James Pericles

James (Jim) Pericles, age 99 of Media, Pa., died July 6, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family at Lima Estates. 

He was the husband of Doris Aileen Pericles, nee Pyle, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage before her passing in February 2018. 

Born in Philadelphia in 1926, he was the son of the late Naum Pericles and the late Theodora Pericles, nee Pappias.

Jim graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Temple University in 1951 on the GI Bill after his service with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He went on to have a long career in logistics management in the Elastomers Group of E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Jim had a very strong faith in God which he passed to his children. Church was very important to Jim in every community he lived in. He always volunteered to support the church and at times served as a deacon and member of the consistory. He was a member of the Middletown Presbyterian Church.  

Jim loved his family very much. He always attended his children's events and supported them in their activities. Jim loved coaching Little League baseball and his time as a Cub Scout leader. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his family on an Ocean City, NJ vacation. Later in life, Jim loved traveling with his wife around the country and to Europe. The United Kingdom was their favorite overseas destination.

Jim had two other passions: golf and Philadelphia sports. He and Doris loved their membership with the DuPont Country Club. Jim reveled in Eagles Super Bowl victories, Phillies World Series Championships, and the Broad Street Bullies.

Jim is survived by his son, James Scott Pericles and daughter-in-law Joann Pericles; his stepdaughter, Diane Poff and son-in-law, Clubert (Don) Poff; grandson James and grandchildren Anna, Carl, and Christopher. 

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Pericles, his sisters, Anastasia Twohig and Victoria Pericles, and his brother, John Pericles.

A service was held on July 15 at Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. Interment was at Union Hill Cemetery following the service. 

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

Rosemarie Brown

Rosemarie (Diadone) Brown, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025 at Brandywine Living at Longwood in Kennett Square. She was 86.

She was the wife of the late Theodore Neal Brown, who passed in 2021. Born in New Windsor, NY, she was a daughter of the late Vincent Diadone and the late Francis LoBianco Diadone.

She is survived by one son, Christopher N. Brown of Kennett Square; two grandsons, Ryan Brown and Dylan Brown of Kennett Square; one sister, Sadie Schade and her husband, Rudy of Highland Falls, NY; and two nephews, Marc Schade and Eric Schade. 

She was predeceased by her brother, Charlie Diadone.

Rose spent her early years growing up on the family farm. She always enjoyed being around other people, and after graduating high school she worked in a bakery and in several retail stores, eventually working for Sears Roebuck and Company in an office job. That is where she met the love of her life and her future husband of 43 years, Ted. After marriage, she and Ted had their only child Christopher, and she became a homemaker who took pride in creating a home that was always full of love. She was a dedicated volunteer with the local Hospital Auxiliary throughout much of her adult life.

Throughout her life she lived in a number of places including New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. All along the way making new memories and building new friendships. She was a kind and giving person, with an easy smile, and was always thinking about the best interests of other people. Her optimism was palpable, and it shaped the perception of those close to her in a positive way that promoted hope and possibility. She built relationships easily and loved spending time with friends and family. She particularly loved spending time with her husband, son, and two grandchildren, who she moved close to in later years so that she could play a bigger part in their lives.

She loved traveling, whether it was to the Caribbean, Europe, or on annual trips down to Florida for the winter. Rose was happiest in the warm weather with sun on her face. She loved sharing good meals with those she loved and occasionally pressing her luck in Atlantic City.

Graveside services will be held privately. 

Contributions in her memory may be made payable to Avon Grove Lions Foundation Inc. for the hospital equipment program and mailed to 600 N. Baker Station Road, West Grove, PA 19390.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square, PA (484-734-8100). 

To view Rosemarie’s online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Jonathan David Schroeder

Jonathan David Schroeder, of Wilmington, Del., passed away on June 27, 2025 at Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del. He was 56.

He was the husband of Kathleen Small Schroeder, with whom he shared more than 33 years of marriage. 

Born in Austin, Tex., he was the second son of Edwin Schroeder and Marietta DeFazio Schroeder, who live in Tallahassee, Fla.

Jonathan graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, Fla. and earned his bachelor’s degree in European history from Loyola University in New Orleans. He studied marketing at the University of Pennsylvania once he moved up north.

His first “grownup job” was in sales for startup company Team Builders Plus, now an award-winning leader in corporate team building. He worked in the travel industry for many years in various roles.

Recently, he was a Dream Trip Planner for Gate 1 Travel, where he custom designed group trips around the world. Most of these trips were designed for strangers, some of whom became friends. His favorite creations were those for travel buddies, especially when he got to be one of the globetrotters.

He will be remembered for his love of wine, travel, and anything nerdy, big bear hugs, really bad dad jokes, “stoopid” card games, and overall zest for life.

In addition to his wife, Kathie and his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Victoria Schroeder and Kelley Clemens; mother-in-law, Sharon Small; father-in-law and step-mother-in-law, Bill Small and Blenda Winchester; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pamela Small and John Bertram; sister-in-law and nephew Kristen and Henry Small-Maughan; son-in-law and granddaughter, Conry and Layla Clemens; sister, Margaret Schroeder Cox; and brother, EC Schroeder.

A Life Celebration Memorial Service took place on July 14 at Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square. Interment was private. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania www.bonorong.com.au, and of course, at your local wine/bourbon/whiskey shop.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. 

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

Gentry Williston Stevens

Gentry Williston Stevens, 32, passed away at home in Nottingham on June 23, 2025.

Gent was born in Oklahoma City on Dec. 28, 1992. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Bill and Barbara Stevens. Gent graduated from Kremlin High School with the Class of 2011.

In Gentry’s seven years serving the United States Air Force, he ranked Senior Airman with a career focus in cargo and transportation. His enlistment spanned Dover AFB, DE, Qatar, South Korea, and Hill AFB, UT. At the time of his death, he had proudly returned to Dover in a civilian position.

Gent found friends along every path of life, from school, the military, and through his love of playing video games. He was a car enthusiast, and also enjoyed college football and golf. He discovered a passion for cooking that emphasized his creativity; and crafting meals became a new love language. Gentry was a quiet man, but those who knew him saw his strength, his heart, and his humor.

Gent is survived by his wife, Kirstin, and their dog, Ruger, both of whom he loved and cherished deeply. He is loved and remembered by extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 17 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

Charles Sersun Jr.

Charles Sersun Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and veteran, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on June 16. He was 87.

Born in Czechoslovakia, Charles immigrated to the United States as a child and went on to build a life defined by service, family, and quiet strength. He married the love of his life, Gertrude Grohman, in 1963. Together, they raised three children, Ken, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Doug, of El Segundo, California, and Patty, of Tucson, Arizona.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Charles served from 1959 to 1962. After military service, he pursued a career in the chemical manufacturing sector where he served for 32 years. 

An accomplished private pilot, Charles combined his love of flight with his sense of duty as a proud member of the Civil Air Patrol. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

For five decades, Charles called Nottingham home before moving to Tucson in 2024 to be closer to family. He cherished his time outdoors—hunting, fly fishing, and spending time at the family cabin at Raystown Lake.

He is survived by Gertrude, his wife of 61 years; his three children; five grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. His life was a testament to hard work, enduring love, and service to country and community. 

A private memorial service was held by the family in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’s memory may be made to the Civil Air Patrol or a veterans’ organization of your choice.

Beulah Marie Johnston

Beulah Marie Johnston, 85, of Oxford, passed away while at home on July 9, 2025.

She was the wife of the late Passmore Johnston, Jr. They were married on April 9, 1962.

Born in Martin, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Grace Lovins Gentry.

Beulah was the heart of her family—a devoted mother and homemaker who created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, good food, and unwavering support. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was dancing around the kitchen to Alan Jackson, taking peaceful Sunday drives through the countryside, or spending quiet moments in Gettysburg, one of her favorite places. Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally. Beulah’s love was constant and generous—she made everyone feel welcome, safe, and cherished. Her legacy lives in the kindness she showed, the values she passed down, and the family she held so dear.

She is survived by her one son, David Johnston (Nancy) of West Chester; two daughters, Shawn Johnston (Vanessa), and Darlene Johnston (Jack) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Christina Johnston (William) of Kennett Square, Angela Reyes (Rob) of Kennett Square, Dakota Ruoss (Kerstin) of Quarryville and Michael Ruoss, Jr. of Oxford; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two brothers, Ike Gentry, Jr. and Roy Gentry; and one sister, Annie Harpe.  

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Ruoss.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church at 408 Bayard Road in Kennett Square. Friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at Giordano’s, located at 633 E. Cypress Street in Kennett Square, to share stories and memories of Beulah. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

Margaret Michener

Margaret Virginia Wren Michener, 99, of Oxford, passed away on July 11, 2025 at Ware Presbyterian Village.  

She was the loving wife of the late Maurice Courtland (Courtie) Michener. They wed on Dec. 10, 1949 in their cherished West Grove Friends Meeting and built a beautiful life on their Largo Farm and then Quaker Acre properties, places sacred to all, human and animals alike, who were lucky enough to be loved by them.  Marge’s kitchen welcomed all. 

Margaret, known to her friends and family as Marge, Margie, Mom and Mom Mom was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren Wren (Laura Hamilton). Her late brother, John (Jack) Wren was her cherished companion and fiercest tennis competitor.  They were raised on Murray Avenue in West Grove.  When asked about her biggest regret at age 99, it was that she hadn’t written a book about her beloved town of West Grove.

Marge graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1943 and West Chester State Teachers College in 1947.  In her career spanning until age 85, she worked at DuPont Company, taught music in the Avon Grove School District, worked at Bove Jewelers and was a travel agent for over 25 years at Worldwide Travel Associates, Inc in Avondale.  She was a member of West Grove and London Grove Friends Meetings.  She was also a charter member of West Grove Women’s Club, Evergreen Garden Club and member and past matron of Robert Fulton Chapter #446 Order of Eastern Star, Quarryville.

Her greatest loves were traveling, reading, dogs, music, and family.  She traveled the world in her lifetime by land and sea. A dog always greeted you in her driveway and a vast yard ideal for memorable family baseball games beckoned us. She hosted a lifetime of dinners in her dining room and picnics in her breezeway, with big band music playing in the background, or being created by her guests, serving an endless supply of ham, applesauce, Andes mints and memories. In her later years, she hosted Christmas in the Ware dining room, with her on point holiday and seasonal décor never missing a beat the entire calendar year. 

Marge leaves a legacy of love and is survived by her three sons, Steven (Erlene) K. Michener, John (Patricia) M. Michener and Bruce E. Michener; one granddaughter, Courtney; two grandsons, Joseph and Patrick; one great-granddaughter, Adeline; and six great-grandsons, Jack, Vincent, Leo, John, Nolan and Benjamin.  Family is everything, and she cherished hers in 99 years of extraordinary life.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 17 at the West Grove Friends Meeting at 153 E Harmony Road in West Grove, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. An Eastern Star service will be held at 10:45 a.m.

Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery where she will be buried with her husband, Courtie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Friends Home, 147 W. State Street., Kennett Square, PA 19348 or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380.

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