Ronald Wayne Long, 77, of Fenwick Island, Del., passed away Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. Born in Clayton, Del., he was the son of the late Wilson A. and Jane F. Long.

Long was a graduate of Wicomico Senior High School, in the Class of 1958, and married Patricia A. Farlow on June 26, 1960. He worked for Bond Bread and Perdue Farms (as maintenance foreman) and was self-employed with his wife until 2011, when he retired due to health reasons.

Long was a lifetime member of Assateague Mobile Sportsfishermen’s Association (AMSA), having loved the beach, fishing and just spending time around the water. He loved watching NASCAR and spending time talking with his friends.

Long is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Christie Ulm and her husband, Bill, of Hebron, Md.; four siblings, Dean Long and his wife, Diane, of Parsonsburg, Md., Andrea Collins and her husband, David, of Parsonsburg, Md., Pam Renshaw and her husband, Glen, of Salisbury, Md., and Don Long of Salisbury; and special friends Bill, Lenny, Steve and Clem.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Swann Keys Community Center, east of Selbyville, Del. A short service will begin at 1:30 p.m., with family visitation until 5 p.m. Friends are welcome to attend. Memorial donations can be made to the Roxana Volunteer Fire Co.; 35943 Zion Church Rd.; Frankford, DE 19945. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Jacqueline V. Miller, 70, of Ocean View, Del., formerly of Wilmington, Del., passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at her home. She was born Oct. 2, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of the late William Friend and Elizabeth (McCormick) Friend.

Miller was a 1965 graduate of the Little Flower Catholic High School in Philadelphia. She worked several jobs throughout her life, but her true vocation was providing a loving and caring environment for her family.

Miller was an active member with the Coastal CHEER Center in Ocean View, Del., where she volunteered her time providing painting lessons. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View, Del., and an active member at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., before her illness. Miller enjoyed painting, jewelry making, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Friend. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Andrew D. “Andy” Miller; two sons, Andrew D. “Drew” Miller Jr. and his wife, Michele, of Townsend, Del., and Tavis D. Miller and his wife, Amanda, of Wilmington, Del.; four grandchildren, Aaron, Colin, Logan and Scarlett Miller; a sister Barbara Lewis and her husband, Gordon, of Mays Landing, N.J.; an adopted brother, William Rumpp and his wife, Patricia, of Elmer, N.J.; her “adopted son,” Matthias Kleinschmidt of Hamburg, Germany; her precious dog, Colby; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at noon, with visitation at 11 a.m., at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Del. Interment will be held at a later date, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Daniel C. “Danny” Moore Jr., 56, of Gumboro, Del., passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. He was born on April 6, 1960, in Seaford, Del., to the late Daniel C. Moore Sr. and Ruth Ann Penuel Moore, who survives him.

Moore had worked as a feed truck driver for Mountaire for the past 20 years. He always said he would work until he died, and that is just what he did. He worked Saturday morning and passed away Saturday afternoon.

Moore was a hard worker and did what he had to do to support his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a 1979 graduate of Indian River High School. He was a member of the “Church of the Chesapeake Bay,” (an inside joke, and his comment when he went out on the boat on Sunday morning). He loved horses and horseback riding. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Moore is survived by his mother, Ruth Ann Moore and her companion, Jack Mitchell, of Dagsboro, Del.; his wife of 24 years, Patricia Lewis Moore of Gumboro, Del.; three sons, Daniel C. “Clay” Moore III and his wife, Beverly, of Roxana, Del., Travis Edward Moore and Kyle Andrew Moore, both of Gumboro; two brothers, Wayne Moore and his wife, Teresa, of Seaford, and Steve Moore of Dagsboro; a sister, Linda Mitchell and her husband, Dave, of Dagsboro, Del.; three grandchildren, Dyland Dorey, Emily Moore and Zachary Moore; and extended family and friends, including all of his friends from Mountaire.

Services were to be private. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Joseph Roy “Joe” Oberly Jr., 71, of New Castle, Del., passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Joseph R. Oberly Sr. and Catherine Brady Oberly.

Oberly was fondly remembered as “Karate Joe” and “Accordion Joe,” and was a retired tree surgeon, having worked for 31 years with the New Castle County’s Forestry Department. Oberly served in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. He was a Master Mason, Lafayette Lodge #14, Scottish Rites 33rd Degree. He also held a second degree black belt in Kenpo karate. Oberly was president of the Delaware Accordion Club and founder of the Delaware Antique Police Car Association.

Oberly was an avid supporter of the law-enforcement community, passionate about animal rescue and extremely devoted to his family and friends. He was soft-spoken and filled with kindness, and was a man with gentle strength who was beloved by many.

He is survived by two daughters, Tanyell Oberly Dell’Oso and her husband, Vito, and Jody Oberly Weaver and her husband, Steve; a son, Andy Oberly, and wife, Amanda; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brothers, Frank and his wife, Linda, and John and his wife, Karen; and his sisters, Patricia Weik and her husband, Smokey, and MaryLou Logan and her husband, Bill.

Service and burial were scheduled for Oct. 5, 2016, at Gracelawn Memorial Park Chapel, New Castle, Del. Memorial contributions may be made online at www.CastawayCatsDE.com or to www.forgottencats.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Francis “Frank” Perticari, 51, of Bethany Beach, Del., passed away on Aug. 28, 2016. He was born in 1965 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Maryland.

He was a NASCAR aficionado, a Redskins fan and an avid fisherman.

Perticari is survived by his daughter, Sommer; his parents, Antonio “Tony” and Delores E. Perticari; his brother, Lou Perticari; his nieces; and other extended family members.

A gathering of friends and family is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, from noon to 4 p.m., with lunch at 1 p.m., at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach, Del. Those planning to attend are being encouraged to contact the family for a head count.

Walter Leo Scheetz, 84, passed away from cardiac complications on Sept. 24, 2016, with his family by his side, at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 10, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Walter Scheetz and Anna Wagner Scheetz.

Scheetz worked as a doctor and dedicated his life to helping and serving others. He received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and continued on to medical school at Temple University. He had a distinguished career as a surgeon in the U.S. Army. Retiring after 28 years, as a colonel, he continued on in medicine as the chief of the North Arundel Emergency Department in Maryland.

Scheetz cherished his life with his wife, Maureen, and loved spending time with his family while spoiling and singing to his dog Molly. “Pop-Pop,” alongside “Nana,” was always proudly cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. He enjoyed a full, adventurous life, traveling with his family to beautiful places, where he liked to ski, play golf, snorkel and scuba dive.

He also enjoyed the comforts of home, playing his piano, reading a good book or just watching football on the big screen with his family. Scheetz loved living at the beach. Over the past 30 years, he and Maureen shared time living in Maui, Hawaii, and Naples, Fla. He resided for 23 years in Bethany Beach, Del., where he attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Scheetz is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Maureen; five children, his son, Ed Scheetz of New York, and daughters Mary Zehnle and her husband, Tom, of Gaithersburg, Md., Karen Kennedy and her husband, Mike, Kelly Polek-Fargher and her husband, Jamie, and Terri Orofino, all of Arnold, Md.; 13 grandchildren, Alex, Tori, Maddie, Nick, Ryan, Jimmy, Brendan, Nicky, Joey, Isabella, Bobby, Emma and Kasey; and his brother, Ed Scheetz of Florida; as well as a large extended family.

A celebration of his life was scheduled for Oct. 2, 2016, at Barranco & Sons P.A., Severna Park (Md.) Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was to follow on Oct. 3, 2016, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Severna Park, Md., Interment was to take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County; 1815 Bay Ridge Ave.; Annapolis, MD 21403, or online at www.aacspca.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.barrancofuneralhome.com.

“Aloha, Walter — we love you.”

Ray H. Shepherd Jr., 50, of Frankford, Del., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at his home. He was born in Englewood, N.J., son of Ray H. Shepherd Sr. and Patricia L. (Cathell) Shepherd.

Shepherd was employed by Service Solutions as a service technician. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Maryland Jaycees, Maryland Militia and Star Fleet—Star Trek Assoc.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Bednarczyk) Shepherd of Frankford; a daughter, Clara C. Shepherd, also of Frankford; three sisters, Kathy Korycki and husband, Matt, of New Windsor, N.Y., Lisa Shepherd-Hall and her husband, Don, of Dagsboro, Del., and Lori L. Calloway and her husband, Ed, of Berlin, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Sept. 30, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Roxana, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Jayme Kay (Paul) Sigman, 59, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Rockville, Md., died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, Del. She was born Sept. 24, 1957, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, the youngest daughter of the late William and Joanne Paul.

Sigman graduated from Albert Einstein High School in 1975 and Montgomery College in 1977, as a medical assistant. She has been employed with Shady Grove Radiology/CMMA/GW medical facilities since 2005.

Sigman was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Paul Muller, and her parents, William and Joanne Paul. She is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Traci Duvall and her husband, David; her son, William Sigman and his wife, Jennifer; a grandson, David “D.J.” Duvall Jr.; nephews Michael Muller, his wife, Shannon, and their children, Stephen, Matthew and Ashlynn, and Andrew Muller, his wife, Anita, and their children, Alyssa, Chace, Taylor and Cattleya; her aunt, Rosalie Robbins; and a host of family members and friends.

A service will be Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at 7 p.m., with a viewing at 6 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro, Del. Another viewing will be held Friday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home in Silver Spring, Md. Interment will be Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. at Holly Memorial Gardens cemetery in Colerain, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 566; Millsboro, DE 19966, or to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; 10401 Armory Ave.; Kensington, MD 20895, or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Marian Steele, 88, of Millsboro, Del., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Roland Steele, with whom she created a sturdy foundation of love for generations to come. The Steeles lost beloved family well before their time, including their sons, Ronald Steele and Wayne Steele; their granddaughter Michelle “Shelley” Naranjo; and great-granddaughters Michele Prettyman and Lauren Miles.

Steele continues to be lovingly remembered by several family members today and always, including her daughter, Patricia A. Prettyman; her grandchildren Joann Prettyman and her partner, Brenda Larimore, John W. Prettyman and his wife, Sharon, and Wayne Steele and his wife, Elise; her great-grandchildren Ashley Naranjo, Brendon Prettyman, Kaleb Steele and Chad Prettyman; and her great-great-grandchildren Jayden and Serenity Heath, and Caleb and Brianna Miles.

Her joyful demeanor, supportive nature and eternal optimism will be missed. Services and burial were to be private. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

“To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Anne d’Auray Rooney Tracy, 79, of Warminster, Pa., formerly of Ocean View, Del., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. She was born June 24, 1937, in Jersey City, N.J.

Tracy graduated from Catholic University of America with a degree in fine arts and was an avid painter, focusing mainly on the beach that she grew up loving so much. In her later years, she became a published author, with the release of her second book, which family members said is forthcoming in October.

Tracy was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Robert “Bob” Tracy. They raised their kids in Bowie, Md., before retiring to South Bethany, Del., where they were very active in the church and community. She is survived by daughters, Jackie Dougherty and Betsy Keller; sons, Bob, Brian and Matt; and 17 grandchildren.

A viewing was scheduled for Sept. 30, 2016, at Melson Funeral Services in Ocean View, Del., with a Mass of Christian Burial on Oct. 1, 2016, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Bethany Beach, Del. Interment was to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Nichole Lee Baker Williamson, 32, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. She was born in Milford, daughter of Gary Keith Baker and Cassandra Lee Steele.

Williamson loved singing, spending time with her family and going to the beach. As she stated just before she died, “Don’t grieve for me. I’m going to heaven to be with my Creator.”

Williamson was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Ralph Baker; maternal grandmother, Ruth Ann Kowalski; and her uncle, William Toomey. She is survived by two children, Corey Williamson and Abigail Williamson, both of Snow Hill, Md.; her mother, Cassandra Lee (Steele) Webb of Delmar; her father, Gary Keith Baker of Roxana, Del.; a brother, Richard Steele of Long Neck, Del.; sister, Kelly Baker of Georgetown, Del.; her maternal grandfather, Charles Toomey of Delmar, Del.; paternal grandmother, Edith Baker of Selbyville, Del.; her beloved dog, Kyra; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A visitation and funeral were scheduled for, Oct. 6, 2016, at Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro, Del., with interment at Millsboro Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Bob Hudson, with pallbearers Jimmy Hickman, Charles Derrickson, Bruce Derrickson, James Toomey, Richard Steele and Jay Hastings. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested contributions to help defray funeral expenses, sent to Melson Funeral Services; P.O. Box 100; Frankford, DE 19945. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Geraldine A. “Gerrie” Wilson, 84, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Sterling Park, Va., passed away at her home on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. She was born July 14, 1932, in Kingston, Pa., daughter of the late John Joseph Christopher and Charlotte Louise (Lavage) Christopher.

Wilson retired in the early 1990s from work as a management analyst with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, with almost 40 years of service.

In addition to her parents, Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Leland Wilson, in 2010. She is survived by two daughters, Judith Wilson of Robbinsville, N.J., and Cheryl Clark and her husband, Loren, of Selbyville, Del.; a grandson, Glen Leland Wilson II, and his wife, Denise, of Maple Glen, Pa.; a great-granddaughter, Callie Wilson; and her “grand-dogs” Biscuit, Maya and Brutus.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1250 S. Main Street, Hanover, Pa. A service was also scheduled for Oct. 5, 2016, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Berlin, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, online at www.stjude.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

William A. “Bill” Young III, 74, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Reston, Va., passed away peacefully, after suffering a stroke, at Delaware Hospice on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. He was born July 6, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of William A. Young Jr. and Lenora Stephens Young.

Young graduated from Central High School, in the Class of 1960. He went on to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1964. He moved to New York to attend Columbia University, earning his MBA in 1966. Young then started his own company, Boone, Young & Associates with another Bates College graduate, David Boone.

He moved to Reston in 1974 to work for the federal government in the Office of Management & Budget (OMB). Following his work with OMB, he worked for BDM, EDS and other Washington, D.C., area consulting companies. His last position was with the Fairfax County (Va.) Office of Economic Development.

Young was an active member and deacon of the United Christian Parish, serving on many of their boards during his 35-plus years living in Reston. He became very active with their prison ministry and then with Kairos Prison Ministry International during that time. Following his retirement to Millsboro, near Rehoboth Beach, he joined Epworth United Methodist Church and again became an active member, starting a Kairos Prison Ministry program there as well.

Young was always involved in numerous volunteer organizations that attempted to better the lives of others. He was an active member of the Bates College Alumni Association, an advisory board member of the Business School at Shenandoah University, an advisor for student life at George Mason University and, later, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Development Council.

Young is survived by his wife, Diana Drury Philbrick Young; daughter, Stephanie Young Davidson and her husband, Tom, of San Diego, Calif.; two sons, Howard S. Young of Annapolis, Md., and William H. Young and his spouse, G.J., of Ashburn, Va.; stepdaughters, Cynthia Gaulin of Chantilly, Va., Heidi Philbrick Buxton of Nashua, N.H., and Stephanie Philbrick Provost of Goffstown, N.H.; a stepson, Wesley Philbrick of Litchfield, N.H.; his sister, Stephanie Young Abbott and her husband, Ed, of Reston, Va.; his grandchildren, Logan and Miles Young, Courtney and Sydney Young, and Grace Davidson; and step-grandchildren, Curtis and Ashley Buxton, Noah Benoit and Victor Philbrick.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Oct. 8, 2016, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m. and a reception to follow. A second celebration of life will be held Oct. 22, 2016, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m., at United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, Va. Distribution of ashes in the Memorial Garden and a reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial donations be made to Epworth United Methodist Church and United Christian Parish. Arrangements were being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Salvatore Stephen “Sal” Zullo passed away and was carried home on Sept. 29, 2016.

He had a great reputation as a salesman at for Dayton Motors and Emerson Electric. He was known as the guy who could sell snow to the Eskimos. He made friends wherever he went, could strike up a conversation with anyone, and loved to laugh with friends and loved ones. Zullo was a hard worker who enjoyed spending his free time at the beach and out on the boat whenever possible. Above all, he loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He was a devoted father, caring friend and adoring husband.

Zullo is survived by his loving wife Beth (Perella) Zullo; sons, Joseph Zullo and his wife, Christine, and Neal Evans; daughters, Carolyn Zullo, Sarah Huffstickler and her husband, Henry, and Samantha Vazquez and her husband, Jorge; his brother, Paul Zullo; a niece, Olivia Zullo; and his grandchildren, Joseph Zullo Jr., Mya, Ava Grace, Ximena and (coming soon) Dominic.

A visitation and memorial service were scheduled for Oct. 2, 2016, at Georgia Funeral Care, Acworth, Georgia. A funeral Mass was to follow on Oct. 3, 2016, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Kennesaw, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can support the research to find a cure for Amyloidosis at Boston U Amyloidosis Center, online at www.bu.edu/amyloid/donate. Condolences may be sent online at http://georgiafuneralcare.com.

Kathleen “Katie” Gupton Eaton, 94, of Ocean View, Del., formerly of Hyattsville and Cheverly, Md., passed away on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at her home. She was born in Berwyn Heights, Md., on Aug. 17, 1922, daughter of the late Ewing L. Gupton Sr. and Lucy B. (Bennett) Gupton.

Eaton was a graduate of Hyattsville High School and worked as a personnel manager at the University of Maryland, retiring in 1982 after 25 years of service.

She was a member of the Ladies Sodality at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., and the Homemaker’s Group in the Bethany area. Eaton enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, knitting and reading.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis E. Eaton, in 2000; her brother, Ewing L. Gupton Jr., in 2004; and three sisters, Lucy Puciloski in 2002, Elizabeth Mason in 2004 and Mary Duvall in 2013. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at noon at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Del., where friends and family may call after 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by visiting www.stjude.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Donald J. Shepperly, 87, of Millsboro, Del., and formerly of Wilmington, Del., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. He was born in Hazelton, Pa., on April 25, 1929, to the late Stanley Shepperly and Laura Bicking Shepperly.

Shepperly retired from Sun Oil, where he had worked as a lab tech for more than 30 years. He was a member of Chi Chester Wesleyan Church in Boothwyn, Pa. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He enjoyed watching all sports and traveling. He was a family-oriented man, the nicest man one would ever meet. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Shepperly is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Thelma Robinson Shepperly of Millsboro, Del.; a daughter, Brenda Frey and her husband, Jeffrey, of Millsboro, Del.; a granddaughter, Chelsie Rathfon and her husband, Trevor; and two great-grandchildren, Leighonna Lynn and Trenton Lee Rathfon.

A viewing was scheduled for Oct. 12, 2016, at Watson Funeral Home, with a chapel service afterward at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Brenda Staton, 64, of Millsboro, Del., passed away in her loving son’s arms on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. She was born Sept. 4, 1952, in Plymouth, England, to the late John and Jean Rowley. She was the eldest of six children, including her brothers, Keith, Malcolm and Ian, and sisters, Sandie and Lorraine.

Growing up with a father in the RAF, Staton lived in England, Germany, Cypress and Singapore. She especially loved Cypress and Singapore and didn’t want to leave. She loved spending time with her Nan, who taught her how to cook. Her love of gardening came from many summers spent with her Nan. At the age of 14, she started working and had numerous jobs throughout her life.

In 2016, she retired from work as a security guard at Cadbury at Lewes, where she loved spending time with the residents and listening to their stories. Staton was proud of her volunteer work with the American Red Cross while stationed at March Air Force Base in California. She enjoyed making a difference and helping families in their time of need.

As a mother and “nanny/nana” to her children and grandchildren, Staton worked hard to ensure that each and every one of them knew how unconditionally they were loved.

Swimming was her favorite thing to do. She taught all of her grandchildren how to swim, and she loved being in the water, whether in the ocean, in the swimming pool or in the kiddie pool with the grandchildren.

Staton was 10 years old when she learned to read a book in one day. That passion was passed on to her grandchildren, who read nonstop. Cooking in the kitchen with her granddaughters was another passion. She loved to make curry, which everyone loved.

Family traditions of sausage rolls, pastries, shrimp dip and Christmas cake were passed on to her children and grandchildren, who will continue to honor her by making these on special occasions. She loved surprising her granddaughters with tea parties and making crafts. She loved sharing her childhood memories with them. She loved to sing in the choir when she was younger. She enjoyed listening to Motown and Celine Dion and singing along in the car to Adele. The family will cherish those memories always.

With each new journey that she took in life, she stepped out in faith. With her moves from England to America, California to Delaware and her final move to Spain, she embraced the unknown and savored the experiences, memories and new friends that she made along the way. Staton always wanted the best for her family. Her grandchildren would look forward to the treasures that she brought back from her travels.

In addition to her parents, Staton was preceded in death by her brother, Ian, and the love of her life, her husband, Phillip B. Staton. She is survived by her daughter, Michala Abrams; her sons, Jermaine Abrams and his girlfriend, Suzan Reilly, James Devore and Stephan Devore; her grandchildren, Alexandria, Ian, Zyanne, Nycole and Nevaeh Abrams; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her Nan introduced her to God, and she knew that He was always watching over her and that He would take care of her. He brought her home to be close to her children and grandchildren, and then he took her to her eternal home in heaven. “We will always love you and carry your memory in our hearts forever.” From 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Staton’s family said they are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, with visitation at 11 a.m. and service at noon, at East Gate Presbyterian Church, 32806 Church Lane, Millsboro, Del. She will be taken home to England by her loving children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made toward her journey home, to Memorial Fund of Brenda Staton, Wells Fargo; 18489 Coastal Hwy.; Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Doloris Stevens, 79, of Selbyville, Del., and formerly of Pasadena, Md., died on Oct. 6, 2016. She was formerly the owner of Country Garden and the Happy Crab restaurants. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Stevens, and her brother, Tom Ward.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Melson Funeral Service, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Gerald L. Truitt, 67, of Millsboro, Del., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. He was born April 18, 1949, to the late Ernest Truitt and Agnes Toomey Truitt.

Truitt had retired from Suburban Propane after 25 years of service. After retirement, he also worked at Walmart. He was a member of the Dagsboro Gospel Fellowship Church.

Truitt enjoyed antique cars. He was known as a hard worker, a wonderful and kind man. He liked to go to Bailey’s Seaford for breakfast. He was also part of the McDonald’s clan and a frequent customer at Doyle’s Restaurant.

In addition to his parents, Truitt was preceded in death by a brother, Alvin Truitt, in 2014. He is survived by a sister, Hilda Beebe of Milford, Del., and a brother, Vernon Truitt of Gilroy, Calif.; three nieces, Beverly Beebe Richardson, Victoria Truitt Wheeler and Sherry Truitt Mitchell; and a nephew, Jeffrey Truitt; and extended family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at Carey’s Cemetery, Millsboro, Del. The Rev. Rowland Scott will officiate. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

James A. “Jim” Whitmore, 74, of Selbyville, Del., passed away peacefully of natural causes on Oct. 6, 2016.

Whitmore was raised in Michigan and served the country in the United States Navy. After he moved to Delaware, he was an accomplished painter and wallpaperer. Whitmore then spent many years working at Sun Marine as a pile-driver. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time at CHEER. Along the way, he made many friends. He will be missed by all.

Whitmore was preceded in death by his father, Arthur E. Whitmore; his mother, RoseMary Stout Whitmore; and his daughter, Deanna V. Whitmore. He is survived by his brothers, Art and his wife, Elaine, Tim and his wife, Ruth, and Terry and his wife, Laura, all of Cheboygan, Mich., and Harley and his wife, Jane, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his sister, Arlene, and her husband, Dave Hansen, of Cheboygan; his granddaughters, Samantha Shaubach and her son, Michael, Sabrina Banks and Serena Banks; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom adored him.

A celebration of life to pay respects will be held on Saturday Oct. 22, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Sun Marine Maintenance, 35322 Bayard Road, Frankford, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help defray his final costs would be greatly appreciated and should be sent to Stephanie Sheldon; 32290 Hidden Acre Dr.; Frankford, DE 19945.