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.
MILFORD - Ronnie D. Vickers Sr. of Milford died Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, in his home. He was 53.
Mr. Vickers was the son of Atley Vickers and the late Myrtle Vickers.
He was a supervisor with the city of Milford, for 18 years.
Mr. Vickers enjoyed hunting, restoring old cars, football and NASCAR racing.
He was devoted to his wife, sons, and grandson, most of all.
Mr. Vickers was a member of the Milford Elks Lodge 2401, a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge 534, and a member of the Southern Delaware Street Rod Assoc.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Vickers; and a son, Ronnie D. Vickers Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Katherine Myers Vickers of Milford; two sons, Rodney Higham of Lincoln and Michael Higham Sr. of Townsend; a grandson, Michael Paul Higham Jr. of Townsend; his father, Atley Vickers of Smyrna; four brothers, Horace Vickers of Bridgeville, Charles Vickers of Milton, and John Paul Vickers and Brent Vickers, both of Rehoboth Beach; a father-in-law, Edward A. Myers of Wilmington; and several nieces and nephews.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at The Chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home in Milford, where friends may call one hour prior to service.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; or to the American Cancer Society, 228 DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Daniel S. Guerke, 25
PHILADELPHIA - Daniel S. Guerke of Wilmington and a native of Milford, died Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, of complications following bone marrow transplants in Hahnemann University Medical Center, Philadelphia.
Mr. Guerke was born and raised in Milford and was a 1991 graduate of Milford High School where he was an honors student and athlete. He was also a graduate of the University of Delaware with degrees in finance and in accounting. He was an active member of the University of Delaware rugby club team. During his college career he also worked full time at Grotto's Pizza, both at the beach and in Wilmington, and later at Buckley's Tavern near Wilmington.
Most recently, Mr. Guerke was associated with The Vanguard Group, Malvern, Pa.
He will be remembered by his friends and family for his outgoing nature, wit and sense of humor. He was also an avid football fan.
Mr. Guerke, was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and faced his illness with dignity and courage.
He is survived by his devoted girlfriend, Allison Fox of Baltimore; his mother, Gwen Guerke of Milford, and a columnist for the Delaware State News; his father, Stephen Guerke of Bethany Beach; his younger brother, Matthew Guerke of Newark; his maternal grandparents, Frances and Bernard Frankel of Milford; as well as a large extended family and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ann and Richard Guerke of Wilmington and Bethany Beach.
A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Calvary United Methodist Church, Southeast Front Street, Milford. Memorial donations in his name may be made to I. Brodsky Associates, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Broad and Vine streets, Mail Stop 212, 15th Floor South Tower, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192. Contributions will be forwarded to the bone marrow unit.
Alaine Iceria Seacord, 87
FREDERICA - Alaine Iceria Seacord of Frederica, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, in the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill. She was 87.
Ms. Seacord was born in 1911, in Thorfare, N.J., the daughter of the late Charles Edward Matlack and Sarah Jane Matlack.
She was a homemaker.
She enjoyed walking and visiting friends and neighbors.
Ms. Seacord attended Trinity Methodist Church in Frederica, in her early years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Seacord, in the early '60s.
She is survived by a daughter, Blanche A. Collum and her husband, Jesse, both of Magnolia; a brother, Benjamin Matlack of Frederica; a granddaughter, Annette Renee Hunter of Wyoming; a grandson, William E. Looney of Felton; five great-grandchildren, Amanda Iceria Hunter and Andrew Hunter, both of Wyoming, and Rebecca Looney, Eric Looney, and Jessica Looney, all of Felton; a step-grandson, Tommy Ware of Felton; and a step-granddaughter, Ladawn Lomley of Allentown, Pa.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
Gladys V. Abbott Hawkins, 83
HARRINGTON - Gladys V. Abbott Hawkins of Harrington died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, in Bayhealth Medical Center-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 83.
Ms. Hawkins was born in Pack County, Ga., the daughter of the late George W. Coggins and Lona Coggins.
She worked for the state of Delaware for 15 years.
Ms. Hawkins enjoyed watching the Baltimore Orioles play.
She was a good listener and liked to play cards, especially Rummy.
Ms. Hawkins was a member and past president of VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 99 in Dover, and a member of the Harrington Senior Center.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, William D. Abbott; and her second husband, Orville K. Hawkins.
She is survived by two sons, Larry M. Taylor of Laurel, and Jesse D. Abbott of North Bowers Beach; three brothers, Lamar Coggins and Fred Coggins, both of Thomaston, Ga., and Donald L. Coggins of Albany, Ga.; three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today
Burial will be in Barratts Chapel Cemetery.
Grace Elizabeth Meeker Thomas, 95
MILFORD - Grace Elizabeth Meeker Thomas of Milford died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, in Milford Manor. She was 95.
Ms. Thomas was born in 1903, the daughter of the late Peter Meeker and Ada Meeker.
She graduated from Churchill Village School.
She then attended business school and a music academy.
Ms. Thomas was a piano teacher for many years.
She also worked on the farm with her husband and children.
She worked at a variety of other jobs when times were tough.
Among them were Coopersmiths Sewing Room; Wilkins Packing; as a cashier for Schine's Theater; as a clerk for Western Union Office; a veterinarian assistant; and as a nurse's aide at Milford Memorial Hospital.
Ms. Thomas later worked for Quality Care helping 'old folks.'
She cared for many foster children as well as senior citizens in her home.
She not only played the piano, but she also sang solo and duets at church and other places.
She volunteered for many projects.
Ms. Thomas was still playing both piano and organ at the Harrington Senior Center, where she drove three times a week just before her stroke at 9112 years of age.
She is survived by four children, Ada F. Petrun of Library, Pa., Charles P. Thomas of Lynchburg, Va., Walter N. Thomas of Milford, and Barbara A. Rollyson of Walkersville, Md.; a grandson, Jon A. Thomas whom she raised; 27 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Presbyterian Church, where friends may call one hour prior to service.
Friends also may call from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Berry/Short Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Ernest R. 'Penny' McClain, 75
NEWARK - Ernest R. 'Penny' McClain of Newark died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, in his home. He was 75.
Mr. McClain was born in New Castle.
He taught welding for the Board of Education, during World War II.
He also welded on landing crafts for the war effort.
Mr. McClain was a retired driver from Anchor Motor Freight.
He also taught welding for Delaware Technical and Community College at Stanton following his retirement.
He had hosted the class of 1941 of William Penn High School gatherings for the past five years.
Mr. McClain was a member of the Teamsters Local 326.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan Hall McClain of Newark; three sons, Ernest S. McClain of Smyrna, Sandy L. McClain of New Castle; and Stephen G. McClain of Fair Hill, Md.; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home in Wilmington Manor, where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Burial will be in the Christiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Christiana.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.
Elfreda Roberta Fentress Cameron, 61
DOVER - Elfreda Roberta Fentress Cameron of Dover died Friday, Oct. 2, 1998. She was 61.
Ms. Cameron was born in 1936, in Princess Ann County, Va., the daughter of the late Seroy Fentress and Mamie Fentress.
She received her complete education in the New York City public school system, graduating from the Eastern District High School.
She worked in civil service with the state of New York.
Ms. Cameron also worked in a senior administrative position, retiring in 1988.
She moved to Dover after her retirement.
She will be remembered as a kind, sensitive, and caring person who will be greatly missed by her family.
Ms. Cameron was an active member of the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, where she was involved with the adult Sunday school and the Helping Hand Club.
She is survived by her husband, James E. Cameron Sr. of Dover; three sons, Edward Osbourne and George Osbourne, both of New York City, and James Cameron Jr. of Dover; three sisters, Vivian Fentress-Mullins of New York City, and Linda Gaines and Diane Gaines, both of Norfolk, Va.; a brother, Eliah Gaines of Dover; a stepfather, Eli Gaines Sr. of New York City; a grandson, Hakeem Osbourne; two granddaughters, Renee Cameron and Zhyair Cameron; and a host of other friends and relatives.
Service will be noon Tuesday at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be in Sharon Hills Cemetery, Dover.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
Ralph 'Ralphie' Deaton, 37
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. - Ralph 'Ralphie' Deaton of died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1998, in St. Vincent Hospital. He was 37.
Mr. Deaton was born in 1960, the son of the late Ralph Junior Deaton and Bronte Thomas Deaton.
He graduated from Kent County High School in 1978.
He also graduated from Morgan State University with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree.
Mr. Deaton matriculated at North Carolina Central Law School.
He was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega, Mu Gamma Chapter.
He won a scholarship from the Drama Department, while at North Carolina Central Law School.
Mr. Deaton started to perform regularly at various dinner theatres in the Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C.
He then moved to New York City, where his first performance was given with a group known as 'Special Blend.'
He traveled to Europe as a member of the cast of 'Carmen Jones' and to Japan with 'Porgy and Bess.'
Mr. Deaton's performing took him to Broadway three times as a member of the cast of 'Jelly's Last Jam,' 'Showboat' and 'Ragtime.'
He had shared the stage with the likes of Gregory Hines, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Keith David, Stanley Wayne Mathis, Savion Glover, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ben Vereen, Tonya Pinkins, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, and many other artists.
He also worked as an arbitrator and teacher, while in New York City.
Mr. Deaton was a member of Janes U.M. Church in Chestertown, Md., and a member of the St. James Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
He is survived by his parents, Ralph and Thelma Deaton of Chestertown; two sisters, Terra Deaton of Suitland, Md., and Roxane Hynson of Chestertown; four brothers, Donzelle Deaton of Columbia, Md., Darryl Deaton of Church Hill, Md., Marlon Deaton of Norfolk, Va., and Vernon Ashley of Cecilton, Md.; his grandparents, Bessie L. Deaton, Charles Teat, and Dorothy Teat; four aunts, Jean L. Wallace, Joan Barnett, Geneva Simmons, and Gloria Cooper; three uncles, William L. Wallace, Howard Barnett Sr., and John Cooper; and three devoted friends, Vansell Townsell, Sam LeSane and Steven R. Rowe.
Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Janes U.M. Church in Chestertown, where friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Chestertown.
Gail Nicolette 'Nikki' O'Rourke-Smith, 36
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Gail Nicolette 'Nikki' O'Rourke-Smith of Daytona Beach, and formerly of Dover, died Monday, Aug. 31, 1998 in Daytona Beach. She was 36.
Mrs. O'Rourke Smith was born Aug. 19, 1962, in Hollywood. She later moved to Tallahassee, where she attended the research and development preparatory school at Florida State University. She then moved to Petersburg, Va., where she attended Petersburg High School. She later attended the Art Institute of Atlanta, receiving a degree in photography, and also attended Daytona Beach Community College.
She met and married William Jefferson Smith Jr. and moved to Dover, Del. She relocated to Daytona Beach in 1993.
Mrs. O'Rourke-Smith was a professional photographer at Ritz Camera in Dover and at Beach Photo in Ormond Beach.
She was active with swim teams at the YMCA in Tallahassee and the research and development school, and with the swim team and the track and field team at Petersburg High School, winning state honors with the latter. She was a member of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church and sang in its gospel choirs, and was a member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., Greater Daytona Chapter.
Mrs. O'Rourke-Smith was a lover of animals, in addition to enjoying swimming, track and field and photography.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, William Jefferson 'Jeff' Smith III and Ernest 'Julian' Smith, both of Daytona Beach; a daughter, Virginia Maria 'Ginni' Smith, of Daytona Beach; her parents, Ernest L. and Wilnette P. O'Rourke, of Daytona Beach; a brother, Lane M. O'Rourke , of Richmond, Va.; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Shirley Smith; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Smith and Mark Smith, both of Dover; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Smith and S. Renee Smith, both of Dover; her godparents, John and Rebecca Steele; her prayer partner, Evangelist Luverne Higgins of Daytona Beach; and nieces, nephews and a host of devoted friends in Tallahassee, Daytona Beach, Virginia and Delaware.
Service was held Sept. 4 at Stewart United Methodist Church, Daytona Beach.
Marion Ruth Wade, 77
DOVER - Marion Ruth Wade of Dover died Sunday, Oct. 4, 1998, in her home. She was 77.
Mrs. Wade was born Jan. 24, 1921, in St. Charles, Mich., the daughter of the late John and Clara Patterson.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Wade was a former member of the Dover Century Club and a former member and past president of the Mispillion Kennel Club. She enjoyed doing volunteer work.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Warren B. Wade; two daughters and a son-in-law, Jacquelyn K. Messick of Dover and JoAnn and John Monroe of Hampton, Va.; four grandsons; two great-grandsons; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Service will be private and at the convenience of the family.
