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Raymond J. Leffler Jr., 47
DEWEY BEACH - Raymond J. Leffler Jr. of Dewey Beach died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 47.
Mr. Leffler was a self-employed real-estate property manager.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary M. Leffler, in 1993; and his father, Raymond J. Leffler Sr., in 2000.
He is survived by a son, Raymond J. Leffler III, and a daughter, Rachel Anne Leffler, both of Thurmont, Md.; three sisters, Mary Walker of Rehoboth Beach, Barbara Leffler of Silverthorne, Colo., and Suzanne Frost of Annapolis, Md.; and his wife, Christina Alfonsi Leffler of Dagsboro.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Bethany Chapel of Melson Funeral Services.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday in St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bethany Beach, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Prince George's Cemetery, Dagsboro.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Casa San Francisco, P.O. Box 40, Milton, DE 19968; or to a charity of one's choice.
Gilbert Edward Mitchell, 82
LAUREL - Gilbert Edward Mitchell of Laurel died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in his home. He was 82.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Baltimore, son of the late Raymond Mitchell and Delmar Mitchell Joyce. He moved from Baltimore to Laurel about eight years ago.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Mr. Mitchell will be missed as a person who loved and enjoyed his friends and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Fern Mitchell.
He is survived by two sons, Gilbert R. Mitchell of Jessup, Md., and Michael Whitacre of Portland, Ore.; a brother, Raymond Mitchell of Pasadena, Md.; two grandchildren, Michael Mitchell of Crofton, Md., and Tracy Hebb of Millersville, Md.; and three great-grandchildren, Samanntha, Alexandra and Noah.
Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Friday in Centenary United Methodist Church, Laurel. The Rev. Kevin E. English will officiate.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Home, Laurel.
Calvin Landis Musser Jr., 81
SEAFORD - Calvin Landis Musser Jr. of Seaford, and formerly of Laurel, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. He was 81.
Mr. Musser was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Farmington, son of the late Calvin Landis Musser Sr. and Lola Goslin Musser.
He worked at DuPont's Seaford plant for 39 years and worked on televisions for many years.
He enjoyed stock-car racing and worked many hours helping his two sons work on their racecars, 41 and 22. He enjoyed anything to do with water and loved spending time with his four grandsons.
Mr. Musser was a member of Charity Lodge 27.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel Brown Musser; a brother, Everett Pontz Musser; and a stepson, V.C. Wingate.
He is survived by his wife, Alma G. Musser of Seaford; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas Edward and Janet Musser and Calvin Landis Musser III and Joanne Musser, all of Laurel; four grandsons and the wives of two, Kevin and Debbie Musser of Laurel, Duane "Frog" and Danielle Musser of Seaford, Calvin Landis Musser IV, his namesake who also celebrated the same birth date, and Jason H. Musser, both of Laurel; a sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Norman Wix of Harrington; two great-grandchildren, Brooks Musser and Alexis Musser of Laurel; and two stepchildren, Debbie Collins of Cambridge, Md., and Mark Wingate of Laurel.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to either the American Cancer Society, 9 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720; or to the American Diabetes Association, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Arrangements by McKnatt Funeral Home, Harrington.
Harold Ruel, 65
GEORGETOWN - Harold Ruel of Georgetown died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. He was 65.
Mr. Ruel was born in Syracuse, N.Y., son of the late Exious A. and Marie Walker Ruel.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1962 and served aboard four ships, short-based galleys and even served the presidential honor guards in Washington, D.C., under the Kennedy administration. He retired from the Navy in June 1987 with the rank of mess specialist first class. He had been a baker, cook and cake decorator aboard the El Paso at the time of his retirement. He was affectionately known as "Frenchy" because of his French Canadian ancestry. During his military career, he won many citations and awards as a mess specialist. He took great pride in giving his crewmembers the best bread and baked goods on a daily basis.
He was working with Pot Nets Park, Long Neck, as a security guard.
Mr. Ruel enjoyed woodworking and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Josephine F. Ruel of Georgetown; four stepchildren and the spouses of three, Nicholas A. and Charlene Mangini, Mario N. and Karen Mangini, Paul A. and Donna Mangini and Rita Mangini, all of Philadelphia; three brothers, Peter R. Ruel of Baldwinsville, N.Y., David Schinnens of Baldwinsville and Jacob Schinnens of Syracuse, N.Y.; a sister, Mary Ann Potter of Baldwinsville; his mother-in-law, Ursula Terrizzi of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Short Funeral Home, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown.
Burial with full military honors will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, near Millsboro.
Arrangements by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.
Sheryl Savard, 63
BRIDGEVILLE - Sheryl Savard of Bridgeville died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, in her home. She was 63.
Mrs. Savard was born Sept. 6, 1929, in Scranton, Pa.
She was co-owner and operator of Arts Antiques Alley, Bridgeville.
She survived by her husband of 31 years, Arthur Maurice Savard of Bridgeville; her mother and stepfather, Anita and Lloyd Ormand of Fort Myers, Fla.; a daughter, Angela Reardon of Bridgeville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Daniel Reardon and Donald and Moraima Reardon, all of Bridgeville; three grandchildren, Christopher Reardon and Grace Reardon. both of Bridgeville, and Nathan Joseph Marvin of Hockessin.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville.
Services and burial will private.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Hospice Inc., 600 N. Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Luticia 'Aunt Tish' Wright, 90
MILFORD - Luticia "Aunt Tish" Wright of Milford, and formerly of Harrington, died of natural causes Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was 90.
Mrs. Wright was born in Harrington, daughter of the late Ella and Charles Anderson.
She received her early education in Harrington.
In her earlier years, she moved from Harrington and relocated to Wilmington and Bear. For much of her adult life, she was a homemaker. Many years later, she moved back to Harrington, due to her blindness, and resided with her sister and brother-in-law, Della and Dorsey Parker, both of whom preceded her in death. For the past four years, she had been a resident of the Genesis Eldercare Center, in Milford.
Mrs. Wright was a person who loved to visit and be with her 14 siblings. She was the seventh of 15 children, and she was the last survivor of her brothers and sisters. She loved life and accepted Christ and acknowledged to all that came in contact with her that "the Lord is taking care of me." She loved to proclaim to all that would listen, "Thank God, I am home, and I appreciate that I am home." Her family and friends will always remember her favorite saying, which was, "I am an old hen now, not a biddy anymore."
In addition to her parents, sister and brother-in-law, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Wright.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Marian Anderson of Harrington; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, West Street, Harrington, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in the Williamsville Cemetery, Williamsville.
Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Bridgeville.
Frederick J. Burke, 88
CLAYTON - Frederick J. Burke of Clayton died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, in his home. He was 88.
Memorial services will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002, in the Clayton Fire Hall, Clayton.
Burial was private.
Ruth V. Alfree, 85
MIDDLETOWN - Ruth V. Alfree of Middletown died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999, in Capital Health Care, Dover. She was 85.
Mrs. Alfree was the daughter of the late Fred and Ethel Alfree of Middletown.
She worked as a waitress at Bea & Ed's Restaurant, Middletown, during the 60s and 70s.
She is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Cora and Harold Hilyard of Dover; a niece and nephews, Barbara D. and Alfred Moor Jr., Alfred Moor III and Sidney Moor, all of Symrna.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday in old St. Anne's Cemetery, Middletown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a favorite charity.
Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown.
Rita Baynard Warren, 80
DOVER - Rita Baynard Warren of Dover died of congestive heart failure, Friday, Oct. 29, 1999, in Chris-tiana Hospital, Newark. She was 80.
Ms. Warren was the daughter of the late Fletcher and Marie Baynard of Camden.
She attended school at Booker T. Washington and Delaware State College.
Ms. Baynard worked for General Tire, retiring to Dover.
She is survived by two sons, James "Bunk" Baynard and Edward "Bunk" Warren, both of Dover; five daughters, Lois Barnaby, Cynthia Warren and Patricia Kelly, all of Dover, Roslyn Winns of Long Island, N.Y., and Anna March of Utica, N.Y.; three brothers, Ralph, Robert "Bob" and Raymond, all of Dover; three sisters, Myrtle Roberson and Agnes Barrows, both of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Irene Jackson of Utica; a brother-in-law; a sister-in-law; two sons-in-law; and two daughters-in-law.
Service will be noon at Bibleway Temple Church of God in Christ, 56 S. Kirkwood St., Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be in Sharon Hill Memorial Park, Dover.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
Martha Louise Webb Durham, 88
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Martha Louise Webb Durham of Annapolis, formerly of Dover, Del., died Wednes-day, Oct. 27, 1999, in her daughter's home in Annapolis. She was 88.
Mrs. Durham was born Nov. 10, 1910, in Preston, Md., the daughter of the late Rev. James L. Webb and Deaconess Cora E. Hubbard Webb.
She attended high school in Denton, later moving to Media, Pa. She attended Cheyney State University in Pennsylvania, majoring in home economics. She furthered her education at Delaware State University, Do-ver.
She worked for Slatons Slaughter Farms School for Girls, teaching home economics, in Pendelhill, Pa., in 1947. She gave much to the Dover community in 1963, substituting for the home economics teacher at William Henry High School. She retired from Goldingers Bros. Inc., Dover, after 28 years of service.
She assisted in raising the original producer of ABC's "Golden Girls" sitcom, Mr. Harris.
She participated in the African Exchange Student Program, opening her home up to underprivileged chil-dren from New York, to experience country living during the summers.
She volunteered farmland to be used for the agricultural department students of Delaware State College under its late president, Dr. Luna Mishoe.
She enjoyed sewing, hat designing and traveling with her daughter and son-in-law, experiencing life in Texas, Georgia and Maryland. She learned to type for the first time at the age of 83. She also enjoyed being a mentor for youth.
She moved to San Antonio, Texas, with her daughter in 1993, moving back to Dover in 1995, and con-tinuing her travels with her family to Statesboro, Ga., and finally settling in Annapolis.
She volunteered in the late 1960s for Geriatrics of Delaware.
She attended St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church while living in San Antonio, where she was elected treasurer of the sick and shut-in committee. She was a member of Miller Grove Missionary Baptist, Statesboro. She was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church, Smyrna, Del., where she had been a member for over 30 years. Also, she was a member of Modern Matur-ity Center, Dover, where she took classes, and a member of the Nanticoke Indians of America.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 happy years, Wilbur C. Durham, in November 1988.
She is survived by an only daughter, Lucretia Cora Durham Burns and her husband, the Rev. T.H. Burns, Ph.D, of Annapolis; a younger brother, Lowell Webb and his wife, Rose, of Media; four cousins, the Rev. William Staten of Easton, the Bishop Rev. Marion Ballard of Philadelphia, Susanna Wallace of Royal Oak and Porchia Friend of Laverock, Pa.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Immanuel United Methodist Church, Del. 42 and U.S. 13, Cheswold, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial cards and flowers may be sent to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover.
Mabel 'Aunt Mabel' Sudler, 88
DOVER - Mabel "Aunt Mabel" Sudler of Dover died Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999, in Harbor Healthcare Facili-ties, Lewes. She was 88.
Mrs. Sudler was born March 4, 1911, in Dover, the daughter of the late John Henry and Mollie Town-send.
She attended schools in the Capital School District, Dover.
She worked for the Playtex Co., Dover, the Powder Plant, Elkton, Md., and retired from the Delaware State University, Dover.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer Sudler and a son, George Sudler; four brothers, and five sisters.
She is survived by her caretakers, Ernest and Jean Sudler of Dover, Alfred and Mae Johnson of Camden; a dear friend and relative, Ida Benson of Willow Grove; a daughter-in-law, Mamie Sudler of Newark, N.J.; six sisters, Beatrice Smith, Marie Peters and Florence and Virginia Townsend, all of Atlantic City, N.J.; and Mollie Smith and Racheal Townsend, both of Egg Harbor City, N.J.; a sister-in-law, Elaine Townsend of Mays Landing, N.J.; two brothers, Alfred Townsend of Houston, Texas, and Lester Townsend of Mays Landing; a brother-in-law, Edward Peters of Atlantic City; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.
Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Dover.
Dr. Thomas Nebo Cornish, 81
WORTON, Md. - Dr. Thomas Nebo Cornish of Worton died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, in Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital, Chestertown. He was 81.
Dr. Cornish was born Sept. 30, 1918, in Cambridge, the son of the late Verbie and Johnanna Cornish.
He retired as a pharmacist and research chemist at the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Devel-opment Center Laboratory, Annapolis, where he made significant contributions to the development of rust-inhibited fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, for use in hydraulic systems for the U.S. Department of the Navy, extending the life of naval machinery. He served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee as an advisor to the commanding officer of the laboratory.
Dr. Cornish received his early education in the public schools of Dorchester County graduating from 'Frederick Douglas St. Clair High School in 1936. He graduated from Morgan State University with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1942 and from the Howard University College of Pharmacy in 1953. He received a certificate in clinical pathology from the Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, D.C., one of the first African-Americans to complete the course. He studied parapsychology at St. Andrew's University in Scotland, while serving in Europe.
Dr. Cornish spent three-and-a-half years in the U.S. Army and served in the Medical Corps. He served in the Chemical Analytical Laboratories at several Army hospitals.
He devoted energy and compassion to encouraging black youth to pursue careers in the scientific and technical fields and encouraged the establishment of student chapters of NTA on several college campuses. Because of his outstanding and extensive service to NTA and the community, he received many local and national special awards.
He was a kind, compassionate and loving husband, brother, father and friend, who shared so much with others in his own giving and quiet manner. Throughout all of his suffering, he had a great sense of humor and always kept the faith.
He was a longtime member of the National Pharmaceutical Association, serving as president. He was in-fluential in establishing the Student National Pharmaceutical Association. He was a member of Rock/St. Luke United Methodist Church, Dorchester, later becoming a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C., in 1960, serving on the Administrative Board, the Board of Trustees and the United Methodist Men for many years. A commemorative plaque was placed on the 11th Street side of the church to honor him.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara; two sisters, Lucinda Wilson and Lola Camper; two brothers, Palestine and Edward Cornish; two sisters-in-law, Marquerite and Catherine Cornish; and three brothers-in-law, Charles Camper Sr., Grover Wilson and Clarence Cornish.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, whom he married Sept. 18, 1949, Thelma Oretta Murray Cornish; a grandson, Kevin Charles Chichester; a son-in-law, Charles Chichester; a sister, Elizabeth Cornish; sev-eral nephews and nieces, Valerie and William Jackson, Richard and Charlotte Cornish, Aretta and Medford Pinkett, Edward and Tanya Cornish, Charles Jr., Dellyne, Corsetta, Lollette, Cornell, and Joan and Gerard Camper, Marian Bryant, Roslyn Wallace and Gwendolyn and Carroll Camper; a sister-in-law, Lula Washington, with whom he lived, and a host of other nephews, nieces, friends and other relatives.
Service will be noon Monday at Hurlock United Methodist Church.
Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Asbury United Methodist Church, 11th and K streets NW, Wash-ington, D.C.
Burial will be in Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Beulah.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Worton.
Helen Harner Bishop, 87
CENTREVILLE, Md. - Helen Harner Bishop of Centreville, formerly of Queenstown, died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999, in Corsica Hills Nursing Center, Centreville. She was 87.
Mrs. Bishop was born Oct. 16, 1912, in Ohio, the daughter of the late Delmar and Delora Wolf Harner.
She grew up on a farm near Dayton, Ohio, graduating from high school. She graduated from Miami of Ohio University Teacher's College, and received a bachelor of science degree in home economics from Ohio State University.
She taught for five years in Tipp City, Ohio, becoming a home demonstration agent in 1939 after moving to Queen Anne's. She owned and operated, with her husband, Winona Farm, Carmichael.
She enjoyed gardening, entertaining in her home, reading and traveling. She also hosted foreign exchange students.
Mrs. Bishop joined the 4-H Club 77 years ago and was always very supportive. She helped establish the present 4-H Park during her term as home demonstrating agent and continued interest since then. She enjoyed judging at the Queen Anne's Fair and fairs in Ohio, Delaware and Maryland.
She was a member of the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees for 10 years; a member of the Queen Anne's Historical Women; and a charter member of Queen Anne's Museum of Eastern Shore Life. She also assisted with bringing new doctors to Queen Anne's County, establishing Corsica Hills, Tilghman Terrace and Chesapeake College. She held many offices in the Women's Society for 56 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, whom she married Feb. 21, 1943, J. Tilghman Bishop, on May 27, 1993; and a brother, Charles L. Harner.
She is survived by a son, Charles "Tim" Bishop of Queenstown; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Bishop of Easton; a granddaughter, Julie Ann Bishop; and a sister, Irene Ferguson, of Michigan.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Wye of Carmichael United Methodist Church, Queenstown.
Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Centreville.
Burial will be in Chesterfield Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Queen Anne's Museum of Eastern Life, P.O. Box 7, Queenstown, MD 21658
Alonzo Mason, 99
CAMDEN - Alonzo Mason of Camden died of natural causes Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, in the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna. He was 99.
Mr. Mason was born June 4, 1900, in Dover, the son of the late Samuel and Lydia Loper Mason.
He received his education in the public school system in Kent County.
He was employed by the Benjamin Hartman family for many years as a chauffeur, a gardener, a house-man and a truck driver.
Mr. Mason liked to travel and went with the Hartman family to Florida during the winter for many, many years.
He had a zest for life and enjoyed gardening until he became unable. He possessed strong determined will and a youthful spirit with a good sense of humor. He was also known to many who knew him as "Uncle Lonzie."
He is survived by a sister, Emma Baynard of New Castle; a devoted and faithful niece, Gladys M. John-son, and her husband, Alfred, of Camden; two nieces, Helen Lloyd and her husband, Donald, and Mabel Jones and her husband, Linwood, all of New Castle; two nephews, William Baynard and his wife, Barbara, of Magnolia, and Roland Mason and his wife, Elaine, of East Stroudsbury, Pa.; an adopted daughter, Teresa Bowers of Dover; great-nephews; nieces; cousins; friends; and his extended family of Mr. and Mrs. Adell Wright of Camden.
Service will be noon Saturday at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Dover.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a favorite charity in Alonzo Mason's name.
Irene Marie Jackson, 66
MILFORD - Irene Marie Jackson of Milford, formerly of Newark for 35 years, died of heart failure Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999, in Christiana Hospital, Newark. She was 66.
Mrs. Jackson was born in Selbyville, the daughter of the late John Davidson and Doris Lathbury.
She graduated from Milford High School in 1951.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Jackson was a member of the Milford Senior Center and the Calvary United Methodist Church, Milford.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Leland Davidson.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, James E. Jackson III; two sons, James E. Jackson IV of Elkton, Md., and Dale R. Jackson of Ardencroft; two daughters, Susan E. Jackson and Carol J. Jackson, both of Pike Creek; two brothers, George Davidson of Milford and Leslie Davidson of Salisbury, Md.; a sister, Alberta Cullum of Lewes; and a granddaughter, Sarah Jackson.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, U.S. 113, Milford.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: the Delaware SPCA, P.O. Box 224, Dover, DE 19903.
