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Tien En Li, Ph.D., 76
DOVER - Dr. Tien En Li of Dover died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in his home. He was 76.
Dr. Li 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 there impoverished life in rural China. His family sold their only working farm animal so that 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 in Taipei 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 Stillwater, Okla., in 1958 and his Ph.D. in economics from Texas A&M University in 1961. He worked as a computer programmer at IBM in Houston, Texas, and as a research associate at the University of Illinois.
In 1962 Tien Li came to Dover, where he was professor of economics at Delaware State University. 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.
Dr. Li 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.
Dr. Li's lifetime was devoted to pursuit of knowledge and educating others. His two sons, Eugene and Victor, both graduated college at the age of 16 and are currently college professors.
In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Wan-Wan.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, in Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will follow in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.
Flowers are accepted and letters of condolence may be sent to www.delmarvaobits.com/torbert.
Contributions may be sent "In memory of Tien Li" to Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Ella Mae Johnson Murray, 83
CLAYTON - Ella Mae Johnson Murray of Clayton died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 83.
Mrs. Murray was born Dec. 7, 1919, in Westmoreland County, Warsaw, Va., daughter of the late Mary Wells Foreman and Nathaniel Veeney.
She received her early education at the Clayton School in Clayton.
Mrs. Murray was a member of Byrd's A.M.E. Church in Clayton for many years and participated in the church choir during the early years of her attendance.
Foremost a devoted wife and mother, she earlier owned and operated Ella's Restaurant, and later worked outside the home as manager of the Smyrna Diner. She possessed a special gift in the culinary arts and had one of her recipes published in a family cookbook.
Her interests and hobbies included reading, keeping up with the television soap operas and attending local parades. To all who knew her she was a strong, loving, beautiful, giving and kind person who showed compassion for others.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Preston D. Murray, and a sister, Helen Evans.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, David L and Viola M. Johnson of Clayton, James E. and Louise B. Johnson of Smyrna, William and M. Patricia Johnson of Chadds Ford, Pa., and M. Teresa Johnson of Salem, N.J.; three sisters, Virgie L. Bordley of Smyrna, Leticia Braxton of Hawaii and Dorothy V. Keene of Grasonville, Md.; three brothers, Dillard Wells of Wilmington, Nathaniel Veney of Centreville, Md., and Lloyd R. Veeney of Chester, Md.; six beloved grandchildren, David L. Johnson Jr., Kevin Johnson, James E. Johnson Jr., Cassandra Johnson, Aaron Michael Johnson and Anthony Johnson; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; a son, John H. Johnson Sr.; and a grandson, John H. Johnson, Jr.
Services will be at noon Tuesday in Byrd's AME Church, Clayton, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Mount Friendship Cemetery, Mount Friendship Road, Smyrna.
Arrangements by Minus Funeral Home, Dover.
Patricia Ann 'Patsy' Conway, 67
BLADES - Patricia Ann "Patsy" Conway, of Blades, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. She was 67.
Mrs. Conway was born May 4, 1935, in Laurel, daughter of the late David E. Waller and Mildred Willey Walter.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Conway was a member of the Nanticoke Senior Center in Seaford.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Marvil Condon, in 1999.
She is survived by her husband, Hunter K. Conway; two sons, Ralph Condon Sr. of Laurel and Hunter K. Conway Jr. of Port Allegany, Pa.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Whaley of Laurel; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Fleischauer Funeral Home, Greenwood, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Laurel Hills Cemetery, Laurel.
Charles C. Coppage, 89
BARCLAY, Md. - Charles C. Coppage, of Barclay, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Magnolia Hall Nursing Home, Chestertown. He was 89.
Mr. Coppage was born June 24, 1913, in Queen Anne's County, son of the late Joseph E.R. and Anna Mae (Turner) Coppage.
He worked for the State Highway Department doing road maintenance, as well as several other jobs in the department.
He enjoyed gardening, watching the Orioles play and he enjoyed helping people whenever he could.
Mr. Coppage was a lifelong member of the Marvin Memorial Methodist Church in Barclay, where he served as lay leader for the church. He was a member of the Sudlersville Ruritans as well as a member of the Sudlersville Top of the Hill Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Estella Coppage Stowman and Anna Mae Coppage Roe; and by three brothers, Joseph T. Coppage, Benjamin L. Coppage and Frank Coppage.
He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Services will be 2 p.m. today in Fellows Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St., Millington, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will follow services in Sudlersville Cemetery, Sudlersville.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, c/o Mary Story P.O. Box 202, Barclay, MD 21607
Jacqueline Jackson, 81
SMYRNA - Jacqueline Jackson, of Smyrna, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in Green Valley Pavilion near Smyrna. She was 81.
Mrs. Jackson was born July 19, 1921, in Laurel, daughter of the late Glen White and Frances Brown.
She was a domestic worker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rayfield Jackson.
She is survived by a son, Rudolph Jackson of Seaford; a special cousin, Cynthia Vickers Smith of Atlanta; and a host of cousins.
Services will be 10 a.m. Sunday in Frampton-Hawkins-Eskow Funeral Home P.A. in Federalsburg, Md. Bishop Catherine Camper will officiate.
Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery in Laurel.
Russell Cameron LeFurgey, 68
HOUSTON - Russell Cameron LeFurgey, of Houston, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in his home surrounded by his family. He was 68.
Mr. LeFurgey was born Jan. 22, 1935, in Brockton, Mass., son of the late Herbert and Marjorie LeFurgey.
He graduated in 1954 from Renbrook High School in Massachusetts.
He retired in 1983 as a master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, after serving 30 years. He spent two years in both Korea and Vietnam. In 1981, he was awarded NCO of the Year.
Mr. LeFurgey obtained an associate's degree in human relations in 1991.
He worked with the Elizabeth W. Murphey School in Dover as a food provider.
Mr. LeFurgey was a beloved husband and father who enjoyed going to church, traveling, camping, fishing, and following the NASCAR circuit. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Though he loved the beauty of Alaska, he had resided in Delaware that past 17 years.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Brenda J. LeFurgey, of Houston; three sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Sue Orick of Harrington, Steven and Patty Orick of Greenwood and James and Melody Orick of Greenwood; a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Loran Woomer of Ellendale; a brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Carolyn LeFurgey of Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; a sister and brother-in-law, Holly and Ronnie Sherman of Plymouth, Mass.; three grandchildren, Phillip Oreck, Courtney Cole, and Kyle Woomer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Highway, Harrington.
Services will be noon Wednesday in the funeral home. The Rev. G. Ervin Shreckengast will officiate.
Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro
Ernest L. Newman, 69
VIOLA - Ernest L. Newman, of Viola, died of complications of cancer Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 69.
Mr. Newman was born in West Frankfort, Ill., son of the late Jack and Virginia Newman.
He 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.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
John Glenn 'Jack' Bell, 41
FELTON - John Glenn "Jack" Bell of near Felton died of complications of muscular dystrophy Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 41.
Mr. Bell was born in Milford, son of Mary Alice (Melvin) Bell and the late Joseph C. Bell.
He was a 1979 graduate of Lake Forest High School and a graduate of Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus, Georgetown. He attended Delaware State University.
Mr. Bell did volunteer work at Courtland Manor and The Doll House, both in Dover.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jamie Bell, in 1981; and paternal grandparents, Roy Bell in 1986 and Mabel Bell in 1975.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his maternal grandparents, Clifton B. and Gladys Melvin of Hartly; a sister, Terry Powell of Felton; two nieces, Jennifer Powell and Stefanie I. Hope; a great-niece, Hailey Powell; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton.
Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in the chapel.
Burial will be in Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, near Frederica.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 8501 La Salle Road, Towson, MD 21286-5914.
James L. Smith Sr., 76
MILFORD - James L. Smith Sr. of Milford died Saturday, April 12, 2003, in his home. He was 76.
Mr. Smith was born in East New Market, Md., son of the late Samuel J.T. and Mary (LeCompte) Smith.
He was both a U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Navy in World War II and in the postwar Air Force.
He worked for E.I. DuPont Co. for three years following military service, and then, worked as a civil service aircraft mechanic at Dover Air Force Base for 35 years, from which he retired. He also worked for Bennett Security for nine years on duty at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Smith enjoyed woodworking and was an excellent craftsman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel (Emory) Smith, in 2000; and a son, James L. Smith Jr., in 1984.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph A. Smith and Jeffrey and Teresa Smith, all of Milford; a sister, Mary Lawrence of East New Market; four grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Ryan Smith, Jessica Smith and Joseph Smith; and a great-grandson, Joseph Smith.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Robert C. 'Bob' Starkey Sr., 60
DOVER - Robert C. "Bob" Starkey Sr. of Dover, formerly of Newark, died, after a long illness, Friday, April 11, 2003, in the Westminster Retirement Village Health Center in Dover. He was 60.
Mr. Starkey was a member of the Delaware Army National Guard from the 1960s through the 1970s.
He was employed by Ferroalloy Corp. in New Castle as a shipping-and-receiving clerk for 32 years, retiring in 1999.
He enjoyed hunting, archery and raising his huskies.
Mr. Starkey coached Newark Babe Ruth Baseball during the 1970s. He was a baseball umpire for the New Castle County-area schools during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a member of the Little Creek United Methodist Church and Solid Rock Church in Hazlettville.
He is survived by his wife, Janice L Starkey of Dover; a son, Robert C. "Bob" Starkey Jr. of Smyrna; his stepmother, Evelyn Starkey of Newark; a stepdaughter, Marie Davis of Felton; two stepsons, Jeffrey Quillen of Pueblo, Colo., and Arnold W. Quillen of Cedar Edge, Colo.; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Friends and relatives may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the R.T. Foard and Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, where friends also may call one hour earlier.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. April 26 in the Westminster Retirement Village Health Center at the corner of McKee and College roads, Dover.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Westminster Retirement Village Health Center, Activity Room Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Capt. Richard A. Taylor, 67
EARLEVILLE, Md. - Capt. Richard A. Taylor of Earleville died Sunday, April 13, 2003, in his home. He was 67.
Capt. Taylor was born April 12, 1936, in Rock Hall, son of the late Romie and Margaret Hogan Taylor.
He served with the National Guard from 1959 to 1961.
Capt. Taylor was a waterman, had worked for the Delaware State Marine Police and, since 1959, had been a tugboat captain for various companies in the dredging industry until retiring in 1990.
He enjoyed crabbing, fishing, rabbit hunting, gardening and breeding goats.
Capt. Taylor was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 25.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, William Wayne Taylor in 1964 and Richard Albert Taylor Jr. in 1965; and a brother, James M. Taylor, in 2002.
He is survived by his fiancee, Kim Fredrick of Earleville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Richard Taylor of Lincoln, Del., and Mark and Lisa Taylor of Chestertown; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Barbara and Greg Carney and Susan and Steve Fair, all of Dover, Del., Mary Taylor of Clayton, Del., and Lisa and Matthew Passwaters of Smyrna, Del.; two stepdaughters, Kathy Wadsworth of Merritt Island, Fla., and Patty Gordon of Cocoa, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, George and Shirley Taylor of Price; another sister-in-law, Martha Taylor of Mantua, N.J.; 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St., Galena.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home, where friends also may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, Box 2332, Elkton, MD 21922.
Richard Clayton Warrington, 73
MILTON - Richard Clayton Warrington of near Milton died of natural causes Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 73.
Mr. Warrington was born in Milford, son of the late James and Mamie (Cooper) Warrington.
He worked for N.K.S. Distributors in Milford for many years, retiring in 1992.
He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and hunting.
Mr. Warrington was a member of the National Rifle Association.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Moore; and a brother, Howard Warrington.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Mary Ann Warrington of Milton; a daughter, Brenda Pritchett of Milton; a sister, Mildred Mitchell of Milford; four brothers, Nelson Warrington and Everett "Babes" Warrington, both of Greenwood, Fred Warrington of Rising Sun, near Camden, and Rodney Warrington of Milford; and three grandchildren, Staci Warrington, Joseph Pritchett and Caitlin Pritchett.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton.
Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral chapel.
Burial will be in Slaughter Neck Cemetery, near Milford.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Milton Volunteer Fire Department, Front Street, Milton, DE 19968.
Randy Lane Cahall, 21
WILLOW GROVE - Randy Lane Cahall of Willow Grove died Sunday, April 13, 2003. He was 21.
Mr. Cahall was born April 5, 1982 in Dover. He attended Caesar Rodney High School, Camden. He worked as a laborer for Appliance Heating and Air Conditioning.
Mr. Cahall enjoyed skateboarding and roller blading.
He is survived by a daughter, Skye Hanna of Wyoming; his parents, Michael and Robin Cahall of Wyoming; a brother, Michael Cahall Jr. of Wyoming; a paternal grandfather, Elbin N. Cahall of Woodside; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Evelyn Clough of Wyoming; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 West Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be private in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Sandtown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the funeral home to help with expenses.
Edward Goldsborough Dean, 91
GREENSBORO, Md. - Edward Goldsborough Dean of Greensboro died Sunday, April 13, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Easton, Easton. He was 91.
Mr. Dean was born Jan. 13, 1912 in Whiteleysburg, Md., son of the late Edward Kemp and Williametta Davis Dean.
He worked as a foreman for Maryland's state roads for 44 years before retiring in 1974.
Mr. Dean was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Greensboro.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Thompson Dean, in 1955.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Dean; a daughter, Rowena Larrimore of Greensboro; a stepson, William E. Towers Jr. of Milford, Del.; two grandchildren, Mark Edward Lynch of Preston and Nancy Dixon of Felton, Del.; two step-grandchildren, Eddie and Alex Towers of Milford, Del.; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Fleegle-Helfenbein Funeral Home, Greensboro, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Greensboro Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, PO Box 57, Greensboro MD 21639.
