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Lois H. Jeffries, 80
DOVER - Lois H. Jeffries of Dover died of a heart attack Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 80.
Mrs. Jeffries was born Aug. 10, 1922.
She graduated from Mansfield State Teachers College, now Mansfield University, with a B.A. in music in 1943.
Mrs. Jeffries taught music at the elementary and middle school levels from 1943 to 1948 and again from 1966 to 1969. On Sept. 11, 1948, she married Robert E. Jeffries. After retiring in 1988, she moved to Dover.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, as well as an active community member.
Mrs. Jeffries directed both youth and adult choirs at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ventnor, N.J., for more than 20 years. She was active in many other church groups, including Sunday school, the women's group and Bible study, as well as serving as chairperson for a major building project. For more than 25 years, she was an active member and officer in the Crescendo Club, a nonprofit organization whose mission was the enrichment of the community through outstanding musical performances, educational programs and creative collaboration with other organizations. Upon moving to Dover, she joined the Presbyterian Church of Dover, where she was a choir member, Circle leader and Deacon. She was a member of the Central Delaware Camp Gideon Auxiliary and a lifetime member of the Sprig & Twig Club. She mentored elementary students for the Capital School District and volunteered at the Biggs Museum.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Jeffries, in 1993; a son, Timothy; four brothers, Donald Heller, Leonard Heller, Lisle Heller and Foster Heller; and a sister, Hester Heller.
She is survived by two sons, Theodore E. Jeffries of Dover and Peter R. Jeffries of Durham, N.C.; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Christine M. and Albert Cajthaml of Camden and Linda Jeffries and Richard Pilkington of Pottstown, Pa.; three grandchildren, Jennifer Cajthaml, Melissa Cajthaml and John Smolcynski; and two sisters, Rebecca Coleman of Venice, Fla., and Margaret Sellers of Avis, Pa.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St., Dover.
Burial will be private in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Music Fund or the Women's Association for Missions with Local Children, c/o The Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St., Dover, DE 19904.
Arrangements by Trader Funeral Home, Dover.
Virginia L. Lane, 86
RIDGELY, Md. - Virginia L. Lane of Ridgely died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, in the Caroline Nursing Home in Denton. She was 86.
Mrs. Lane was born in Secretary, daughter of the late Thomas and Nellie Twilley Bradley.
She had worked as a seamstress at the Rob Roy sewing factory in Ridgely for 27 years, retiring in 1978.
Mrs. Lane was a member of St. Benedict's Roman Catholic Church in Ridgely.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert B. Lane, May 19, 1988; three brothers, Calvin Bradley, Gilbert "Monk" Bradley and Page Bradley; and a sister, Adonia Alexander.
She is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, T. Harper and Helen Lane and Richard H. "Dickie" and Vivian Lane, all of Ridgely; four grandchildren, Karen Brandenburg, Tom Lane, Kevin Lane and Scott Lane; and nine great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Moore Funeral Home P.A., 12 S. 2nd St., Denton, where a Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Benedict's Roman Catholic Church, Central Avenue, Ridgely.
Burial will be in Chesterfield Cemetery in Centreville.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Co. or the Ridgely Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 425, Ridgely, MD 21660.
Sara Elizabeth Bennett Sharp, 89
REHOBOTH BEACH - Sara Elizabeth Bennett Sharp of Rehoboth Beach died, after suffering 20 years from the effects of sarcoid myopathy, Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, in her home. She was 89.
Mrs. Sharp resided in Georgetown for 67 years. Since 1993, when she experienced a stroke, she resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Betty Sharp Prettyman and Ralph Prettyman, first in Georgetown and, since 1997, in Rehoboth Beach. She and her immediate family had spent every summer in Rehoboth Beach since 1945, when she and her husband purchased a cottage on Wilmington Avenue.
She and her husband, Clarence, began a family-operated gas business in 1949. Eight short years later, in 1957, Mr. Sharp died, after which Mrs. Sharp served as president of Clarence E. Sharp Inc. She and her son-in-law continued to operate the business for 24 more years, until it was sold to Chesapeake Utilities in 1981.
She enjoyed the Seaford Community Concerts and the activities of the Sussex County Arts Council. She was an excellent cook and seamstress.
Mrs. Sharp, for many years until her illness, actively served Wesley United Methodist Church in Georgetown, the Business and Professional Women's Club and the Georgetown New Century Club.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Hugh Sharp Prettyman
In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, she is survived by another daughter, Marlene Sharp Wilson of Lewes; three grandchildren, Stephanie Prettyman Smith of Milford and Bennett Sharp Prettyman and Alison Wilson Buckley, both of Lewes; five great-grandchildren, Jason Buckley, Benjamin Buckley, Daniel Prettyman and Matthew Prettyman, all of Lewes, and Sara Smith of Milford; and a brother, William H. Bennett of Lincoln.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Short Funeral Services Inc., 609 E. Market St., Georgetown.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wesley U.M. Church, Race and Laurel streets, Georgetown DE 19947; or to Delaware Hospice Inc., 600 Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Charles H. Emerson, 54
CLAYTON - Charles H. Emerson of Clayton died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, in Christiana Hospital of Christiana Care, Newark. He was 54.
Mr. Emerson was born in Dover, son of the late Clarence Mac Emerson and Dorothy Louise Emerson.
He retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1992.
Mr. Emerson enjoyed the outdoors and had been active in the Adopt a Highway program.
He is survived by a son, Charles H. Emerson Jr. of Clayton; four brothers, Clarence Mac Emerson Jr. of Bear, Ronald Emerson of Clayton, Roy Emerson of Dover and Earl Emerson of Neshanic Station, N.J.; a sister, Clarice Maxine Emerson of Syracuse, N.Y.; his companion, Deboral Slaughter; and his dear friends, Danny and Charlotte Cole.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Faries Funeral Home, 1250 S. Governors Ave., Dover.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Monday in the Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna.
Ron Christopher 'Brother Ronnie' Fooks, 32
BRIDGEVILLE - Ron Christopher "Brother Ronnie" Fooks of Bridgeville died of natural causes Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, in his home. He was 32.
Mr. Fooks was born Aug. 13, 1970, in Seaford, son of James Henry Fooks Jr. of Delmar and Bernice Frances Stanley Fooks of Bridgeville.
He was a graduate of Howard T. Ennis High School in Georgetown and had worked at E.I. DuPont Co. in Seaford under Easter Seals.
Mr. Fooks was a former member of St. Matthew's First Baptist Church in Laurel, and was attending The Way Christ Evangelistic Church in Bridgeville.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Doretta Louis.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers and three sisters-in-law, Anthony and Marilyn Fooks of Seaford and Nathan and Sarah Fooks and Derrick and Lisa Fooks, all of Bridgeville; six sisters and four brothers-in-law, Denise Williams of Laurel, Donzene and Randy Sunkett of Lewes, Brazelda and Robert Johnson of Harrington, Jameszina and Larry Hopkins of Greenwood, Velma and George Scott of Dover and Renee Duncan of Laurel; paternal grandmother Charlotte Fooks of Delmar; many nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts; and a dear friend, Ruth Gumby of Laurel.
Services will be 1 p.m. Monday in St. Matthew's First Baptist Church in Laurel, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Milton Horsey will officiate.
Burial will follow in St. Matthew's Church Cemetery.
Arrangements by Framptom-Hawkins-Eskow Funeral Home P.A., Federalsburg, Md.
Earl William Harris, 72
HARRINGTON - Earl William Harris of Harrington died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was 72.
Mr. Harris was born in Boothwyn, Pa., son of the late Samuel and Bessie (Biddle) Harris.
He vas a U.S. Army veteran, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Mr. Harris was a driver-salesman for Coca Cola. He had been disabled since 1970 by a heart condition.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Victoria (Luther) Harris; and a brother, George Harris.
He is survived by four stepdaughters and three stepsons-in-law, Patsy and Jack Hutchins of Florida, Louise Balderson of Dover and Judy and Ray Dean and Nancy and Dennis Dean, all of Harrington; six step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Services and burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.
Thomas Heckner, 55
GREENSBORO, Md. - Thomas Heckner of Greensboro died of natural causes Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Easton, Easton. He was 55.
Mr. Heckner was born in Baltimore, son of Elva Wellham Heckner of Greensboro and the late Frederick Heckner.
He was a Class of 1966 graduate of Glen Burnie Senior High.
Mr. Heckner joined a Maryland National Guard unit that was part of the 29th Division.
He moved from Linthicum to Greensboro in 1974.
Mr. Heckner was employed as a firefighter for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for 34 years, having joined the first class of paid firefighters.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by a daughter, Elaine Stafford of Ridgely; his fiancee, Barbara Conroy of Greensboro; a sister, Carole Burl of Mount Airy; a brother, William "Bill" Heckner of Towson; and four grandchildren, Steven, Logan, Little Eddie and Marshall.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home, Greensboro.
Burial will be in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro.
Willard E. Barcus, 77
DOVER - Willard E. Barcus of Dover died Sunday, May 13, 2001, in his home. He was 77.
Mr. Barcus served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew 65 combat missions as a tail gunner during the World War II European Campaign.
He owned and operated a contracting business in Dover for many years and had retired from Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, where he worked as a project director.
Mr. Barcus served for many years on the board of directors at the Modern Maturity Center and was very proud of what he was able to do to help. He made many friends and in his honor they chose to name the pool room "Willard's Billiards."
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty; a son and his wife, Craig and Patricia Barcus of Stafford, Va.; a daughter, Linda Kellum of Hollister, Mo.; three grandsons, Eugene Bobsin of Missouri, Steven Bobsin, and his wife, Angi, of Illinois, and Alan Barcus of Colorado; two great-grandchildren, Skyler Sims of Missouri and Alyssa Bobsin of Illinois; a sister and her husband, Freda and Paul Carey of Dover; two nieces; and four nephews.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.
Instead of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Compassionate Care Hospice, 623 West Newport Pike, Graystone Plaza, Wilmington, DE 19804; or to Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave., Dover, DE 19904.
Joseph B. Cuff, 80
ANGOLA BEACH - Joseph B. Cuff of Angola Beach, and formerly of Chester, Pa., died Sunday, May 13, 2001, in his home. He was 80.
Mr. Cuff served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a driver salesman for John J. Kelly, Inc. of Chester, Pa.
He loved surf fishing.
Mr. Cuff was a 26-year member of Teamsters Local 830 in Philadelphia and the American Legion Post of Wilmington. He was also a lifetime member of the Irish-American club of Chester and a member of Mary the Mother Of Peace Catholic Church, where he served on the building committee.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura Modzelewski Cuff; two sons, Jerry of Wilmington and Joseph of Aston, Pa.; a daughter, Patricia Gordon of Palmetto, La.; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Service will be private.
Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery South, Millsboro.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.
Sherwood I. 'Woody' Dively, 74
LEWES - Sherwood I. "Woody" Dively of Lewes died suddenly Friday, May 11, 2001, in Christiana Medical Center, Newark. He was 74.
Mr. Dively was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and had been involved with the Junior ROTC program locally.
He retired from Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Washington, D.C., where he worked as a heating and air conditioning engineer, in June 1987 after 25 years of service.
Mr. Dively was a member of American Legion Post 28, a life member of VFW Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach, where he was senior vice commander, and a member of the honor guard. He was also a member of St. Edmonds/St. Jude's Catholic Church, where he ushered at St. Jude's, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes and was a member of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, where he was currently president of the membership committee.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Marcia Serio.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Dively of Lewes; a daughter and her husband, Sharon and Robert Muir of Laurel, Md.; two sons and their wives, Woody and Dee Dively of Bowie, Md. and Robin and Maureen Dively of Burtonsville, Md.; a brother, Alvin Dively of Bedford, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren,
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Judes Catholic Church, Del. 1 at Five Points, where friends may also call one hour prior to service. Father D. Hreha will officiate.
Burial with full military honors will be in Delaware Veterans Cemetery South, Georgetown.
Memorials may be made in his memory to Cape Henlopen Senior Center Building Fund, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Phyllis Ann Fisher, 70
MILFORD - Phyllis Ann Fisher of Milford died Sunday, May 13, 2001, in her home. She was 70.
Mrs. Fisher was born in Milford, the daughter of the late John R. Wilkins Sr. and Mamie E. Hearn Wilkins.
She was a 1950 graduate of Milford High School.
Mrs. Fisher retired from the Milford School District food service in 1991.
She was devoted to her family.
Mrs. Fisher was a life member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Milford.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Carlton J. Fisher; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra Ann and Raleigh Davis Jr. and Nancy Jean and Jeffery A. Thomas, all of Milford; two brothers, John R Wilkins Jr. of Milford and Gilbert V. Wilkins of King, N.C.; a sister, Jean W. Hamilton of Milford; three grandchildren, Taryn Davis, Lindsay Thomas and Brooke Thomas; and a great-granddaughter, Shaianne Miles.
Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave. 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 contributions to the Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 S. E. Front St., Milford, DE 19963.
Richard A. Gillespie, 80
GREENWOOD - Richard A. Gillespie of Greenwood, and formerly of Salem, N.J., died Monday, May 14, 2001, in his home with his family by his side, after battling lung cancer for 16 months. He was 80.
Mr. Gillespie was born in Carneys Point, N.J., the son of the late Albert Judson Gillespie and Louisa Richter Gillespie.
He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne. He was awarded the American Defense Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon. He also received the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.
Mr. Gillespie attended parachute school in Fort Benning, Ga.
After living in Salem County, N.J., for several years, he moved to Delaware and made his home there for the last 25 years.
Mr. Gillespie was employed by Mannington Mills in Salem for 19 years. He was an avid horseman and was also employed by Bobby Meyers Stables, Non-Stop Standardbred Farm and Reece Family Miniature Ponies Farm in Delaware.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and had a passion for Belgian Malinois dogs, enjoying many years of their loyal companionship.
Mr. Gillespie was a member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Gates Gillespie; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Gillespie; his brother, Col. Ernest Gillespie; and his sister, Florence Gillespie Hopman.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Hope and Bob Metzgar of Townsend; two sons, Ernie Gillespie, and his wife, Michelle, of Stafford, Va., and Richard "Charlie" Gillespie of Waynesville, N.C.; three grandsons, Bobby Metzgar of Townsend, James Patrick Gillespie, and his wife, Karen, of San Diego, and Richard C. Gillespie of South Carolina; a granddaughter, Tracey Gillespie of Waynesville; and two great-grandsons, Joshua and Dustin Gillespie of Waynesville.
Friends may call from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St. in Bridgeton, N.J.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Fernwood Memorial Park, Rt. 49, Hopewell Township, N.J.
Frank W. Hitchens, 85
MILTON - Frank W. Hitchens of Milton died Saturday, May 12, 2001, in his home. He was 85.
Mr. Hitchens served his country in the U.S. Army in World War II, receiving a Purple Heart.
He retired in 1976, after 30 years of service as a rural letter carrier from Milton Post Office.
Since his retirement he had enjoyed growing and selling flowers and vegetables from his greenhouse.
He was very active in starting the Milton Little League and coached for many seasons,
Mr. Hitchens was one of the founders of the Milton Senior Center and served as treasurer for 20 years. He was a member of Goshen United Methodist Church in Milton, the Milton VFW and the Delaware Rural Letter Carriers Association, where he served as chaplain for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. and Ella M. Hitchens; and two brothers, John R. Hitchens and Norman Hitchens.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances M. Hitchens; a daughter and son-in-law, Kay H. and Robert Jennings of Milton; a son and daughter-in-law, Frank W. "Bud" and Joda Hitchens Jr. of Lewes; six grandchildren, Robert Jennings Jr., Krista Jennings, Karyn L. Jennings, Karla L. Jennings, Frank "Bo" Hitchens III and Elizabeth "Beth" Hitchens.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St. in Milton.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Perk, Milton.
Mary Melanie Jeffcott, 58
MIDDLETOWN - Mary Melanie Jeffcott of Middletown died of cancer Friday, May 11, 2001, in Green Valley Pavilion, Smyrna. She was 58.
She is survived by her sister, Suzanne Winters of Odessa; two brothers, Anthony J. Jeffcott of Flemington, N.J. and John N. Jeffcott of Larkspur, Calif.; a niece, Melanie L. Shook of Oklahoma City; two nephews, Joseph M. Jeffcott of Cincinnati and John F. Jeffcott of Newark; a great-niece; and a great-nephew.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. Annes Episcopal Church, 14 E. Green St., Middletown.
Burial will be private.
Instead of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720.
Arrangements by Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Homes, Middletown.
James J. McGrath, 87
MILLSBORO - James J. McGrath of Millsboro died Monday, May 14, 2001, in Beebe Medical Center. He was 87.
Mr. McGrath was born in Philadelphia and lived in Drexel Hill, Pa., from 1950 to 1960, when he moved to Lewes.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Philippines.
He worked as a pressman for Cunnio, Chilton and Pennland Printing Co.
Mr. McGrath was a member of the Printers Union of Philadelphia. He was president of the Nassau Park Association in Lewes, and belonged to the Cape Henlopen Senior Center and St. Jude's Catholic Parish.
He is survived by his daughters: Winifred Ruggeri of Millsboro, Evelyn Bush of Sewell, N.J., and Dolores McGrath of Brookhaven, Pa.; a son, Michael McGrath of Sewell; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Edmonds Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel streets in Rehoboth Beach.
Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Contributions are suggested to St. Edmonds Catholic Church.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.
Ernest James Newman, 85
ROCK HALL, Md. - Ernest James Newman of Rock Hall died Friday, May 11, 2001, in the Sunrise Facility, Media, Pa. He was 85.
Mr. Newman was born Oct. 14, 1915, in Brantwood, the son of the late Harold and Amy White Newman.
He joined the U.S. Navy, and later worked for the Department of the Navy as a draftsman for 30 years.
In 1981 he and his late wife, Carolyn Naomi Newman, moved from Hyattsville to Rock Hall, where they took up residence on Memory Lane. While in Rock Hall he drove a school bus for Angels Haven, now called Kent Center.
Mr. Newman enjoyed boating and swimming on the Chester River as well as gardening and hiking. He also played the trumpet in a band while he worked as a civilian in the Navy Department.
He is survived by a daughter, Donna Marie Newman of Cape Cod, Mass.; a son James "Jimmy" Newman of Salisbury; a brother, Sid Newman of Maryland; three grandchildren, Robby Dyal of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Leigh Ann Dyal of Salem, N.H., and Stephen Dyal of Broomall, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Megan, Leah and Kara Dyal, all of Broomall, Pa.
Service will be 1 p.m. today at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 6179 Rock Hall Road in Rock Hall, where friends may call one hour prior to service.
Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holly Center, P.O. Box 2358, Salisbury, MD 21801.
