Ann Nelson

Ann Eckenroth Nelson passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 at her home in Oxford while surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.

She was the wife of the late Lawrence F. Nelson, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Birdsboro, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Howard L. and Olivia H. Eckenroth.  Ann graduated from Dickenson College.

Ann served the Oxford Area School District as an English teacher, yearbook advisor and drama club leader for 32 years. She was instrumental in sharing her passion for the fine arts through directing the high school plays during her tenure. 

A 60-year member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, Ann served as an elder and worked on numerous committees.

Ann loved to travel with Larry and also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She hosted the Morning Breakfast Club, Pancake Friday, and Tuesday night cousin dinners. 

Ann is survived by her two daughters, Victoria Neidigh and Laura King (Peter), all of Oxford, and six grandchildren, Lawrence Benjamin Neidigh, Luke Neidigh (Ciearra), Julia Neidigh, Victoria Hostetter (Phillip), Elizabeth Tacey (Phil),  and Catherine King. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Porter Robert, Jane Elizabeth, Hailey Allison and William Frederick.  

A memorial service was held on July 8 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford.

The interment will be held in Oxford Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: The Oxford Theater, c/o Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., PO Box 315, Oxford, PA  19363 or The Oxford Presbyterian Church Children’s Education Ministry, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA 19363.

The family’s heartfelt thanks go to her care team, Luke and Ciearra Neidigh, Dawn Charlton and Gina Lisinski.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.  in Oxford.

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

Pamela Ann Clemonts

Pamela Ann Clemonts, 55, of Oxford, passed away on July 4 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of Theresa Maxwell Clemonts of Oxford and the late Hodges Clemonts.

Pamela enjoyed puzzles and dancing.

She is survived by her mother and two sons, Brandon Garcia of Oxford and Jeremy Garcia of Quarryville. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Robert Wayne Pierson

Robert W. Pierson, 89, of Oxford, passed away on July 1, 2022 in Lititz, Pa. with family by his side. He had been battling large granular lymphocytic leukemia.

He was born on April 2, 1933 in Lewisville in Elk Township to the late Walter A. Pierson and Alice E. Hammond Pierson.

Bob was a graduate of Oxford Area High School class of 1951, and earned his associate’s degree at Goldey-Beacom College.

He served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 1956 to Oct. 1958 and witnessed atomic bombs testing of “Smokey.” 

He was employed at Chrysler Corp.  Newark Assembly Plant in the personnel department for 34 years, retiring in 1992. Bob was then employed with Caldor and Tastykake part-time.

Bob was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Lewisville, where he served as a choir member and as a trustee on many committees.

He was a member of Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Improved Order of Red Men, Oxford, and served as the "Wampum Keeper" (treasurer) for 34 years.

He enjoyed his family, flowers, playing cards with friends, riddles and “Seinfield.”

He is survived by his three children, Kathy S. Pierson of Lancaster, Pa., Kenneth R. Pierson (Jodi) of Oxford; and Kristine A. Riley of Nottingham; five grandchildren, Megan, Justine and Payne Riley, Gregory and Clayton Pierson; and one great-granddaughter, Daisy Phipps.

He is also survived by one brother, W. Dean Pierson (Jacklyn) of Oxford and one sister, Mary Anne Reisler (Wayne) of Mansfield, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard T. and Joseph H. Pierson; and infant siblings, George C. and Joyce I. Pierson.

Funeral services were held on July 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home.

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

Leona Magdalena Souser

Leona Magdalena Souser (née Bechtold) was born December 23,1924 in Philadelphia and passed away on June 30, 2022, after a brief illness. She was 97.

She graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia in 1943 and received a bachelor of arts degree from Ursinus College in 1947. Her debate team skills served her well her entire life.

She was a founding member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Kennett Square (now in Unionville) and was very active in the congregation for 65 years, serving as everything from Sunday school teacher to social ministry chair. She was an expert on the life and teachings of Martin Luther.

Leona followed in her Lutheran minister father‘s footsteps by choosing a career helping others. Her first job out of college was as an adoption placement social worker with Lutheran Children and Family Services. Being a city girl, she needed to learn how to drive in order to visit the families in rural towns. Her driving instructor, Richard Souser, Sr became her husband on September 9, 1950. Leona channeled her educator mother by becoming a certificated teacher after taking the necessary coursework at Millersville State College. She taught in the Manheim schools during the early 1950s. After taking some time off to raise her four children, she later became a regular substitute teacher for Kennett area schools, including Unionville and Avon Grove. But she was most proud of her 25-year career as a social worker for the Tick Tock Day Care Center. 

Leona was a much loved and giving person. She lived in the same house in Kennett Square for 66 years. In addition to the Tick Tock and the church, she had a longtime involvement with the Needlework Guild, the Girl Scouts (where she was for many years a cookie sales chairperson), and other community agencies and causes such as the Kennett Square Housing Board. She enjoyed traveling, was a voracious reader, and loved keeping track of her family. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and quick wit and her love of all things chocolate. In her later years, she relished the companionship of her many caregivers, neighbors, and visitors. The family extended its gratitude for giving her the ability to remain in her home until a few months ago.

Leona was predeceased by her husband Richard Souser, Sr., her parents, Gustav and Leona (Wetmore) Bechtold, her brothers, Austin, George, and Gus Bechtold, and a sister, Esther Bonnet.  

She is survived by her children, Margaret (Peggy) Woehleke (Steve) of Moraga Calif., Richard Souser, Jr. (Dana) of Richmond VA, Roger Souser (Linda) of West Chester, Mary Buchanan (Bill) of Clarion Pa., and eight grandchildren, Sarah Woehleke, Leanne Woehleke, Andrew Souser, Charlotte Souser (Justin Byron),  Matthew Souser, Kevin Souser, Louden Buchanan (Jordyn), Catherine Buchanan and two great-grandchildren, Harrison and Ellie Buchanan.

Services will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville on Friday, July 15, at 11 a.m.  Before the service there will be visitation with family and friends at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a reception following the service at the church. The service will also be live-streamed. https://www.stmichaelpa.com/video.html  

Interment will be the following day, Saturday, July 16 at 10 a.m. at Philadelphia Memorial Park, 124 Phoenixville Pike, Frazer, PA 19355.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Tick Tock Early Learning Center, 1694 Baltimore Pike, Avondale, PA 19311 or St. Michael Lutheran Church, 109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville, PA 19375.

Arrangements are in the care of Kuzo Funeral Home. Please visit Leona Souser’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

William Eric Dickinson Sr.

William Eric Dickinson Sr. was born on March 8, 1946 to the late Harold and Margaret Dickinson, in West Grove. He was the eldest of four children. William departed this life at his home in Hockessin, Del. on June 24, 2022 with his family by his side.

William graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1964. While in school, William was an exceptional student and an outstanding athlete, especially in track & field events. After graduation William enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 serving for four years. While serving his country, William was deployed to Germany and was a radio repair specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

William met Flossie, the love of his life, in the summer of 1964 while at the Oxford Carnival. She left him speechless for the first and only time in his life, and they would later wed on January 27, 1968. They celebrated 54 years of undying love in January of 2022. From their union, they have two amazing children, Renee Trenace, and William Eric Jr.

William was employed at DuPont Chemical Company for 25 years as managing sales director, before retiring in 1993. Upon his retirement from DuPont, William worked for Delaware Blueprint before eventually acquiring the business and becoming the sole operating owner. Most recently, William worked part-time at Nichols & Associates, CPA in Wilmington, Del.

William began his spiritual journey at Christ Temple Church in Kennett Square. He was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the Holy Ghost. He became an ordained deacon under the mentorship of Deacon Everett Butcher and became a beloved young adult Sunday School teacher. Being obedient to the voice of the Lord, William founded the Fellowship Hope Church of Middletown, Del. in 2002.

In October of 1972, William became a member of the prestigious DuPont Country Club of Wilmington, Del. Here, he learned golf was not a game of being perfect but only a game that could only be played but never won. His persistence to be better and love for the game made him a fierce competitor and worthy opponent to all his peers.  

William, also known to some as Bill, Uncle Bill, or a hero, was a gift to the world and will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. His infectious smile and inviting personality brought warmth and joy to all he encountered. William was a self-driven, motivated man that worked hard to achieve any goal he set. He was meticulous and his attention to detail was thorough for every project.  He had an amazing ability to brighten your day with a compliment or share his wisdom with anyone who needed advice. He was very well respected and was influential throughout his circles of family and friends. William showed great appreciation for life and all it had to offer. The legacy that he leaves encompasses Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” William enjoyed spending time with his family and spreading love through the Word of God.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harold Oscar and Margaret M. Dickinson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Florence L. Dickinson; his daughter, Renee T. Dickinson Mamouzette (Woody) of Livingston, NJ; his son William E. Dickinson, Jr. (Jennifer) of Lancaster, SC; his grandchildren, Jordan Mamouzette, Sean Mamouzette, Mya Mamouzette of Livingston, NJ; his sisters, Ida Reeves of West Grove, Shirley Alston of Exton and brother, Harold Dickinson Jr. (Betty) of Bear, Del.; his in-laws, Samuel L. Reeves (Helen) of Avondale, Elisie Reeves of Oxford, Richard H. Reeves of Rising Sun, Md., James R. Reeves (Donna) of Glen Mills, and Wanda Reeves of Wilmington, Del.

William was predeceased by Joseph Reeves, Paul Reeves, Guy Reeves and Robert Reeves and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square. Please visit Mr. Dickinson’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

DOREEN HOLLY

Doreen Holly, 56, of Elkton, Md. and formerly of Coatesville Pa., died on June 24.  

She was born on Feb. 9, 1966 in White Plains New York, the daughter of the late Erika (Müller) and Donald Holly. Doreen was the aunt of Jordan Holly, who also preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, Don Holly Jr., and a niece, Katherine Holly, both of Charleston, IL.

Doreen loved animals. She began riding horses at an early age, and in college, competed on the Penn State equestrian team. Doreen continued to ride horses after college, but her passion for animals soon turned to dogs. Doreen would come to call many dogs family in her lifetime, including Duke, Remy, Vago, Titan, Rhea, Bailey, and Rune. She trained a few of her dogs to be therapy dogs, and proudly took them to hospitals, libraries, and senior-living facilities to lift the spirits of patients, children, and the elderly. Others she showed in the ring and Doreen was very active in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog community.

Doreen’s other love was teaching, having graduated from Penn State in 1989 with a degree in special education.  For the next 29 years, she was employed as an English teacher and reading specialist at Fred S. Engle Middle School in the Avon Grove School District. Doreen had been an avid reader since she was a child, so this was the perfect job for her. Her enthusiasm for the written word and penchant for building creative lesson plans made her a very popular teacher. She was also a wonderful colleague—remembered for her willingness to assist her fellow teachers, share ideas for improving instruction, and organizing a book club.

For many years, Doreen lived on a sprawling old farm in Coatesville with her roommate, and longtime friend, Gilbert Campbell. Together they tended a garden on the property and maintained a flock of chickens. Doreen liked to watch deer and wild turkey forage on the hillsides from the corner porch of the farmhouse.  She also enjoyed cheering on her alma mater and the New York Giants during the fall.

When her mother’s health started to fail, Doreen helped move her from State College to Coatesville. This was a difficult, but also a happy time for Doreen, as it gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her mother. Her mother’s passing a few months later, together with the death of her niece just the year before, was hard for Doreen to bear. In 2020 she moved into a cottage overlooking the Elk River in Elkton, Maryland, where she was fond of photographing the sun setting over the water.         

A private memorial will be held at a later date in State College. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue foundation (www.gsmdrescue.org).