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Dr. Arthur Eugene Bragg, 76
DOVER - Dr. Arthur Eugene Bragg of Dover died of natural causes Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, in Capitol Nursing Home in Dover. He was 76.
Dr. Bragg, a native of Gurdon, Ark., attended Philander Smith College from 1941 to 1944. After a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army during World War II, he continued his education at Howard University and earned the bachelor of science degree in mathematics, magna cum laude, in 1948. He received the master of science degree in mathematics from the University of Chicago in 1949, and pursued his doctoral degree in mathematics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
His military service spanned more than 34 years of active and reserve duty in the U.S. Army. He retired from the Army in December 1988 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He was chairman of the mathematics department at Delaware State College (now University) and served in that position from 1962 until his retirement in 1989. Recognizing the importance of training students in computer technology, he established the first computer center at the university in 1965 and supervised its operation for three years, along with his other administrative and teaching duties. He introduced the use of an IBM 1130 computer to the faculty and students, and developed a four-year-degree program in computer science. He also wrote the initial program used by the office of admissions and records for grade reports, computation of grade-point averages and related analyses.
Dr. Bragg's scholastic ability and achievements were evidenced by his membership and active participation in some of the leading academic societies in America, which include Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, The American Mathematical Society, The Mathematical Association of America, The National Association of Mathematicians and The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. On May 20, 1990, President William DeLauder and the board of directors of Delaware State College conferred upon him the honorary doctorate degree in science. He also was a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and a devoted member of the Whatcoat United Methodist Church, in Dover.
He is survived by two sisters, Beatrice Bragg Stafford and Serena Bragg White; two brothers, James Bragg and Archie Bragg; two sisters-in-law, Marie and Louise Bragg; two brothers-in-law, Ellis Stafford and John White; 25 nieces and nephews; and a host of former students, colleagues and friends.
Memorial services will be noon Saturday, Dec. 7, in Whatcoat United Methodist Church, 341 Saulsbury Road, Dover.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Arthur E. Bragg Scholarship Fund at DSU, Office of University Advancement, 1200 N. Du Pont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
Craig L. Custis, 31
PAINTER, Va. - Craig L. Custis of Painter, and formerly of Felton, Del., died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, in Shore Memorial Hospital, Nassawadox. He was 31.
Mr. Custis was born Dec. 20, 1970, in Kent General Hospital in Dover, Del.
He attended Lake Forest High School near Felton, graduating in 1988.
Mr. Custis accepted Christ and was baptized July 17, 1983, in New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Dover. He later moved to Painter to begin a new life, where he also met the love of his life, his wife, Jacqueline D. "Jackie" Custis.
He was employed as a supervisor at Bayshore Concrete, Cape Charles.
Mr. Custis enjoyed watching and playing sports. Most importantly, he loved to spend quality time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Johnson; maternal grandmother, Earnestine Custis; maternal great-grandfather, Ralph T. Bray; and his mother-in-law, Susie Wiliams.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Ernestine Custis; a daughter, Justice Collick; three sons, Marcus Spady, DeAndre Williams and Lavor Williams; a brother and sister-in-law, Isaiah Custis Sr. and Carrie Custis; a sister and brother-in-law, LaTonya and John Pierce; paternal grandmother, Mary Haynes; maternal grandfather, Linwood Custis Sr.; 10 uncles; eight aunts; two sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends.
Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Antioch Baptist Church, Treherneville.
Arrangements by John O. Morris Funeral Home, Nassawadox.
Ralph McKinley Dodd, 72
CHURCH HILL, Md. - Ralph McKinley Dodd of Church Hill died of complications of a stroke Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, in Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital in Chestertown. He was 72.
Mr. Dodd was born in Queen Anne's County, son of the late John F. and Mabel V. Dodd.
He attended school in Queen Anne's County.
In 1951, Mr. Dodd joined the U.S. Army and was enlisted in the Army for 12 years.
He was employed at various jobs, drove a tractor-trailer for more than 25 years, worked part-time at Friel's Cannery, worked part-time as a well-digger, worked at Washington College and dug graves for different churches in the surrounding area.
Mr. Dodd joined the Boy Scouts at an early age.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Franklin Dodd; and a grandson, Michael Walters Jr.
He is survived.by his wife, Henrietta Dodd; four sons, Richard Dodd of Millsboro, Del., Gene Dodd of Chestertown, Bobby Dodd of Church Hill and Eric Dodd of Millington; a daughter, Carolyn Wilson of Church Hill; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Dodd of Millington; two brothers and a sister-in-law, John Dodd Jr. of Church Hill and Nelson E. and Brenda Dodd, both of Magnolia, Del.; a sister, Algie Dodd of Wilmington, Del.; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a very special and devoted friend, Barbara Kennedy of Chestertown.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Bethel A.M.E. Church, Church Hill, where friends may call two hours earlier. The Rev. Wendell Gary will officiate.
Burial will be in Maryland-Virginia Community Cemetery in Hurlock.
Arrangements by Walley Funeral Service, Chestertown.
James Milton 'Jim' Graves, 48
REHOBOTH BEACH - James Milton "Jim" Graves of Rehoboth Beach died, after a lengthy illness, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Harbor Healthcare Center in Lewes. He was 48.
Mr. Graves graduated from Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, in 1973.
He helped manage his father's trailer park, Holiday Trailer Park in Nassau, with his brother, Robert, until 1979. After moving to Maryland, he became a maintenance engineer for Great Oaks Apartments in Ellicott City, Md., from 1980 to 1995. From 1996 to 1997, he was an assistant to the designer at Shoffer's Furniture in Baltimore. Due to health reasons, he was forced to stop working in 1997.
Mr. Graves was able to demonstrate his artistic and creative abilities through the restoration of historic homes both in Baltimore and in Lewes. Each home was showcased in either Christmas or house-and-garden tours. He also had a passion for gardening and landscaping. Christmas was a special time of year for him. He took joy in giving to others, and when he gave a gift, a part of him went with it.
He also took great pride in creating the biggest and most beautiful Christmas trees. He had a big heart and zest for life. He wanted to be remembered as a kind and caring person. He always was willing to help the elderly. His love for animals was shown by the many pets he cared for over the years. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and the twinkle in his eye! He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and every life he touched.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis B. Graves Jr.; a brother, Louie; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
He is survived by his mother, Eleanor C. Graves of Lewes; his companion and partner, Hunter Kesmodel of Rehoboth Beach; a brother, Robert L. Graves of Angola; four sisters, Marion "Patti" Miller of Georgetown, Cindy L. Riniker of Millsboro, Clare G. Belote of Georgetown and Trudy G. Jester of Milford; four aunts and uncles; and nine nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. Du Pont Highway, Suite 107, Georgetown, DE 19947.
The Rev. Herman E. Lipsius, 42
CENTREVILLE, Md. - The Rev. Herman E. Lipsius of Centreville died Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, in Dover, Del. He was 42.
The Rev. Lipsius was born Nov. 15, 1960, son of the late Letha and Herman F. Lipsius of Cambridge.
He graduated from South Dorchester High School in Cambridge. Additionally, he obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Dakota Wesleyan University and a master's of divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver.
The Rev. Lipsius was an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. He served as the minister in several local parishes, including Kent Island United Methodist Church; St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Newark, Del., Sudlersville United Methodist Parish, Cecilton United Methodist Parish and Harrington-Houston Parish in Harrington, Del. His greatest passions were in support of mission work through his involvement with the United Methodist Church's Board of Global Ministries. Additionally, he worked extensively in building interfaith and interracial worship programs in the communities he served.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Lipsius of Centreville; a sister, Kay Dye of Sebring, Fla.; and a brother, Winn Lipsius of Cambridge.
Services will be 4 p.m. Sunday in Centreville United Methodist Church, Centreville, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be private in Woodlawn Cemetery in Easton.
Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Centreville.
Dylan Matthew McLaughlin, 7
GOLTS, Md. - Dylan Matthew McLaughlin of Golts died, as the result of injuries sustained in an accident, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, in Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital, Chestertown. He was 7.
Dylan was born in Chestertown, son of George Edward McLaughlin of Kennedyville and Laura Ann Jester Mullin of Golts.
He attended Millington Elementary School and was in the second grade.
Dylan played T-ball in Galena; he enjoyed everything outside, especially fishing. He also enjoyed horseback riding.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepfather, Ronald Mullin of Golts; his stepmother, Lisa McLaughlin of Kennedyville; maternal grandparents, Harry "Bucky" and Sara Jester of Millington; paternal grandparents, George and Kathleen McLaughlin of Chestertown; maternal great-grandfather, Harry P. Jester of Millington; paternal great-grandparents, Anna Mae and Wilbert McLaughlin of Baltimore; a stepbrother, Levi Stubbs, and two stepsisters, Stephanie Stubbs and Amy Sutton, all of Kennedyville; three aunts and three uncles, Kelly and Shawn Goad of Millington and Joy and Buddy Ferrio and Katie and Jerry Heinefield, all of Chestertown; and three cousins, Shawn Michael Goad of Millington and Melanie and MacKenzie Ferrio of Chestertown.
Friends and family may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home P.A., 370 W. Cypress St., Millington.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.
Burial will be in Crumpton Cemetery, Crumpton.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Galena T-Ball Fund, c/o Chestertown Bank of Maryland, PO Box 106, Galena, MD 21635.
Edward C. Morris, 51
SALISBURY, Md. - Edward C. Morris of Salisbury died Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, in his home in Glen Burnie. He was 51.
Mr. Morris was born in Lewes, Del., son of Arintha Willey Heller of Seaford, Del., and the late Charles Edward Morris.
He graduated from Wilmington College with a master's degree in nursing and a degree as a certified registered nurse practitioner, and also graduated from the Delaware State Police Academy.
Mr. Morris was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
He was a nurse practitioner with the University of Maryland Medical Center in neurology. He worked as a police officer at several local police agencies.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 19 years, Dawn Morris of Salisbury; a stepson, Chris Jenkins of Salisbury; a brother, Homer Turner of Rehoboth Beach; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, where friends may call two hours earlier. The Rev. Dr. Ray Chamberlain will officiate.
Mary Lou Eldridge, 66
DOVER - Mary Lou Eldridge of Dover, formerly of Seaford, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, in Bayhealth/ Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 66.
Mrs. Eldridge was a homemaker.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Seaford.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Eldridge in 1993.
She is survived by two sons, Frank Eldridge of Seaford and David Eldridge of Laurel; a daughter, Nancy Records of Becker, Minn.; two sisters, Sarah Salisbury of Laurel and Rebecca Logan of Camden, S.C.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N. Shipley St., Seaford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
William Allen McFarland, 81
CHURCH HILL, Md. - William Allen McFarland of Church Hill died Thursday, May 8, 2003, in The Memorial Hospital, Easton. He was 81.
Mr. McFarland was born July 23, 1921 in Church Hill, son of the late Allen Gray and Minnie Chance McFarland.
He graduated from Church Hill High School in 1938. He married the former Mary Ann Seney of Price and together they farmed for many years. During their marriage, they enjoyed traveling together. Mrs. McFarland died in November 1988.
Mr. McFarland was a member of the Price United Methodist Church, the Farm Bureau, Price Community Club and had been an election judge for Queen Anne County.
He is survived by a son, Wayne McFarland of Church Hill; two sisters, Addie Towner of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Peggy High of Atlanta; a granddaughter, Sandra Murray of Church Hill; a grandson, Donnie McFarland of Church Hill; six great-grandchildren, Danny Murray, Devon Murray, Kelsey Murray, David McFarland, Kristin McFarland and Brianna McFarland, all of Church Hill.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Centreville, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Church Hill Cemetery, Church Hill.
Virginia B. Nichols, 86
HURLOCK, Md. - Virginia B. Nichols of Hurlock died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, in Caroline Nursing Home in Denton. She was 86.
Mrs. Nichols was born June 3, 1916 in East New Market, daughter of the late Frank A. and Flossie Pitts Bell Boston.
She attended Western Maryland College in Westminster.
She worked with her husband, Paul W. Nichols in his construction business until he passed away May 22, 1984, and later was a teacher's aid in Vienna Elementary School.
Mrs. Nichols was a member of Unity Washington Methodist Church in Hurlock and a member of the Hurlock Women's Club.
She is survived by three sons, William "Bill" P. and Ronald Alen Nichols, both of Hurlock and David K. Nichols of Glen Ridge, N.J.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services will be noon Saturday in Williamson Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Federalsburg, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Ruth Tull of Unity Washington United Methodist Church will officiate.
Burial will be in Unity Washington Cemetery, Hurlock.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the Unity Washington United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 298, Hurlock, MD 21643.
Samuel 'Sammy' Tilghman, Sr., 77
CENTERVILLE, Md. - Samuel "Sammy" Tilghman of Centerville died after a long illness Saturday, May 3, 2003, in Easton Hospital. He was 77.
Mr. Tilghman was born Oct. 25, 1925 in Burrisville, son of the late James Tilghman and Pearl Shepard.
He attended Queen Anne's County public schools.
Mr. Tilghman worked for the Wilson Family at Conquest Farm II for 55 years.
He enjoyed doing lawn and garden work with his Ford tractors and other odd jobs for many people.
Mr. Tilghman was a member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Burrisville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 1992, Darby C. Tilghman.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Samuel Jr. and Joanne Tilghman of Felton; a stepson, Richard E. Thomas of Centerville; a half-brother, Harrison Smith of Denton; three grandchildren, Carlesa Tilghman of Wilmington, Del., Cowanna Tilghman of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Dieneil Thomas of Dover; two great-grandchildren, Shelletta Tilghman of St. Petersburg, and Tyre Tilghman of Wilmington; an aunt, Gladys Brown of Centreville; two brothers-in-law, Wayne Thomas of Church Hill and Alfred Ryans of Wye Mills; a sister-in-law, Alfreda Ryans of Wye Mills; friends, Oliver "Sonny" Brown and his wife Lillian, Charles Seward and family,,Pete Ortel and family, the Wilson family of Conquest Farm II, his co-workers the Calloway Family, a special friend, Mamie Butler; and many other relatives, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Mount Zion Methodist Church, Burrisville, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery in Brown Corner.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Easton.
Marion Marvel Wheedleton, 96
BETHLEHEM, Md. - Marion Marvel Wheedleton of Bethlehem died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, in the home of her son in Easton. She was 96.
Mrs. Marvel was born March 3, 1907 in Camden, daughter of the late Charles R. and Almeda Thompson Marvel. She grew up in the Seaford, Del. area.
She had worked as a secretary for the former Parson Brothers Mill in Seaford until marrying and becoming a homemaker.
Mrs. Marvel was a member of the Bethesda United Methodist Church in Preston, where she served as a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 30, 1987, Thomas Elwood "Froggie" Wheedleton; and five sisters, Nora Robinson, Ruth N. Mitchell, Alice N. Lord, Florence M. Barbera and Virgie Heath.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Burton E. and Betty Wheedleton of Easton; a daughter and son-in-law, Ellen W. and Jerry Bell of Easton; three grandsons, Robert Alan Wheedleton, Andrew N. West and Phillip West; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Framptom-Hawkins-Eskow Funeral Home, P.A. in Federalsburg, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Glenn Staehli and the Rev. Mark Farnell will officiate.
Burial will follow in Junior Order Cemetery in Preston, Md.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Bethesda United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 147, Preston, MD 21655.
Henry J. Carrar Jr., 45
WILMINGTON - Henry J. Carrar Jr. of Wilmington passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2003, in Christina Hospital. He was 45.
Mr. Carrar was born Oct. 11, 1957, in New Mexico, son of the late Henry Carrar Sr. and Slyvia (Gomez) Carrar.
He attended Dover High School.
Mr. Carrar did construction work for many years.
He is survived by a son, Henry "Rocky" James Carrar III of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two daughter and a son-in-law, Casey Carrar of St. Petersburg; a daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Curtus Knight of Dover; two stepdaughters, Kathy Trate of Hartly and Jamie Hamner of North Carolina; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Manuel and Patty Carrar of Dover, Raymond Carrar, Richard and Patty Carrar, and Lee and Tia Carrar, all of Oregon; two sisters, Theresa Carrar of Woodside and Joyce Carrar of Dover; five grandchildren, Chelsie Carrar, Carly Knight, Taleena Thong dang, Nathan Thong dang, and Alannah Thong dang; four step-grandchildren, Bridgette Trate, Alyssa Trate, James Hamner and Johnathan Hamner; and six nieces and nephews.
Remembrance services will be noon Tuesday in Trader Funeral Home in Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Laurel.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Henry James Carrar Memorial Fund, c/o Crystal Knight, 3026 Seven Hickories Road, Dover, DE 19904.
Thomas James Edwards, 71
FELTON - Thomas James Edwards of Felton died Thursday, May 8, 2003, in his home. He was 71.
Mr. Edwards was born in Moosic, Pa., son of the late William and Jane Edwards.
He was an oil burner technician for Diamond Fuel Oil Co. in Wilmington for 27 years, retiring in 1994.
Mr. Edwards enjoyed fishing, camping and crabbing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Tisdel Edwards.
He is survived by two daughters, Ruth Jane Brumbaugh of Camden and Tammy Edwards of Felton; a son-in-law, John Brumbaugh of Milford; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Edwards of Clark Summit, Pa.; six granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford.
Robert Bernard Graves, 48
CENTREVILLE, Md. - Robert Bernard Graves of Centreville died suddenly Thursday, May 8, 2003, at his home. He was 48.
Mr. Graves was born Dec. 30, 1954, in Baltimore, son of the late Bernard Wiley Graves and Margaret Black Graves.
He grew up in Arnold and graduated from Severna Park Senior High School, class of 1972.
Mr. Graves became a carpenter and worked for C.F. Johnson and was employed with Westwind Construction of Chestertown.
He enjoyed bartending at the Hillside Restaurant in Centreville. Fishing and visiting the ocean were his favorite off-time enjoyments.
Mr. Graves was a member of Sons of American Legion, Jeff Davis Post 18.
He is survived by his mother; Margaret Black Graves of Severna Park; a dear companion, Patricia Mayer of Centreville; a son, Robert Michael Graves of Centreville; a daughter, Sherry Ann Graves of Centreville; two brothers, Thomas Graves of Gambrills and Edward Graves of Arnold; a sister, Mary Noon of Severna Park; a grandson, Travis Jordon LaSalle of Centreville and a granddaughter; Jaelynn Alexis Bortz of Centreville.
Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today in the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A.,, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home.
Burial will be in Chesterfield Cemetery, Centreville.
Mary B. Hitchens, 65
DAGSBORO - Mary B. Hitchens of Dagsboro died after a lengthy battle with an illness Thursday, May 8, 2003, surrounded by those who loved her. She was 65.
Mrs. Hitchens was born Feb. 14, 1938, in Gumboro.
She was a 1956 graduate of John M. Clayton High School
She worked for NCR and Mountaire.
Mrs. Hitchens was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and dogs. She also enjoyed weekends camping.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lamar T. Baker; and her mother, Mattie C. Clifton.
She is survived by her second husband of seven years, Donald M. Hitchens; three daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly Jane and Robin Adkins of Dagsboro, Cathy Lynn and James Revel, and Wendy Michele Albert Baker, all of Millsboro; a stepson, Donald Hitchens Jr. and his wife, Michele of Millsboro; a stepdaughter, Michele Harry and her husband, Kevin of Atlanta; two brothers, William Wesley Clifton Jr. of Gumboro and Ronald Lee Clifton of Millsboro; a sister, Debra Anne Mitchell of Milton; five grandchildren, Michele Harris, Cody and Cole Revel and Justin and Jordan Hitchens.
Services will be 1 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Thatcher Street, Frankford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Prince George's Cemetery, Dagsboro.
