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Chester County Press

Obituaries

07/23/2014 07:19PM ● By Lev

SHERI HUMPHREY

EDWARDS MYERS

Sheri Humphrey Edwards Myers, 62, previously of Unionville, peacefully passed away on July 13 after her battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Bob Myers of Avondale. Sheri entered the world in Lansdowne, Pa., the first born of the late William (Bill) and Sonia Humphrey. She spent her early years in Linville before relocating to Bethel, Pa., with her family. She attended Francis Harvey Green Elementary School and graduated from Garnet Valley High School before achieving her educational degree at East Stroudsburg State College.

Sheri was an inspirational teacher who touched countless lives both in and out of the classroom. She began her teaching career in the Garnet Valley school system and taught in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District for almost 30 years. She also was a professor for Wilkes University and Neumann College, specializing in graduate educational studies. She completed her teaching career teaching in the Florida school system.

Sheri is loved and survived by her husband, Bob; her son, Stephen Edwards and wife Cristi of Avondale; daughter, Stephani Glatts and husband Kris of Avondale; and daughter, Staci Edwards and fiancé Kevin of New Jersey; three stepchildren, Robbie, Ericka, and Aaron of New Mexico; and brother Scott Humphrey and his wife Susan of West Chester. She was a beloved Mom-Mom to her six grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. On Aug. 8 at the Charles F. Patton Middle School in Unionville. In loving memory of Sheri, the family has established The Sheri G. Myers Education Scholarship fund, which will be awarded by the Unionville Senior High School to a graduate who is pursuing a degree in education. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, in honor of Sheri G. Myers, 750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square., PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

RICHARD N. WILKINSON

Richard N. Wilkinson, 48, of Cochranville, died on July 11 at his home. 

He was the longtime companion of Sharon M Ciatteo, with whom he shared a 13-year relationship. Born in Havre de Grace, Md., he was a son of the late James Ira and the late Mary (Spragg) Wilkinson. He was a heavy equipment operator, and for many years he owned his own landscaping company, which he loved. In recent years, he worked for PennDOT. In his early years, he was very involved in the drum and bugle corps. He was an accomplished drummer and enjoyed playing with several bands. He enjoyed bowling, driving various tractors, and he always wanted a large wooden boat. He was like Dr. Doolittle -- all animals loved him, especially his dog, Bella. He volunteered for the Avondale Fire Company for many years. Most of all, he will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who cared deeply for his friends and family.

Survivors include, in addition to Sharon, one son, Zachary Ciatteo of Cochranville; three daughters, Erika Wilkinson of Oxford, Tabitha Kauffman (Rob) and Victoria Ciatteo, both of Cochranville; two brothers, John Wilkinson (Beth) of West Grove, and David Wilkinson (Lynn) of Glouchester, Va. He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Robert.

A funeral was held July 17.  Contributions in his memory may be made to Muscular Dystrophy, P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062; or the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.  To share a memory with Richard’s family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOHN B. MCCUMMINGS

John B. McCummings, 83, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on July 15 at Genesis HealthCare in Elkton, Md.

He was born in 1931 and was the son of the late Melvin and Mary (Dunn) McCummings. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Dunn, Thomas A. Dunn, Melvin B. McCummings, Joseph E. McCummings and wife Edith, Francis McCummings, Edward L. McCummings; and a nephew, James E. McCummings.

Upon his graduation from Rising Sun High School in 1948, John served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. After his service, he worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground for several years, as well as the Perry Point Hospital V.A. Hospital as a finish carpenter. A skilled craftsman, he would often make custom picture frames for the patients and the hospital. He enjoyed his work and continued there in various capacities after his disabilities. He was also an avid baseball fan all his life.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Frances A. McCummings of Oxford; as well as many nieces and nephews, Joseph L. McCummings of Forked River, N.J., Margaret J. Slota and husband Ray of Forked River, N.J., Barry D. McCummings and wife Janice of Dallas, N.C., Richard B. McCummings of Rising Sun, Md., Joyce A. Zachry and husband Paul of Rising Sun, Md., Patricia Leamy and husband Tom of Banning, Calif., Karen M. McCummings of Newark, Del., Jan M. Andress and husband Spencer J. of Oxford, Thomas A. McCummings of Oxford, Elaine M. Pinno and husband John V. III of Oxford, Kathleen D. McCummings of Seattle, Wash.; his great-niece Autumn McCummings and her mother Jane McCummings of Elkton, Md.;  as well as many other great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Genesis HealthCare for the professional and compassionate care that was given to John during his residence at the center. A graveside service was held July 18. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution checks may be made payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and mailed to R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

PATRICK L. HILGAR

Patrick L. Hilgar, 64, of West Grove, passed away on July 17.

He was the husband of Christine Bellafiore  Hilgar, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Butler, Pa., he was the son of the late William C. and Grace Campbell Hilgar. After serving three years in the U.S. Army, he went on to receive a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Temple University. He was a sales representative for Schneider Electric. He enjoyed golfing, tinkering with electronic devices, building computers, reading, and vacationing at the beach.  He was a craftsman when it came to do-it-yourself projects around the home.  

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Heather, Allison, and Lynette; his sister, Merilee; and his twin sister, Penny. He will be missed so very much.  

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 27 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to a humane society, SPCA, or an animal rescue will be greatly appreciated and would honor a cause close to his heart. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

WINONA MAY

BERNICE SMITH

Winona May Bernice Smith, 35, of Wilmington, Del., passed away on July 20 at her home.

Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of James Harold Smith of Tennessee, and Marleen Kilgore Hollowell of Newark, Del. She enjoyed photography and Facebook.

She is survived by her parents; stepfather, Mike Hollowell of Newark, Del.; two sisters, Bethany Smith of Nottingham, Pa., and Tiffany Smith of Tennessee; six aunts, Sherry Fagan of West Grove, Kathy Shifflett of Pittsburgh, Cindy Kilgore of Oxford, Sandy Gorman of Port Deposit, Md., Susan Shepron of Lincoln University, and Brenda Roark of Oxford; and one uncle, James Kilgore of North East, Md.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on July 24 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Marleen Hollowell, 5 Breezewood Turn, Newark, DE 19713 to help with expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CAROLYN MARY

RICE BARNES

Carolyn Mary Rice Barnes, Ph.d., 80, of Newark, Del., passed away on July 19 at Linden Hall in Kennett Square.

She was born in Chicago, the daughter of the Rev. Wilfred G. Rice and Ethel V. Rice. She received her undergraduate degree from Vassar and continued her education throughout her life, earning her doctorate at the age of 60. A clinical psychologist by profession for over 50 years, Carol was best known and loved for her friendly, helpful, optimistic and sympathetic spirit. She worked in state mental health institutions in Virginia, California and Delaware, as well as in private practice in Delaware. She also served as a counselor during assignments with her husband to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.  She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, taught graduate courses in psychology and did volunteer work for several charitable organizations. Throughout her life and battles with cancer and a stroke, Carol was chiefly concerned for others and in any situation always chose to do the kind thing. 

Carol is survived by a brother, a sister, two sons, four nephews, one niece, a granddaughter, a step-granddaughter, two grandnieces, two grandnephews, a great-grandson and many wonderful friends.

 A memorial service for Carol will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark (420 Willa Rd., Newark, Del.). Those wishing to participate but unable to attend may send a message or photo to her son Geoff at [email protected] for sharing at the service. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to local animal welfare organizations are encouraged. Online condolences are welcome at www.griecocares.com