Obituaries

Margaret “Elsie” Hastings, 82, of Millsboro, Del., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, at home. Hastings enjoyed camping, reading, watching TV and working crossword puzzles. She had been a waitress at Doyle’s Restaurant in Selbyville for many years.

Hastings was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Margaret Stubbs Schulyer, and husband Granville Hastings. She is survived by her children: Brenda J. Kleber of Andover, N.J., Patricia Johnson of Milton, Del., Kenneth E. and Sharon Mulholland of Millsboro, Donald R. Mulholland of Dagsboro, Barbara and Steve Marsh of Seaford, Richard and Eileen Mulholland of Milford, Kathy and Greg Thompson of Milford; one brother, Paul Schuyler of Dover, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, with interment at Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Indian River Fire Company, Station 80, 32628 Oak Orchard Rd., Millsboro, DE, 19966.

Avis Marie Williamson, 91, of Oak Orchard, Del., formerly of Boothwyn, Pa., passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Center, Millsboro, Del. She was a department manager with Strawbridge Clothier in Wilmington, Del., retiring in 1974 after many years of service. She was a member of the Marcus Hook Baptist Church, Linwood, Pa., and the Oak Orchard Community Church, Millsboro, Del.

Williamson was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Ann Cooper Jones; her husband, Aaron Wesley Williamson; and her son, Roger L. Williamson. She is survived by two daughters, Gale M. Simpson of St. Charles, Mo., and Linda J. Westerside of Keenwick Sound, Del.; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, with committal and interment in the Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Oak Orchard Community Church, 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

Virginia E. Muller, 85, of Clarksville, Del., formerly of Collingdale, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at the home of her granddaughter in Dennisville, N.J. A resident of Delaware for 28 years, she was an active member of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., being involved in the Sodality and the Bingo Club. She also volunteered for the Meals on Wheels Program.

Muller was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eurie Curry Howell; and her husband, Charles G. Muller Sr. She is survived by five children, Charles G. Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann, of Pemberton, N.J., John F. and his wife, Darlene, of Dennisville, N.J., Gregory W. and his wife, Lisa, of Port Charlotte, Fla., Marilyn Parsons of Lewes, Del., and Virginia Goodrich of Linden, N.J.; a brother, Fred Howell of Alden, Pa.; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, with private interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Del. Memorials may be made to the Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1801 Rt. 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210; or Maryknoll Missioners, P.O. Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307.

Frederick Lowndes, of Millsboro, Del., passed away at his home after a brave struggle with lung cancer. He retired from Baltimore, Md., and Pasco County, Fla., and started his own successful consulting corporation. He also worked for the planning department in Palm Springs, Calif. He loved working in Pasco County and the wonderful people he worked with and friends he would come to know as family. He requested his memorial service be held in Florida.

Lowndes is survived by his life partner of 18 love-filled years, Troy Reynolds.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at 4 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home, Congress Blvd., New Port Richey, Fla.

“He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you, Fred.”

Edward Mark Lowe Sr., 59, of South Bethany, Del., passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at home, surrounded by friends and family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a teacher of many subjects with the State of Delaware, retiring after 25 years of service. He worked in real estate with his wife for the last seven years. He was a “doer” and an avid traveler, fisherman, hunter, diver, camper, skier and builder. He constructed three of the five homes that the family lived in, and his family was always his first priority. He was a member of the Freemasons and the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

Lowe was preceded in death by his father, Edward Louis Lowe. He is survived by his mother, Anne Souders Lowe of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his wife of 34 years, Martha Harbison Lowe; two sons, Edward Mark Lowe Jr. and David N. Lowe; one daughter, Kristen Steele and her husband, Jerrad; two sisters, Elaine Haudloff and her husband, Richard, and Laurie Baker and her husband, Wayne; a sister-in-law, Ann Lucas and her husband, Gene; an aunt, Marie Baker; two grandchildren, Kyle and Morgan Steele; nieces, nephews, cousins and his devoted canine, Bo.

Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, with interment in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Vines Creek, Dagsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 950, Bethany Beach, DE 19930.

Emma I. Long, 77, of Frankford, Del., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008. She enjoyed working at the Candy Kitchen in Fenwick Island, Del., and most recently in Bethany Beach, Del. She was a member of Blackwater Fellowship Church in Frankford and enjoyed serving others. She was also a longtime member of the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Long was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Minerva (Derrickson) Gray; and a grandson, Roddie Hudson. She is survived by her loving husband, Orville Long; three daughters, Mary Jane Bennett, Bonnie Lou Hudson and Beverly Irene Sammons; a step-son, Richard Long; four grandchildren, Brian Hudson, Lisa Bennett Ashman, John Sammons and Wendy Sammons; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, with interment in Roxana Cemetery, Roxana, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Memorial Fund of Blackwater Fellowship Church, 34478 Roxana Rd., Frankford, DE 19945.

The Rev. George W. Kelser, 73, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at his home. He was a retired priest and member of Trinity Cathedral, Berlin, Md. He was also retired from the United States Army, having served for 45 years.

Kelser was preceded in death by his parents, Charles M. and Madeline M. Vidt Kelser; a son, Michael Joseph Kelser; and a daughter, Karen Ann Zimmerman. He is survived by his wife, Alice L. Kelser; a grandson, Christopher Michael Zimmerman; and two great-grandsons, George and Sebastian Zimmerman.

A memorial service was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, with interment in Memorial Garden at Trinity Cathedral, Berlin, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

John E. Irvin, 49, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Cook Township, Pa. He was a truck driver for Old Dominion Trucking Co. He served in the United States Army. An avid bowler, he was a member of the United States Bowling Congress.

Irvin was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Irvin. He is survived by his wife, Judy Sanville Irvin; a son, Casey T. Irvin; his mother, Ruth Irvin; two brothers, Thomas and Richard Irvin; his step-mother, Donna Irvin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debbie and Richard Griffin; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, with private interment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations by made to the Casey T. Irvin Education Fund, c/o PNC Bank, P.O. Box 470, Selbyville, DE 19975.

Ida A. Hazel, 95, of Roxana, Del., passed away at her home on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008. She worked for Selbyville Cleaners for 12 years and Selbyville Food Rite for nine years. She was a charter member of the Roxana Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary for 49 years, where she served many dinners. She was also a member of Roxana Methodist Church, Indian River Senior Center and the Pyle Center Senior Center.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, William Frederick and Katie (Janson) Otto; her husband, Frank; and her son, Frank Jr. She is survived by a son, Charles Hazel of Lewes, Del.; two daughters, Kathryn Steele of Lewes, and Carrie Mae Webster and her husband, Thomas, of Selbyville, Del.; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, with interment in the Roxana Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Roxana Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, 35943 Zion Church Rd., Frankford, DE 19945.

Andrea K. Powell Harrison, 41, of Lake Worth, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at her parents’ home in Frankford, Del. She was a 1985 graduate of Indian River High School and 1989 graduate of Salisbury University. She attended St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Del., and South Palm Community Church in Lake Worth. She was a supervisor for Cort Management until her illness in June 2008, and she was a member of Job’s Daughters.

Harrison was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Elmer and Mattie Powell; and maternal grandparents, Herman and Pauline Cropper. She is survived by her parents, Donald A. and Paula C. Powell; two sons, Trevor Grady Harrison and Gregory Tucker Harrison of Lake Worth; two brothers, Rex T. Powell and his wife, Suzette, and James R. Powell and his wife, Judy; her fiancé, Mike Sweadner, also of Lake Worth; two nieces, Bethany and Jodie Powell; and a nephew, James R. Powell Jr.

A funeral service was scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, with interment in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery, Ocean View, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Andrea Powell Harrison Trust Fund, c/o Michelle Gallagher, Millville Town Center, 202 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE 19967; or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Good Samaritan Medical Center, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Johnny William George, 77, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del. In the early years he had diesel fuel running through his veins for years on end. His nickname was “Foxxy Brown,” known to all. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh with his crazy antics. He enjoyed spending time with his children and family. A devoted and loyal member of St. John 2nd Baptist Church for more than 30 years, he was an active member of the usher board. He was also a member of the We Care Truck and Bus Drivers Organization. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Martha Floyd George. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Annie George; a sister, Helen Wise and her husband, Linwood, of Millsboro; a brother, Harry Benny George of Bronx, N.Y.; his children, Johnny Buck Hovington and his wife, Tina; Daniel George and his wife, Mary; Cherlene Owen and her husband, Lans; Shelia Fosque; Janet Hopkins and her husband, Walter; Chezelle George; his step-children, Patsy Drayton, Gerald Davis, Anthony Davis and his wife, Althea; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be at noon on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at the St. John 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy, near Millsboro, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Patriot Way, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. John 2nd Baptist Church, P.O. Box 116, Millsboro, DE 19966.

John H. Davis, 95, of Whaleyville, Md., passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. He worked at Salisbury University for many years in the custodial and maintenance department. A member of the singing group “Fruitland Harmonizers,” he hosted a Sunday-morning broadcast on WJDY many years ago, playing spiritual and gospel music. He loved gardening, selling and giving away his homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Davis was preceded in death by his parents, John James and Daisy Teagle Davis; and his wife, Maude Jones Davis. He is survived by three daughters, B. Agnes Mumford and her husband, Preston, of Frankford, Del., Jeanette Hilth and her husband, Leithan, of Salisbury, Md., and Joyce Davis, also of Salisbury; as well as a host of grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at the Whaleyville Cemetery, off Sheppards Crossing Rd., Whaleyville, Md. Friends may call at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, Del., from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that offerings be made to the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, P.O. Box 559, Selbyville, DE 19975.

Gilbert J. “Skip” Davis, 93, of Frankford, Del., passed away at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. He was a retired tugboat engineer. He was a long-time member of the Lord Baltimore Lions Club of Ocean View, Del., the Roxana United Methodist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Davis was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Georgia (Vickers) Davis; and his loving wife, Winifred E. (Kelley) Davis. He is survived by four sons, James Davis and his wife, Dianne; John Davis; Donald Davis and his wife, Vicki; and Richard Davis and his wife, Violet; a daughter, Nancy Kudatzky; a sister, Loretta Hassel; and 12 grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2008, with interment in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to Roxana United Methodist Church, 35901 Zion Church Rd., Frankford, DE 19945.

Douglas Cuthill, 84, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Selbyville, Del., and Scotland, passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Center in Millsboro. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Royal Air Force as a pilot at the rank of warrant officer. A printer for many years, he was also a Freemason and a member of the Communications Workers of America. He enjoyed flying and playing golf.

Cuthill was preceded in death by his parents, James and Annie Scott Cuthill. He is survived by a son, Scott D. Cuthill, and his wife, Denise, of Millsboro; a daughter, Dianne Janice Bilbo of Berlin, Md.; and three grandchildren.
Services and interment will be held in Scotland at a later date.

Edward H. Shadel Jr., 85, of Millville, Del., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at his home in Rogers Haven. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in the South Pacific Transportation Corps. Following the war, he worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad and in construction. This was followed by 31 years of service with Verizon, formerly Diamond State Telephone Company.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida, growing a garden, swimming in the Atlantic and the family pool with grandchildren. His true passion was serving the Lord and spreading His word to those often forgotten. He began a ministry for inmates at the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown, Del., that included weekly Bible studies. His dedication also extended to visiting hospital and nursing home patients. A membership at Blackwater Fellowship Church in Roxana, Del., gave him opportunity to praise his Lord and serve Him.

Shadel was preceded in death by his parents, Edward H. Shadel Sr. and Pauline (Egner) Shadel; and a sister, Edna “Dot” Weber. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 62 years, Frances “Honey” Shadel; his loving children include a daughter, ViVienne Sexton; son-in-law, Phillip Sexton; son, Gregory Shadel; and daughter-in-law, Lin Shadel. His special joys were his granddaughters, Tara Blitz, Tia Sexton and Elissa Jones. He will also be remembered by his three great-grandchildren, Caitlin Blitz, Connor Blitz and Logan Jones. He also leaves behind a niece, June Bailey; and two nephews, Wayne and Bob Weber.

Funeral services were scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Blackwater Fellowship Church, Roxana Rd., Frankford, DE 19945.

Elsie Mariah Powell, 101, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, after a short illness. She lived in the Muddy Neck and Ocean View, Del., area for most of her life, attending Muddy Neck School and graduating from the Ocean View School. After graduation, for a very short time, she lived and worked in Philadelphia, Pa., for the Curtis Publishing Co. She was employed by the Carousel Motel for 33 years, retiring in her early 90’s. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Ocean View and the Eastern Star. She loved shopping and gardening, and was once known for her beautiful rose garden. She wrote in a note, “I love to work.”

Powell was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie Belle Roberts Wharton and William Hiram Wharton; several siblings, Julia Rickards, Joshua Wharton, Clay Wharton, Elizabeth Lewis, Robert Wharton and Wade Wharton; her sons, Allen (Mac) Albert Powell, William (Bill) Raymond Powell, Albert (Pete) Handy Powell; and her grandson, William (Billy) Raymond Powell Jr. She is survived by her sisters, Isabelle Wharton Smith and Anna Wharton Bradley; her son, Ralph Edwin Powell; daughter-in-law, Wanda Willey Powell; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

For the past three years, she had been loved and cared for by her wonderful caregivers, Bill and Virginia Hickman, Steven and Shari Baull and daughters, Courtney and Amber, as well as family members, Wanda Powell, Ralph Powell, and grandchildren, Carol Hurley, Jane Powell, Allen Powell, Lisa Powell, Lori Colley and Jeff Powell.

A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, with interment in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery, Ocean View. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her memory to Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery Fund, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970.

James Richard Oliver, 79, of Bridgeville, Del., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del. He was formerly employed as a printer with the Philadelphia Enquirer and the TV Guide. He was a sweet, outgoing guy who loved life and people. He enjoyed fishing, good food, crabbing and playing pinochle.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ethel Dooley Oliver. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Helen Marie Kuhn Oliver; two sons, Andrew Oliver and his wife, Tammy, of Bridgeville; and Douglas Oliver and his wife, Charlene, of Turnersville, N.J.; two brothers, Edwin Oliver Jr. and Robert Oliver, both of Baltimore, Md.; a sister, Eileen Schneile of Baltimore; and six grandchildren.

A committal service was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, with interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

James Richard Oliver, 79, of Bridgeville, Del., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del. He was formerly employed as a printer with the Philadelphia Enquirer and the TV Guide. He was a sweet, outgoing guy who loved life and people. He enjoyed fishing, good food, crabbing and playing pinochle.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ethel Dooley Oliver. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Helen Marie Kuhn Oliver; two sons, Andrew Oliver and his wife, Tammy, of Bridgeville; and Douglas Oliver and his wife, Charlene, of Turnersville, N.J.; two brothers, Edwin Oliver Jr. and Robert Oliver, both of Baltimore, Md.; a sister, Eileen Schneile of Baltimore; and six grandchildren.

A committal service was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, with interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

Samuel Ray “Sam” Hopkins, 66, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. He served four years in the United States Air Force. He was a retired electrician, serving the area for over 40 years. He loved carpentry, plumbing, playing horseshoes, bingo and bidding at auctions during the family reunions. He was a past member of the VFW Post 10638 in Millsboro and a member of Harmony United Methodist Church in Millsboro.

Hopkins was preceded in death by his father, Curtis D. Hopkins. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret A. Powell Hopkins; his mother, Mary E. Watson Hopkins of Millsboro; brothers, Daniel C. Hopkins of Ellendale, John S. Hopkins of Millsboro, Robert L. Hopkins and his wife, Evelyn, of Millsboro, and Nathaniel Hopkins and his wife, Edith, of Longo, Md.; a sister, Moezell Hyland and her husband, Harvey, of Laurel, Del.; an aunt, Annie McLaughlin and her husband, John, of Baltimore, Md.; an uncle, Joe Watson of Baltimore, Md.; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, with interment in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VFW Post 10638, c/o Albert Clark, 28930 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966.

Kevin L. Hitchens, 45, of Gumboro, Del., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. He enjoyed gardening and landscaping, especially working with flowers. He was also known for his drawings and was a great lover of animals.

Hitchens was preceded in death by his father, James D. Hitchens Sr., and his brother Bryan Hitchens. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Glenda J. Hitchens of Gumboro; brothers Barry Hitchens and his wife, Diane, and James D. Hitchens Jr. and his wife, Tammy, all of Gumboro. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Mera, Chelsea, Trent, Keith and Kirt.

Funeral services were scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, with interment in West Woods Cemetery, Gumboro.