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Essie B. Allen,
active church member
Essie B. Allen, 70, of Seaford, went home to be with her Father God on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, - the birthday of her favorite aunt and namesake, the late Essie B. Wynder - in Life Care at Lofland Park, Seaford.
Born Essie B. Copes on Jan. 1, 1937, in Northampton County, Va., she was the only daughter of Garrison and Minnie Copes. Essie’s mother passed away when she was 8 years old and she was cared for by her aunts and her grandmother until she married.
She attended school in Capeville, Va., and moved to Delaware in 1957.
Affectionately called “Mother Allen” by those in her church family at the United Deliverance Bible Center in Laurel, Sister Essie was a strong woman of faith who took great delight in praising the God of her salvation.
As a young woman, she made her living by picking crops in the fields of her hometown in Virginia. After moving to Delaware, she worked at Allen Kirkpatrick’s Oyster Factory in Rehoboth Beach for many years until she was hired at the Doxsee Clam Factory in Lewes. But the job that she loved most was at the Bible Center Christian Academy, where she prepared and served meals to the students. Sister Essie had found the perfect way to use her skills to help others. She loved people and was very protective of her family.
Sister Essie’s favorite hobbies included traveling, shopping, decorating, cooking, photography, gardening and yard sales. She looked forward to taking bible classes taught by her beloved pastor, Bishop Catherine Camper, and she completed her assignments diligently. Sister Essie was also a faithful member of the gospel choir at UDBC. Although she did not drive, she seldom missed a practice. She took all of her responsibilities seriously and made herself available for God’s service until the end.
One of her doctors shared with her son, Alvin, how she would talk about God to him during her appointments.
He stated that “Essie is a great woman of faith. I am not a Christian myself, but I can tell you that it is her faith in God that is keeping her here.” Regardless of what the doctors’ prognosis may have been, Mother Allen would let you know without fail, “I’m not going anywhere until God says so!”
Although Sister Essie had a hard life and was often misunderstood, those who got to know her quickly realized what an honest, up-front person she was that you could depend on to tell you the truth with love.
Mother Allen was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth H. Allen; her youngest son, Kenneth Harold Bracey; and her only brother, Garrison Copes.
She leaves to mourn her memory her children, Joyce Sessoms and her husband Furman of Laurel, Larry Copes and his wife Alice of Bronx, N.Y., and Alvin Bracey and his wife Teresa of Seaford; seven grandchildren, Gary Flowers and his wife Karen of Georgetown, Cheryl Flowers, Justin Morris, Nakhia Alexander and her husband Andre, Keneesha Simpson, Gabrielle Oliver and Louella Sample; 11 great-grandchildren, Tekeyia Benson, Deandre Dickerson, Bethany Flowers, Kanen Horton, Gerri Flowers, Nyjae Sample, Isaiah Kilgo, Nakayla Kilgo, Kiara Kilgo, Katlin Alexander and Kyhandra Alexander; and two sisters-in-law, Betty Copes of Pocomoke, Md., and Meredith Brown of Georgetown; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Mother Allen always reserved a special place in her heart for her nieces, Jacqueline Weathersby, Brenda Ayers, Annette Wynder, Sherema Copes, Charity Heinz, Terelle Copes and Karen Copes; her cousin and confidante, Mary Ann Brittingham; her spiritual godson, Spencer Brittingham; her spiritual daughters, Evelyn Stanley and Gloria Phillips; and her girlfriends, Ada Burton, Betty Snead and Edith Hood.
Services were held at United Deliverance Bible Center, Laurel, with interment in Peoples Memorial Park, Lewes.
Carleton Mackall Young,
“Granddad”
Carleton Mackall Young, 67, of Angie, La., died at home Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2007. He was born on January 12, 1940 in Elkton, Md.
He is survived by his companion, Beverly Whitworth; his daughter, Kathryn Sue Young Houck and her husband, Louis Spencer Houck; their two sons, George Spencer and Brooks Mackall; his son, Frank Mackall Young and his wife, Eileen Bridget Young; and their six children, Allison Marie, John Mackall, Christopher Carleton, Sara Rose, Samuel Patrick, and Benjamin Joseph. Carleton grew up in Angie, La., and spent his childhood summers at his family’s cottage on Lewes Beach.
After attending Louisiana State University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Following his honorable discharge, he was involved in the surveying layout of several major interstate highway projects, including the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, and the 19-mile section of Interstate 10 across the Atchafalaya Swamp while working for Brown & Root.
In 1973, he and his family moved to Lewes Beach, where he and a friend started Delaware Bay Launch Service. The company transported supplies and personnel to ships in the Delaware Bay and “to wherever there was 42 inches of water and a nickel.”
In 1989, just prior to his retirement, he began construction of the first dry-stack marina in Delaware. Following his retirement in 1991, he owned and operated The Yard Man in Loreauville, La., and also skippered a variety of vessels to many interesting ports, including the Caribbean Islands, Maine, and Los Angeles. In his younger years, he was an avid sailor, helping to build wooden sailfish on Lewes, where he raced Boat #2. He also enjoyed water-skiing, scuba diving, and duck hunting. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling the United States, especially if it involved searching for gold in a warm place, and working on his property in Louisiana. Although an experienced and accomplished mariner and successful in a variety of businesses, he was proudest of his status as “Granddad.” Nothing captured his interest more fully or made him smile wider than his eight grandchildren. He loved them all dearly and thoroughly enjoyed watching their scholastic, athletic and personal accomplishments as they grew.
A graveside service was held in Hammond, La. A memorial service will be held in Lewes at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 4, where friends may call one hour earlier.
The family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association.
Dallas Troy Wright,
truck driver
Dallas Troy Wright, 39, of Millsboro, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at home.
Dallas was a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association. He enjoyed motorcycles, tractors, hunting, hotrods, old cars and most importantly his family. He was a self employed truck driver. He was a member of the Israel United Methodist Church in Lewes. He was preceded in death by Harry and Delilah Norwood.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Joyce St. and Sam “Papa Bear” Shockley of Milford; his father: Dallas Wright of Millsboro; his fiancéée, Tonoa Harmon of Millsboro; his sons, Austin Wright and Gerald Harmon; his daughters, Cheyenne Wright and Natalee Milburn; a god-daughter, Rhiannia Norwood; his brothers, Michael Wright of Seaford and Tyler Wright of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Jeremiah Harmon Bosley and Gabryele Carter; his nieces Aliyah and Deja and his nephew Kaelan.
Services will be held at noon, Friday, March 2, at the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church in Millsboro, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon. Pastor Colby Matlock and Rev. Thomas Johnson will officiate. Interment will be held at Israel United Methodist Church cemetery , Lewes.
Contributions may be made to the Dallas Troy Wright Fund c/o PNC Bank, PO Box 507, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Cape Region mourns professor emeritus Mel Carriker
Dr. Melbourne R. “Mel” Carriker, 92, of Lewes, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. The world’s leading expert on an invasive species of mollusks, Carriker lived in Lewes for more than three decades and was a founding professor of the College of Marine Studies.
In a 2005 Saltwater Portrait published in the Cape Gazette, the charming Carriker shared rich stories of growing up on a coffee plantation, moving to New York City as a child, serving in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, and living life to its fullest.
Carriker was born on Feb. 25, 1915, in Santa Marta, Columbia, South America, and moved to the United States with his parents Melbourne and Myrtle Carriker in 1927.
He wrote colorful descriptions of his life and the results of his scientific research in three books and more than 100 scientific publications. Carriker said he was always learning something new, which kept him young-at-heart. After writing for years by hand, and then learning the electric typewriter, Carriker at age 90 took computer classes so he could get his ideas published more quickly. Beyond loving the ocean and marine studies, which he had taught at the University of Delaware School of Marine Studies since 1973, he talked about passionately loving his wife, Meriel R. “Scottie” Carriker. After 63 years of marriage, 33 of them in Lewes, and a life together all over the world, his eyes twinkled when he talked about their plans for the future.
Carriker developed an interest in zoological research at an early age and graduated with honors from Rutgers University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. Carriker served as an assistant professor of zoology at Rutgers University and as an associate professor of zoology at the University of North Carolina. He served as the director of the Systematics Ecology Program, Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass. In 1973, he was appointed professor of Marine Studies at the College of Marine Studies, where he was the world’s foremost expert on the oyster drill, a shell-penetrating muricid gastropod, a mollusk. He also did ecological studies of the hard clam. Although he no longer taught classes, students stopped by Carriker’s office just for a good story or to take a gander at the many collections and trinkets that lined his bookshelves and his walls.
Visitors didn’t have to ask Carriker to show off shells and fossils gathered over years of study. An impassioned scientist, he knew each shell sample had a story, and as he thumbed the surface, the colorful shells came alive with details only he would know.
The grandfather of six and great-grandfather of six, Carriker was a gracious and kind gentleman who would make many almost envy his grandchildren for the chance to sit and share stories.
Always busy, Carriker served as the official historian and past president for the National Shell Fisheries Association and was past president of the Delaware Chapter of Partners of the Americas.
Carriker and his wife are members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach. He is survived by his wife; four sons, Eric Carriker and his wife Lynn of Natick, Mass., Bruce Carriker of Seaford, Neal Carriker and his wife Maureen of Gloucester, Mass., and Robert Carriker of Hudson, Mass.; a sister, Alvita Larimer of Stone Mountain, Ga.; and a brother, Howard Carriker of Phoenix, Ariz.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Dr. Frank S. Deming Jr. officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the College of Marine Studies, 700 Pilottown Rd., Lewes, designated for the benefit of graduate students.
Arrangements are by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Bendix F. Christensen,
native of Denmark
Bendix F. Christensen, 79, of Atco, N.J., formerly of W. Berlin, N.J., and Lewes, died April 23, 2007.
Mr. Christensen was born in Denmark and moved to the United States in April 1955. He was an employee of Rohm & Haas Co. before his retirement in 1992. He was also a member of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge 172.
He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth (nee Slater) Christensen; loving father of Craig Christensen and his wife Patricia of Pascagoula, Miss., and Karen Millison and her husband William of Medford, N.J.; proud grandfather of Eric Christensen and Evan Millison; and step-grandfather of Heather, Trey and Emily Bolling. He was predeceased by his siblings, Folmer Christensen, Edmund Christensen, Modith Jensen, Ashbjorn Christensen and Kaj Christensen.
Services were held at the Berlin cemetery , Berlin, N.J. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Christensen may be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 or by going to www.michaeljfox.org.
Arrangements under the direction of Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, Atco, N.J.
Mary Theresa Furey,
Cape Region volunteer
Mary Theresa McNulty Furey, 79, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Monday, April 23, 2007, at home with her husband Joe and family at her side.
Theresa was born in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret McNulty. She was also preceded in death by siblings Anne, Thomas, John and Joan.
She was the beloved wife of 56 years to Joseph; loving mother of Patrice (Rick) Delargey, Kevin (Christele) Furey, Margaret Mary (Jeff) Ferguson, Thomas (Jeanne) Furey, Kathleen (Duke) Sheehan and Anthony (Katherine) Furey; grandmother of 18 grandchildren and one great-grandson. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Theresa, “Mom” and “Nana” was a woman full of life and energy. With accomplishments far too many to list, however, the most important of those was the raising of her six children with her husband and best friend, Joe, “Joey,” “Dad” and “Pop-Pop.” They have followed in her footsteps and have become wonderful people and parents. Nana was always excited to have the grandchildren around. Nana always found time to share her love for the arts with the grandchildren. Those moments will never be forgotten.
Theresa was very active in the local community, senior art class, member of the Rehoboth Beach YMCA where she was an aerobic mermaid, volunteer at New Life Thrift Store and St. Edmond’s Catholic Church activities.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Theresa’s viewing from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 27, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel streets, Rehoboth Beach, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to: Dr. David Birch Medical Mission, Midway Assembly of God, Honduras Mission, PO Box 669, Lewes, DE, 19958 or to the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, DE, 19971.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Hugh ‘Luke’ Marvel,
housing vice president
Hugh “Luke” Marvel, 62, of Port Orange, Fla., and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died Sunday, April 15, 2007, at home.
He was born to Elizabeth Hall Marvel and Hugh Marvel March 7, 1945, in St. Joseph, Mo.
Luke worked for many years as vice president of sales in the manufactured housing business when living in Delaware. He later worked as a boat captain for a dredging company in Fort Meyers, Fla., before his final move to Port Orange.
Luke loved to travel, especially cruises, and to spend time walking on the beach with his basset hound “Bentley.” His other passions were art, music and time spent with friends.
Luke is survived by his longtime companion, Gail Bishop; three children, Sophia Marvel of Philadelphia, Pa., Jessica Marvel-Weichecki of Wilmington and Baxter Marvel of Seaford; two grandchildren, twins Luciana and Ludovic Weichecki of Wilmington.
He is also survived by his sisters, Sophie Amanda Marvel of Lewes and Melinda Marvel Martin of Rehoboth Beach, Claire Collier Hughes of Idlewilde, Calif., and his twin sister, Ann Allaire “Muff” Marvel of Ocean View; nieces Kimberly Allaire Burton of Lewes, Penelope Lehman Kinsey of Park Çity, Utah, and Ashley Pepper Martin of Rehoboth Beach; a nephew, John “Matt” Martin of Dewey Beach; a great-niece, Carolina Allaire “Khaki” Kinsey; and great-nephews Collier Alexander “Ketch” Kinsey and Luke William Burton.
A private family service will be held Tuesday, May 1, with the scattering of his ashes in the ocean. A celebration of life will be held that evening at 6 p.m., for family and friends at the home of Jeff and Lyn Alexander, 112 Via Duomo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.
Edgar Mason Ashby,
retired plant manager
Edgar Mason Ashby, 90, of Milton, passed away at home April 24, 2007, surrounded by his loving family.
Mason was born in Belington, W. Va., March 26, 1917.
Mr. Ashby began his career with Owens Illnois Glass Co., Fairmont, W. Va., and moved up through the ranks to eventually become general manager of the newly opened plant in North Bergen, N.J. He concluded his long career as an international consultant to those in the glass industry, based out of McMurray, Pa.
Mason was actively involved in the Methodist Church in a variety of roles wherever he lived. He was devoted to family and community service and was a past master in the Masons. During his high school career, he earned the Tri-State wrestling championship. He was selected as Man of the Year in Fairmont, W.Va. Mason loved fishing, hunting, boating and spending time with his four sons. Mr. Ashby exemplified the qualities of leadership, integrity and compassion. He had a great sense of humor and a postive outlook on life. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Evelyn; four sons, Edgar Mason Ashby Jr. and his wife Patty of Des Moines, Iowa, William Ashby of Harbeson, Robert Ashby and his wife Sandy of Newark and Richard Ashby of Milton. Also, he will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Bethany Tavegia and her husband Tom; Joel Ashby and his wife Robin; Caroline Blakely and her husband Ladd; Brian, Lauren and Marc Ashby; and great-grandson, Jackson Tavegia.
Services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Milton, with interment in Odd Fellows cemetery , Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. DuPont Hwy., Suite 107, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Robert Hayden Jr.,
crane operator
Robert D. Hayden Jr., 59, of Milford, departed this life unexpectedly Friday, April 20, 2007, while attending the Carlisle Car Show in Carlisle, Pa.
Born Jan. 26, 1948, he was the son of Robert D. Hayden Sr. of Harrington and the late Patricia Phillips Hayden.
He was one of the best crane operators in the state and among the last of the drag-line operators. Mr. Hayden constructed local projects such as the Westend River Walk in Milford, Jefferson Bridge Road bridge over the Assawoman Canal outside of Bethany Beach, Wagamons Mill Pond Dam and spillway on Mulberry Street, Milton, as well as numerous other wooden bridges throughout the state. It is best said that he took pride in anything he did.
He enjoyed his 1989 Softtail Springer Harley Davidson motorcycle, his red Plymouth Prowler, and his 1936 antique Chevrolet pick-up which he restored, winning various awards at area and regional car shows.
After attending Milford High School, he served honorably in the U.S. Army and was decorated for serving our country valiantly in Vietnam.
Bobby particularly enjoyed the hours he volunteered to numerous charitable programs with ABATE of Kent County. For many years he helped organize bike shows, played softball, participated in road cleanup programs, collected for the Toys for Tots program, and assisted with the Home Run events for the Delaware Home and Hospital. He was also a member of the Bay Area Hot Rods, Harleys Owners Group and the Moose.
He is survived by his father, Robert D. Hayden Sr. of Harrington; his brother, John P. Hayden and his wife Judy of Harrington; four sisters, Patricia Campbell-White and her husband Donald White of Rehoboth Beach, Margaret P. Tice and her husband William of Harrington, Lisa V. Hayden of Lewes, and Frances Reed and her husband Robert of Bridgeville.
Mr. Hayden is also survived by two daughters, Jennifer Hayden of Harrington and Allison Hayden of Key Largo, Fla.; and three grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends who will all miss his wit and humor.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 28, at Epworth Methodist cemetery , Henlopen Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, where biker and rider friends are asked to assemble outside the cemetery at 12:30 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to ABATE of Kent County, P. O. Box 561, Dover, DE 19903.
The Rev. Ruth S. Morris,
Wesleyan minister
The Rev. Ruth S. Morris, 86, of Laurel, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, April 23, 2007, in her home.
Ruth was born in Marcus Hook, Pa., daughter of the late Lemuel Webster and Alice (West) Savage.
She was ordained into the ministry Aug. 9, 1949, and provided a lifetime of faithful service with the Wesleyan Church for more than 40 years.
She was chosen Woman of the Year for Wesleyan Women International, 1994-95, and also served as district secretary of Delmarva for 21 years.
Ruth was a charter member of and provided pastoral care at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, where she was installed Nov. 17, 1975.
In addition, she taught music lessons for more than 40 years.
Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth Ann Pritchett; and a brother, William Savage.
She is survived by her husband the Rev. Joseph Reed Morris, whom she married Dec. 21, 1939; her brother-in-law, Thomas Redman Morris of Greensboro, Md.; her sisters, Kathryn E. Johnson of Cambridge, Md., and Mabel L. Huffman of Greenwood; a sister-in-law, Sarah Savage of Georgetown; two grandchildren, Timothy Morris Pritchett of Millsboro and Kathy Lucille Pritchett of Santa Fe, N.M.; four great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, James O’Neal Pritchett of Milton.
Funeral services were held in Laurel Wesleyan Church, with interment in Laurel Hill cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Ruth’s name to the Delmar Wesleyan Church, 800 E. East St., Delmar, MD 21875.
