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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of June 5

06/05/2017 02:04PM ● By J. Chambless

HELEN G. CAMERON

Helen G. Cameron, 89, of Oxford, went to be with her Lord on June 7 at her home.

She was the wife of Clyde L. Cameron, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Born in 1928 in Kemblesville, she was the daughter of the late Vance and Leota Phillips Goodman. She graduated from Newark High School, class of 1945. She was a faithful member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school and served on the Fellowship Committee. Helen was active in the former family business, Cameron’s, Inc. the Hardware Store. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great care of her family, always putting her family first and was always an immense help for her husband.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Ken Cameron (Martha); one daughter, Sandy Oliver (Ron); five grandchildren, Andrew Oliver, Kristy Cameron Hunt, Heather Oliver Sauder, Rachel Cameron Walsh and Joseph Oliver; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine Drennen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at Bethany Presbyterian Church (2483 Baltimore Pike, Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9  to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.



ELIZABETH ANN BOWMAN BRISON

Elizabeth Ann Bowman Brison, 88, of West Grove, passed away on May 27 at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Alvin Harvey Brison, Sr. Born in Chester County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Joseph and Eleanor Davis Bowman. Elizabeth attended Faith Tabernacle Church in Oxford. She enjoyed playing bingo and gardening. She kept a collection of cows and many other things.

She is survived by three sons, Stacey Brison (Christine) of West Grove, Ernest Joseph Brison of Coatesville, and Dale L. Brison of Collegeville; five daughters, Barbara Brison of Coatesville, Dorothy Cureton (Robert) of West Chester, Cynthia Brison of Coatesville, Brenda Brison of Coatesville, and Jacqueline Brison (Timothy) of Oxford; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and five sisters. She was preceded in death by one son, Alvin Harvey Brison, Jr.; one daughter, Gloria Marie Brison; five sisters; and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at noon on June 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JOSEPH F. HALEY

Joseph F. Haley, 85, of New London, passed away on May 28 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Frances E. Reed Haley, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank B. and Ella Janet Heffernan Haley. Joseph was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War. He graduated from Avon Grove High School, Class of 1949, and graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Class of 1958, with a B.S. in industrial management. He was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove. He was a Philadelphia sports fan, loved to travel and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Joanne Nathanson (Mitchell), Janet Wyatt (TC), Mary Wiegand (Lee), and Kathleen Graves (Gus); one son, Stephen Haley (Cheryl); eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, C. Jane Caso. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Haley; and three sisters, Mary Haley, Florence Falls and Patricia Lyons.

A memorial mass was celebrated June 2. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517; or Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAMES B. CROWL, JR.

James B. Crowl, Jr., 77, of Bridgeport, Wash., formerly of Oxford, passed away peacefully on May 20.

Jim was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jim retired from the United States Navy after serving for 22 years as a parachute rigger, a portion of his service spent during the Vietnam War. He loved to camp, fish, cook, picnic, visit with family, and he especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Virginia K. Crowl; mother, Frances P. Crowl; daughter, Jeanette A. Crowl (William Korth); stepdaughters Julie K. Johnson and Anita A. Monroe (Randy); brothers and sisters Daniel J. Crowl (Pat), Mary L. Hastings (Marvin), Thomas P. Crowl (Donna Sue), Steven D. Crowl (Unchu), Deborah L. Spadaro (James); grandchildren Richard Crowl (Denise), Kyl Davis, J’Alee Crowl, Adam R. Monroe (Christina), Alisha F. Monroe, Randall D. Monroe, James R. Johnson, Charles J. Johnson (Alex), Jason Johnson and Kristina Kemnitz; nieces and nephews Wendy Hughes (Jeff), Penny Hatrick, Bryan Crowl (Ester), Alan Hastings, Donna Raffensburger (Joe), Phillip Crowl, Beverly Schwacke (Todd), Lisa Piper (David), Jessica Mathen (Eric), Shane Crowl (Heather), and Nickolas Spadaro; 14 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James B. Crowl; infant brother, John D. Crowl; infant sister, Rebecca A. Crowl; his first wife, Leonee Lee Adams Crowl, and their daughter, Dyana M. Davis (William); stepson H. Charles Johnson, Jr.; brother-in-law Marvin Hastings; niece Cindy Crowl; and nephew Steven Crowl.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.


JAMES CHASE PATTERSON

James Chase Patterson, 88, of Freedom Village Coatesville, formerly of Exton, husband of L. Ruth (Hedrick) passed away on May 19 of complications from diabetes.

Born in 1928 in Berwyn to Horace and Alice Chase Patterson, he attended Ridley Park High School and Williamsport Technical School, specializing in auto mechanics. This led to his expertise in modifying engines required for stock car racing. That, combined with his skill as a driver, made him a very successful competitor. Drafted in 1951, he served his country in the 82nd Armored Recon Division, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After discharge from the service, he returned to the family farm, but the lure of auto racing and mechanics was his greater interest, which led him to begin his lifetime career with Sloan Ford in West Grove. After a brief time in the shop, he advanced to the sales department, specializing in the sale of trucks. Throughout his life, Jim had a strong work ethic that led to his success in the business world. In 1965, the family moved to Downingtown, where he opened a Ford franchise in partnership with the Sloan family. A new facility was built in 1973 in Exton, and in May 1982, he became the sole owner of Sloan Motors.

His other interests were flying, boating and time spent on the bay with his family, enjoying the sunsets in Avalon, N.J.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his son, James Steven Patterson (Kellyanne) of Downingtown; three grandchildren, Ryan Patterson (Katy) of Park City, Utah, Shelby Patterson of Thorndale, and Matthew Kennedy of Downingtown; one great-grandchild, Brynn Patterson; and four sisters, Alice Andersen, Esther Dillman, Helen Rasmussen and Patricia Baily. Jim was predeceased by a son, John Robert Patterson; and by two sisters, Mary Marqui and Sarah Patterson.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on June 9 at Central Presbyterian Church (100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown), where family and friends may call from 2 to 3:45 p.m. Interment will be held privately with the family at a later date.

Contributions may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, Memorial Fund, at the above address, or the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. Online condolences may be sent to www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.


HAROLD E. FUTTY

Harold E. Futty, 92, of Oxford, passed away on April 7 after a brief illness.

He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Harvey Futty, with whom they shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Childs, Md., in 1924, he was the son of the late Charles and Bertha Futty. He moved to the Oxford area when he was 2 years old and lived on the same property until his passing. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Futty and Ralph Futty.


Harold was a member of the Christian Life Center, where he and Elizabeth both served on the prayer team. He also served as deacon at several local churches and tried to serve the Lord wherever he attended. He owned Harold E. Futty, Inc., a paving and excavating business where he did grading, dug basements and ponds, built horse race tracks and contracted with many local townships. In the winter, he would plow snow for both local townships and the state highway department. He sold his business in 1978 and went to work for Crouse Brothers of Elkton, Md., until his retirement. He loved the outdoors, and had a cabin in the mountains of Potter County where friends and family would visit. He enjoyed hunting deer and turkey. The grandchildren especially loved it there, and fondly referred to it as Pop-Pop’s hill. He also loved to visit with young people, and in his younger years, enjoyed his time as a local Boy Scout leader. He and Elizabeth loved to travel in their motor home, especially with friends, and tour across the country.

He is survived by two sons, Dennis (Susan) Futty of Chesapeake, Va., and Wayne (Sandra) Futty of Oxford; and one daughter, Kay (Raymond) of Chandler, Ariz. In addition, he was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 10 at the Christian Life Center (128 Saginaw Rd., New London Township). Friends and family will begin to gather for the service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Harold’s honor to Color Cut and Curls at 630 Chrome Road, Oxford, PA. 19363, with a memo “Wigs for Warriors.” They give wigs to women suffering from cancer. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAMES A. PAXSON

James A. Paxson, 69, of Conowingo, Md., formerly of Oxford, passed away on June 4 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md.

Born in 1948, he was the son of the late Everard (Buzz) and Elizabeth (Betty) Fuchs Paxson of New London. James was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his brother, John E. Paxson, Sr. (Sara) of Nottingham; nephews, John E. Paxson, Jr. (Chris) of Nottingham, Thomas C. Paxson (Whitney) of Washington, D.C.; and a niece, Kimberly A. Anderson (Scott) of Oxford; and six great-nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard (Buddy) W. Paxson.

Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SHIRLEY ANN WYATT WILSON 

Shirley Ann Wyatt Wilson, 67, of West Grove, passed away on June 5 at her residence.

Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Orren Wyatt and the late Elizabeth Dilley Wyatt. She was a homemakerBefore that, she was a former owner of the Chatham Diner in Chatham, and was a secretary for Brandywine Cylinder Heads in West Chester, and for the Hampton Body Shop in Avondale. Shirley was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Kennett Square VFW. She enjoyed going to Delaware Park, Las Vegas, shopping, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. 

She is survived by one son, Christopher Michael Wilson and his wife Rachael of Lincoln University; one daughter, Michelle Griffith and her husband Rob of West Grove; one sister, Carolyn Walsh of Newark, Del.; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Wyatt and Jack Wyatt. 

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. June 10 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow at 10:30. Burial will be in the Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. 

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.

 

SAMUEL FELTNER
Samuel Feltner, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 11 at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a fight with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Camden, N.J., to Dora Dean Hughes and the late Wilbert Feltner. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Holman. Along with his mother, Samuel is survived by his daughter, Hannah Feltner and her fiance Michael Grubb; girlfriend Deborah Riale and her son Brian Zavala; brothers Wilbert Feltner of Massachusetts, John Feltner and wife Kathy of Pennsylvania, Walter Feltner and wife Della of Maryland, and Ira Welch and wife Heather of Pennsylvania; sisters Sharon Mains and husband Kenny of Tennessee, Sue Holman and husband Dan of North Carolina, Elizabeth Arnold and husband Mike of Pennsylvania, Bonnie Geiser of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Samuel worked as a truck driver and loved being on the road. When at home, he enjoyed riding his Harley, going to flea markets, and visiting with friends and family.
A celebration of life will be held on June 17 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Avondale Fire Hall. Reach out to his family members for more details.

GARY MICHAEL JOHNSON

Gary Michael Johnson, 29, of Bear, Del., formerly of Oxford, died suddenly on June 8 at home.

Gary attended school in the Oxford School District and later Christiana High School. He worked for Serv-Pro for three years, and Deltrans as a mechanic for four years, and was currently driving a truck for Republic Services. Gary was a proud, card-carrying member of the NRA, and enjoyed fishing, collecting guns, detailing cars (his especially), playing guitars, and racing cars.

Gary is survived by his mother, Joy McKee of Bear; his sons, whom he adored, Jordan Michael Johnson of Newark and Shaun Michael Johnson of Oxford; sisters Michelle Johnson of Newark, Nichole Johnson of Bear, and Kelly Bradley of Lewes; and nieces Natalya Iannone and Rylee Templin, both of Newark.

A visitation will be held on June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Del.), with a funeral service at 7 p.m. Interment will take place privately. To send a message of condolence to the family, visit www.mccreryandharra.com.