Robert Edwards

Robert “Mitch” Edwards, of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 6, 2024. He was 78.

He was the husband of the love of his life, Sara Bicknell Edwards.

Born in Marion, VA, he was the son of the late John Robert and Anna Rebecca Michell Edwards. 

Mitch graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1964.  

In 1969, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Delaware and a masters of education degree in 1971. He continued his post-graduate work at the University of Delaware and Drexel University.

He taught school for 36 years in the Wilmington, Del. area and finished his career as coordinator of the cooperative education work experience program for seniors. He also spent 46 years in the insurance field.

Mitch was a member of several organizations in the Oxford community, including the Oxford Athletic Assoc., Oxford Lions Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Red Men, Oxford Lodge #353 Free and Accepted Masons and the American Legion Post #194 of Rising Sun, Md.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing and rock and roll. He enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family.

The greatest joy of his life came from witnessing the accomplishments of his beloved children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Jan Bomhardt (Eric) of Dagsboro, Del. and Tamara Rotz (Eric) of Lancaster; four grandchildren, Eliza Bomhardt, Garrett Bomhardt, Grayson Rotz and Azhalie Rotz; two great-grandchildren, Jonie and Gus; and one sister, Wanda Nuckolls of Fries, VA.

Funeral services were held on November 9 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. 

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

Rev. Dr. Benjamin T. Goldberg-Taylor

Rev. Dr. Benjamin T. Goldberg-Taylor, 82, of Manheim, passed away on November 18, 2024 at Ephrata Manor.

He was the husband of Rev. Roseann Goldberg Taylor and was preceded in death by his first wife, Rebecca Womer Taylor. They were married for 47 and a half years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Kenneth James and Mary Virginia Farver Taylor.

Benjamin received a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. He attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now known as Palmer Theological Seminary. He received his doctorate of ministry at Drew University.

Benjamin was a United Methodist pastor for over 51 years. He loved being a pastor.

He served many churches, including Bridesburg UMC, Lindley UMC, Narberth UMC, First UMC (Roxborough), St. John’s (Paradise) UMC, Oxford UMC, and he later served Mt. Zion UMC (Narvon) and Bird-in-Hand UMC in retirement.

Benjamin had a sense of humor and even though it was hard for him while in the nursing home, he always made sure to let his caregivers know he loved them as well as family and friends that visited.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, B. Theodore Taylor, Jr (Tamara Patterson-Taylor) and Russel W. Taylor (Marion Sturm Taylor); five grandchildren, Allison (Taylor) Dorman, Caitlyn Taylor, Devi Sturm, Ali Sturm and Russel M W Taylor; and great-grandson, August Mclarity. He is also survived by one brother, Jack W Howard Taylor (Barbara).

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Virginia Melvin and Alice Vespa.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Christ United Methodist Church, 935 E. Walnut St., in Lancaster, where friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church.

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

Diane Marie Wood

Diane Marie Wood, age 69, of Cape May Court House, NJ, and formerly of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024 while surrounded by family at the Atlanicare Regional Medical Center. Diane fought a long medical battle since the age of 17, overcoming all odds and living a fulfilling life until her passing.

Diane was the daughter of the late Olivio Avello and the late Mary DiPlacido Avello. A 1973 graduate of Kennett High School, where she was voted most studious by her fellow classmates, Diane was very spiritual and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church where she spent many years teaching CCD. Diane’s faith in the Lord was remarkable and clearly reflected in her attitude and actions. In 1979 and 1981 she traveled to Lima, Peru where she adopted two children through Catholic Social Services.

Diane had an infectious smile. As a child, she loved helping her father in the family mushroom business and spending time with her cousins and sister. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family, especially her partner, Jose. Diane loved to take boat rides with Jose and look for dolphins. She also loved to shop and could spend hours shopping with her family.

She is survived by her loving partner, Jose Mojica; a daughter, Olivia M. Wood of Avondale; one son, Christopher Wood of Frederick, Md.; one sister, Donna Antonelli (John) of Hockessin, Del.; four grandchildren, Brittany Gonsalves (Shawn), Olivio Simpkins, Jacob Burkey and Austin Bacot; and one nephew, Ricky Angelucci (Liza).

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning, December 6 at the Kuzo Funeral Home: 250 West State Street. Kennett Square. A memorial mass will follow at 11 a.m.  at St. Patrick Catholic Church: 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Marvella Greer Perkins

Marvella Greer Perkins, 84, entered into rest on November 30, 2024. She passed at her home while surrounded by her family.

Born in Nine Points, she was the daughter of Martin Greer and Mary Cook Greer Ward and the stepdaughter of James Ward.

She was the beloved wife of Herman Perkins, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.

She attended Oxford Area High School (1959). In her younger years, she worked at various mushroom canneries ending up at Nottingham Canning where she worked with her mother.

In 1959, she married Herman and they lived in Tennessee and Indiana before settling in Kirkwood where they raised their only child.

Marvella enjoyed reading, going to yard sales and thrift shops. She loved cats and just enjoyed the simple things in life with her family.

The most important thing she ever did was place her faith in Jesus Christ in 1975.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Sandra; a stepdaughter, Mary Jane and her children David and Lori; a sister, Jean Cline and a brother, Jesse Ward and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by an infant son, Ronald, and three brothers, John (Bud) Greer, Jerry Ward and Charles (Sonny) Ward and two sisters, Phyllis (Pat) Burnette and Janice Ward.

Thank you to Hospice For All Seasons (Lindsay and Becky) for your kindness and compassion.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marvella’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewalds.com.