homemaker.
She is survived by a son, Robert West Jr. of Newark; a daughter, Sally Boulanger of Newark; two grandchildren; and her aunt, Mazie Durham of Mount Pleasant.
Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Port Penn Road, St. Georges.
Daniels & Hutchinson Funeral Home is accepting memorial contributions on behalf of the family.
Eleanor Ann Dunham, 78
DOVER - Eleanor Ann Dunham of Dover died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, in her home. She was 78.
Ms. Dunham was born Aug. 9, 1920, in Whitney Point, N.Y.
She was retired from the Rosecroft Raceway, where she worked as a receptionist/secretary.
She was a member of the Cheswold United Methodist Church.
She is survived by a son, Arby Dunham of Fayetteville, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Marguerite Dunham of Fayetteville; a sister, Harriett Peterson of Cortland, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Allison Dunham of Fayetteville; and a dear friend, Earl Ulrich of Dover.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.
John R. Eddingfield, 41
HOUSTON - John R. Eddingfield of Houston died Friday, Dec. 25, 1998, in his home. He was 41.
Mr. Eddingfield was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Catherine Cortese and Roy R. Eddingfield.
He worked in the mailroom of the Dover Post.
Mr. Eddingfiled enjoyed camping and NASCAR racing.
He is survived by a brother, George Eddingfield of Wilmington; three sisters, Mary Ellen White of North Carolina, Patricia Iorii of Wilmington and Alice K. Mills of Dover; and three special friends, whom he lived with, Mike Edwards, Bobbie Jean Wright and Margaret Wright, all of Houston.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Du Pont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Jacob H. Geisinger, 83
LONG NECK - Jacob H. Geisinger of Long Neck died Monday in Bayhealth Medical Center-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was 83.
Mr. Geisinger was born in Limerick Township, Pa., a son of the late Horace Geisinger and Jane (Ziegler) Geisinger.
He had resided in the Long Neck area for the past 15 years.
Mr. Geisinger was a member of the Community Church of Oak Orchard and of the Promise Keepers' Association.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Turner) Geisginer.
He is survived by a daughter, Judy Rick of Pottstown, Pa.; a stepson, William D. Turner, and Mr. Turner's wife, Lucille Turner, both of Long Neck; a stepdaughter, Charlotte Benjamin of Long Neck; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Service will be 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home Inc., 610 Main St., Phoenixville, Pa., where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in the Valley Forge Memorial Gardens, King of Prussia, Pa.
Ret. Lt. Col. Charles Wallace 'Bill' Woodard, 90
LEWES - Retired Lt. Col. Charles Wallace ''Bill'' Woodard, U.S. Army Reserve, died Monday, Dec. 28, 1998, in Harbor Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was 90.
Col. Woodard was born Nov. 5, 1908, in Salt Lake City, the son of the late James Elijah and Fannie Mae Taylor Woodard. His grandparents were ''Mormon'' pioneers during the period 1847-1849.
He attended Wasatch Elementary School East and L.D.S. High School, and graduated from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, in 1932 with a B.S. in business administration. In college, he played basketball and tennis, and was captain of the tennis team in 1932.
Col. Woodard went to Washington, D.C., in 1935 to work for the federal government's chief of accounts in the Treasury Department. Next, he worked for the Department of the Interior as a field auditor with the Grazing Service, traveling over the western United States.
In November 1941, he was called to military active duty, already holding a reserve commission as an Army second lieutenant. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, he was sent to Camp Lee (now Fort Lee), Petersburg, Va., with troops to guard the city's utilities and bridges. Within a few weeks, he was relieved of duty by a colonel and sent back to Washington. From there, he was sent to Duke University, Durham, N.C., for finance school. Out of a class of 75, only 14 graduated; he was one of them.
Col. Woodard was made the paymaster at Boling Field; at that time, he paid the troops in cash. From there, he was sent to Texas as the field finance officer; while there, he received orders to report to the Pentagon. He worked at the Pentagon through 1946, after which, he kept his officer's commission and remained in the Army Reserve through Dec. 30, 1966.
He went back to civilian work for the federal government at Public Health, in the National Institutes of Health. He retired from the Department of Labor Dec. 31, 1966. For a short time thereafter, he had some part-time jobs.
Col. Woodard came to the Rehoboth Beach-Lewes area in his Airstream travel trailer and said, "This is where I want to live - go fishing when I want to, have a garden and travel." He enjoyed all, especially his garden, with the neighborhood children, and later, with his grandson, playing ball with them and having popcorn parties. He was affectionately referred to as "the Colonel" and "Oh! My achin' back!"
He traveled all over the United States, and went on trips to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Antigua, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and spent winters in Florida.
Col. Woodard was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 1690; the American Association of Retired Persons, Chapter 3543; the Lewes Senior Center; the Cape Henlopen Senior Center; the Delaware Mobile Surf Fisherman Association; the Retired Officers Association; and the Elks Lodge in Lewes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Isabelle Walcott, Margaret Golding, Hattie Peterson and Eva Morgan.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ilean S. Meibaum Woodard; a son, Charles W. Woodard Jr. of Riverdale, Md.; two daughters, Sandra Campbell of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and Susan Compton-Maddox of Darnestown, Md.; a stepdaughter, Priscilla 'Pam' Meibaum of Seaford; a grandson, Michael Meibaum of Seaford; and a granddaughter, Sandra Schmuhl of Darnestown.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Atkins-Lodge Chapel of Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. Charles Moyer, pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church, officiating.
Friends may call at the chapel one hour before the service.
Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., with full military honors.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes, DE 19958; or to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 600 N. Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
