ROBIN  C.  DAVIS

Robin C. Davis, 48, of West Grove, passed away on July 30, 2022 at her residence.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of Steven J. Davis of Kennett Square and the late Mary Elizabeth Sharpless Davis.

Robin worked in the Kennett Consolidated School District for 24 years and was the head custodian until her retirement.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, taking pictures, camping, going to the beach, and watching the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and NASCAR on TV. 

Her father said that he was the luckiest father ever, and that she never caused him any trouble and taught him things that he did not know.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her significant other, Tom Harper, and his son, Matthew Harper of West Grove.

Funeral services were held at the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square on Aug. 5.

Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that ”you do something nice for others.”

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Barry Dwight Stevens Sr.

Barry Dwight Stevens Sr. age 79, of Oxford, passed away on July 28, 2022. 

He was born to the late Ernest R. Stevens and Helen Charlene Stevens (Wilson) on Feb. 11, 1943 in Phoenixville, Pa.

Barry began his career as a machinist, and later as a maintenance supervisor for NVF. A co-worker at NVF introduced him to her sister Mary, who would become his wife of 30-plus years. Barry had many hobbies including cooking and grilling. His family loved his delicious breakfasts, potato salad, and stuffing balls. He was skilled with doing home improvements in the home he shared with Mary. He was proud to have achieved a 300-bowling game and of the ring which signified that achievement. Barry enjoyed traveling along the east coast with Mary and the grandchildren, taking family trips to the Smokey Mountains, Disney, and Niagara Falls. Annual trips with the grandchildren and a niece to Strasburg Railroad, documented by olde time photos, are now time capsules of cherished memories. He treasured time spent in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida visiting family. Barry was devoted to family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Barry is survived by his son, Barry D. Stevens Jr. and; step-daughter, Deborah Chambers Murphy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather L. Stevens Seigfried (Jesse), William Keys (Jami); and Jessica Chambers (Chase Brown) and great grandchildren, Larrisa Ford, Tanner Ford, Logan Seigfried, Billy Keys, Hudson Keys.

Barry is preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. MacCauley Stevens; his parents Ernest R. Stevens and Helen Charlene Stevens (Wilson); and brothers, Don, Bruce, and Bill.

A life celebration will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911 where family and friends may begin visiting at 11:30 a.m. 

Burial will follow at West Nottingham Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.

Larry Wayne Holmes

Larry Holmes left his earthly body on July 28, 2022 while holding the hands of his wife and daughter.  

Larry was born on Nov. 12, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas to Vicky and Victor Holmes.   

Larry received both a bachelor of fine arts degree and the master of science degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg and a master of fine arts degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art.  In 1973 he joined the University of Delaware and became chair of the Department of Art in 1982.  He founded the department’s study abroad program in Florence, Italy and won Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2003. He retired in 2004 and was subsequently named as professor emeritus of art.

Larry will be remembered by all as a generous, kind, and loving man who had a witty way with words. He was a wonderful listener. He was a staunch Democratic socialist who loved Italy (especially Florence), classic cars, golf, half sour pickles, and a good martini.  He hated bananas.   Mostly he will be remembered as an incredible husband, father, and grandfather (Tata).  He will be deeply missed.

Larry is survived by Kathy, his wife of more than 50 years, his daughter Phoebe and son-in-law Matt, and his beloved granddaughters, Aurora and Rosalind. He is preceded in death by his sister Carolyn.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to any left leaning organization or no-kill animal shelter.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Frances L. Sweeney

Frances L. Sweeney, of West Grove, died peacefully at home on July 26, 2022 after an extended illness. She was 85.

Frances was predeceased by John J. Sweeney, her husband of 58 years. She leaves behind three children, Karen Berdoulay (Alan), Kevin Sweeney, and Michael Sweeney; five grandchildren, Erin, Ellen, Eli, Liam, and Jack; and four great-grandchildren, Joshua, Nora, Simon, and Wyatt. She will also be missed by her dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and many beloved newly found or lifelong friends.

Frances was born in Chester, Pa. on January 9, 1937, to Elizabeth and Thomas Lanahan.  She had a sister, Catherine, and brother, Robert, and both preceded her in death.  

Frances and John were married May 16, 1959 at St. Michael’s Church in Chester, and after a brief residence in Pennsylvania, they moved their young family to Wilmington, Del.  Fran was a working mom and held several jobs in human relations, retiring from a 30-year career at Astra Zeneca as a pension administrator. In 1975, Fran and Jack moved the family to a home they built in Landenberg, where they lived until relocating to West Grove a few years ago. 

Although family and friends always came first, Fran was a proud, competent, and dedicated worker and she enjoyed the relationships and opportunities for travel her work provided.  She knew how to mix work and pleasure, often taking Jack along on her trips.

Fran and Jack met at the Jersey Shore and continued to vacation every summer in Sea Isle City, NJ. When the family was young, they took camping trips along the east coast of the U.S., exploring state and national parks as well as museums and historical sites. They had many far-flung adventures with friends, especially to beloved Ireland.

After retiring, Fran and Jack became “snowbirds,” and migrated every January to Oceana Condominium in Hutchinson Island, FL.  They had an active social life and integrated many deep friendships into their family.   Fran and Jack were gracious and generous hosts and will be remembered for the good times and good cheer.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 3 at St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale.

Contributions in her memory may be made to The Bridge Food Pantry- Food Distribution Center, C/O Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, 240 State Rd. West Grove, PA 19390.  Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).  

To leave an online tribute, please visit  www.griecofunerals.com.

George Walter Willis

George Walter Willis, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on July 27, 2022 at Riverside Regional Hospital, Newport News, VA. He was 95.

He was the husband of the late Carole Hall Willis.       

Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late George E. and Mary Gosslin Willis.

George was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during World War II. 

George was employed as a civil engineer for Factory Mutual Engineering CO. in Philadelphia.

He was a member of the Christ Church Christian Hundred in Greenville, Del. 

He enjoyed reading, vacationing at his beach house in Chincoteague, VA and was an avid Phillies fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Hoffert (John) of Lincoln University and two grandchildren, Gretchen and Jack. He is also survived by a niece, Patricia Darlington of Great Falls, MT.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Willis. 

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12 at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Rd., Greenville, DE 19807.

Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers https://t2t.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.