JONES — David B. Jones age 80 years of Woolwich Township died Aug. 20, 2021 in his home.
Born to Milton and Louise Jones in Milford, DE, Dave was raised in Paulsboro and was a 1958 graduate of Paulsboro High School.
Dave owned and operated Jones’ Auto Body for many decades, and he attended St. Paul’s UMC in Thorofare. Dave had a passion for dirt track stock car racing both as a driver and mechanic in the 70’s/80’s and then as a spectator later in life. He enjoyed fixing things, helping others, cooking, singing and woodworking.
But nothing gave him greater joy than to spend time with his granddaughters whether attending their sporting events, plays, choirs or cheering them on in their academic and life achievements.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara A. Jones (nee Bryant) of Woolwich Twp..; his daughters, Sherry Jones of Bear, DE and her partner James Smith, and Mary Lou Townsley and her partner Joe Picariello of Atco; his son in law, Christopher Townsley of Glassboro; his granddaughters, Gabrielle, Emilee and Lindsay as well as special friends and extended family.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to St. Paul’s UMC, 74 Church St., West Deptford, NJ 08086. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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O’SHAUGHNESSY — Nancy Carol O’Shaughnessy, (Nee Grasso) 50 of Mantua, passed away Aug. 26, 2021, at Jefferson Health Center in Washington Twp. NJ.
Born and raised in the South Jersey area, she was a graduate of Clearview High School, Class of ’88. Nancy was a medical assistant at UMD NJ in Stratford, NJ. A gentle woman with a kind heart, willing to help anyone in need. She loved music, concerts, and playing video games with the grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake; her specialty was meatloaf. Nancy was an animal lover and her favorite being cats. She had an artistic side which showed in the arts and crafts and woodworking that she created.
Nancy is survived by her children, Jennifer Frazier and Joseph Grasso II, her grandchildren, Jaycen Frazier and Jaxson McIntyre, her father, Joseph Grasso and brother, Thomas Grasso. A memorial service was held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro, Contributions in her memory to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 1200 Delsea Dr. Ste 1, Clayton, NJ 08312 would be appreciated.
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BELL — Thomas J. Bell age 83 years of Sewell, formerly of Mickleton died Aug. 29, 2021 in Cardinal Village, Sewell. Mr. Bell was born in Swedesboro to the late Thomas and Viola Bell, raised in Bridgeport and was a graduate of Paulsboro High School.
For over 20 years he owned and operated Kokos Radio and Television. He then worked as an electronics engineer at P.S.E.&G. in Salem until his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed working with wood and glass and doing research on his computer.
He is survived by his step children, Georgia and Jesse Edmunds of West Deptford, Alex Kokos of Newnan, Georgia and his step granddaughter, Kate. Mr. Bell was predeceased by his beloved wife, Penelope “Pope”, his brother Irving Bell and his sister, Viola Mullen.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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PINZKA — Lois Wilson Pinzka, of Mullica Hill, age 90, passed away on Sept. 3, 2021. Born to the late Louis and Helen Lacy Wilson in 1930, she was proud of being from Mullica Hill, and grew up on her family’s Morning Star Farm and raised her own family a “few fields over.”
Retired, she was the tax collector in East Greenwich Township for many years and prior to that, tax clerk in Harrison Township.
Involvement signified her life by her commitments to the Woman’s Club of Mullica Hill, Harrison Township Historical Society and her church’s Joy Circle Class serving various offices from volunteer member to president. She enjoyed summers at Raccoon Valley Swim Club, Glassboro High School 1948 class reunions, traveling the world and family gatherings. Lois was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Clarksboro.
Her husband John, known as Mole and son, Donald passed on before her. She is survived by her son, John of Langhorne PA, siblings, Louis Wilson of Glassboro, Joan and Howard Haddock-of Rockwall TX, Rev. William and Dawn Wilson of Glendora, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Donations to a special interest of Lois’, the Harrison Township Historical Society, P.O Box 4, Mullica Hill NJ 08062 or Evangelical United Methodist Church, 14 West Cohawkin Road, Clarksboro 08020 would be appreciated.
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FERDINANDO — Hazel Ferdinando, age 87, of Swedesboro, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on Friday, Sept. 3 with her children and son-in-law by her side.
Hazel was born in Vineland and raised on her family’s farm in Norma, NJ. She was a resident of South Harrison Township in Mullica Hill prior to moving to Swedesboro where she spent the remaining 21 years of her life.
Hazel worked as a seamstress early in her life before becoming a stay at home mom and then worked as a home health aide with the elderly before retiring in 1996. Hazel enjoyed being out and about whether taking the bus to the mall or walking through town to visit the library or shops. She enjoyed exploring and discovering bargains at her favorite shops which included JCPenney and Macy’s. Her happiness was in generously sharing the blessings the Lord had given her with her beloved daughters, adoring grandchildren, and many friends.
As Hazel spent more time in her community, she developed friendships with many of the residents who she enjoyed talking with while sitting outside of her beloved home at Kingsway Apartments. As a resident of Swedesboro, she loved attending Church functions, walking through town, and sharing a meal, especially at the Swedesboro Diner.
Hazel devoted her life to God, her family, grandchildren and friends. She was blessed with three daughters, Lori DiPatri, Andrea Edwards (Scott) and Lisa Ferdinando. Additionally, she was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Madison, Rachel, Brandon, Jason, and Emma.
The defining aspect of Hazel’s life was her devotion to God which she instilled in her family. Hazel began her relationship with Christ at the Pentecostal Christian Church in Mullica Hill. After her move to Swedesboro, she faithfully continued her service to the Lord at Word of Truth Fellowship. A devoted follower of Christ, she spent each morning in fellowship with the Lord reading her Bible and daily devotion.
Hazel will be forever remembered as a servant of God, a devoted mother, sister, daughter, adoring and loving grandmother, a selfless friend, and a kind and caring soul who consistently put others first, and shared her love and heart with people. Donations can be made to your favorite charity.
Hazel was predeceased by her husband, five sisters, one brother, two grandchildren and her mother, Agnes (Kascak) and father, Frederick Gustafson.
Arrangements by Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro.
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OTTEN — Carol Otten, 83. As a young girl her family bought five acres on Cohawkin Road: it would be called the Triple T Ranch. Carol rode her horse, Tommy, all over the ranch and up and down Cohawkin. He’d let himself out of the pen and walk to their house when he wanted some attention; always behaved for Carol, but he would buck any man who tried to ride him. The two were always popular in area parades.
She was a 1955 graduate of Swedesboro High. Her early years found her at home giving loving care to her daughters and in her later years she went to work for several construction companies and the antique store in Woodbury.
Carol and her husband frequently crisscrossed the country, out on the open road in their motor home. They were infatuated with the outdoors and finding things; they had panned for gold in Georgia, found Herkimer diamonds in New York, searched for shark’s teeth in the Chesapeake and had found so many old bottles that she had to auction off parts of her collection. One day she bought a new strainer for her sink and told Arnold she had enough of that old sink and wanted a new one: with tears in their eyes, the family cut down their old Magnolia Tree adjacent the home and built a country kitchen for the ages.
Carol was always up for a good time especially if it involved a nip of Jack and Water. She’d connect with a handsome guy at a Repaupo Firehouse Square Dance: Carol had her eye on the late Arnold since she was 13. He never called her anything but “Doll” and his arrival home from work would find him skipping up the steps.
They shared a 48-year marriage blessed by two daughters, Stacy DuBois and Karen Otten; and later by two grandchildren, Brett DuBois Jr. (Cherri) and Taylor Bill (Tyler); and a great granddaughter, Raelee Dubois. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Richard and Dorothy Taylor and son-in-law, Brett DuBois.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro.
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COATES — Benjamin “Bennie” Coates. On Sept. 5, 2021, God held out his loving arms to Bennie and welcomed him home. Bennie was born August 24, 1935. He was born in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Bennie and Leona Coates. He was the oldest of five children.
His Christian experience began at an early age at Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken. At Friendship, he participated in all of the youth activities. He was a Boy Scout and a member of the Youth Choir.
He attended middle school and high school at the Martha Scholfield High School. He graduated from high school in 1953 and attended North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, College of Engineering. He became an electrical engineer and a strong advocate of positive thinking. In 1957, his class was, the first group of African Americans, recruited as engineers by private corporations.
He was employed by RCA Corporation for seven years and worked on several projects while there. In 1964, Bennie was offered a position at GTE Corporation and worked there for over 30 years. He became one of its first black Engineering Project Managers. Bennie was one of the founding fathers of Living Word Bible Fellowship of Blackwood, NJ. During his years of service at Living Word he was the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, Former Sunday School Superintendent, Head Negotiator of the Building Committee, and Chair of the Pastor Search Committee.
After retirement, he earned a master’s degree in theology at Eastern Baptist Seminary and a diploma from Grace Bible Institute. Despite fulfilling the educational requirements to become a pastor, he chose the path of community service. He felt that was where he could have a greater impact. One of his many accomplishments included being the director of Food Pantry operations in Gloucester Township (that covers much of Camden and Gloucester Counties.) Bennie and his team supported hundreds of families across both counties and distributed many tons of food thanks to Val Tracre, the CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, and many other donors. Bennie was also active with the New Jersey Regional Coalition on behalf of Affordable Housing. He testified before the New Jersey State Assembly and was present when Gov. Corzine signed the bill into law.
Deacon Coates was the Executive Director of the Historical Educational Lodge-Hall Preservatory (H.E.L.P), Inc. of Swedesboro and Woolwich Township. He was devoted to its mission to restore and preserve three African-American historical sites and provide free educational and cultural programs throughout the year. When he discovered that his alma mater (North Carolina A&T) was in need, he organized a committee that raised over 100 million dollars. That allowed the school to educate another generation of young people.
Bennie loved people and loved being active. Some of his other activities included being a member of the Municipal Drug Alliance, Deptford; president of the Burlington County Chapter of the NC A&T Alumni Association: and a Sierra Club Advisory Committee board member. His hobbies included reading historical books, studying the Bible, mentoring, watching documentaries, gardening, and playing golf.
He was preceded in death by his two wives. His first wife, Eva Coates, produced three children. After the death of his first wife, he met (and married) the “love of his life”, Adelaide Coates, and became a stepfather to her two children. For over 30 years; they traveled and enjoyed themselves. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Sharleen Coates, his stepdaughter Pamela Mckinnie, brothers Marvin and Gonzalee Coates, and sister Olivia Geer.
He leaves to cherish his memory one son, Sharwin Coates, one daughter Shari Russell, stepson Ricky (Kathleen) Mosley, a son in love and mentee Bryon (LaTonya) Tull, sister Delores Scott, and two sister-in law Eva Ford and Veronica Coates. He has 7 grandchildren, William Edward Barclay III, Monica Barclay-Gonzales, Crystal Sanoval, Natasha Coates, Joshua Mosley, Valencia Holcomb, and Ronnie Russell Jr., and 10 great grandchildren.
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HORNER — William Clark Horner was born to Ruth Wilkins Horner and William Mattson Horner on November 1, 1933 at May Haffey’s maternity hospital in Swedesboro.
Bill grew up in Woolwich Township, on the family farm worked by his father and his grandfather, Clark Horner. Throughout Bill’s childhood, the Horner’s rented out rooms to make ends meet. During the war, an ever-changing roster of soldiers from a nearby lookout station took their meals with the family. Hired men came from near and far; friends, relatives, and traveling salesmen often stopped by. Bill was raised a country boy, but by the time he reached his teens, he’d met people from all over the United States.
Through academic excellence and a generous scholarship, Bill attended Princeton University, Class of ’56. At the Quadrangle Club, he beat all comers at pool and darts (throughout his life, Bill was a mild-mannered but ruthless competitor in any game that required a steady hand and a sharp eye). He majored in sociology, pursuing his interest in people and how they live.
Bill met Marilyn Linquist in the summer of 1960, at the French immersion program at Middlebury Language School. For six weeks they courted entirely in French, as per the rules. They spent a year corresponding in English and married in the summer of 1961.
After stints in PA, VA, and CA, they returned to Woolwich in 1968. Bill and Marilyn celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June 2021.
Bill’s desire to help people and his talent for solving complex problems led him to the study and practice of law. He began his Salem practice in 1968 and eventually partnered with his son, as Horner & Horner Attorneys at Law. For more than five decades he served as the solicitor for numerous local government entities and represented hundreds of other grateful clients.
The law was Bill’s calling, but farming was his passion. He and Marilyn and their three children logged long hours in the fields, growing tomatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, and many crops of soybeans, rye, and wheat.
Bill’s remarkable gift for friendship enriched many lives. He maintained relationships with friends from every stage of his life – from his childhood in Woolwich to his travels with Marilyn around the globe. He was curious. He listened to stories, and he was generous with his own. He was kind and honest. He possessed a keen intellect and a whimsical sense of humor. He loved life.
Bill is deeply loved and terribly missed by his family and his community. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Linquist Horner; his three children William Linquist, Jennifer Ruth, and Sara Lyn Horner; his six grandchildren Will, Andrew, James, Ben, Wyatt, and Mei Mei; his daughter-in-law Sarah Tuttle Horner; his sister, Ruthanne Horner Wright; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.
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LORE — Juanita Katherine Lore, age 93, of Woodstown passed peacefully at her home on September 10, 2021.
Born in Washington Township, she was the daughter of the late George and Lillian (Daubman) Nelson. Juanita graduated from Woodbury High School and earned her RN certificate from Cooper University Hospital in 1950, and later earned her BSN from Glassboro State.
She worked for Kingsway Regional High School for 26 years as the school nurse. While at KRHS Juanita made so many lifelong friends and enjoyed serving as the school nurse on Senior Class Trips to Disney World even well after her retirement. Juanita was honored to continue to serve as a substitute nurse at the school as well as volunteering her time at Salem Memorial Hospital and several other organizations within Salem County.
Juanita loved the beach and the casino life. She spent countless summers at Stone Harbor with friends and family. She absolutely loved the many adventurous trips, laughs and memories she made over the years with her dear friends Ethel, Eleanor and Joan.
Juanita is survived by her son Glenn Lore of Woodstown, her daughter in law Brenda Lore-Randazzo of Hopewell Twp., a brother George Nelson of NC, four grandchildren Dale Lore, Shelby Lore, Presley Durham and Ellen Durham, three great grandchildren Harlow, Raylan and Harper. In addition to her parents, Juanita was predeceased by her husband Wilbert H. Lore, her son Douglas V. Lore, and her brother Harry Nelson.
The family has asked that donations be sent in memory of Juanita K. Lore to Kingsway Regional High School for the Health Professions Program.
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STACKHOUSE — William Donald ” Don ” Stackhouse, Sr., 79, of Eutawville SC entered into eternal rest on July 13, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Born on September 02, 1941, in Malvern, PA Don was a son of Clarence Curry Stackhouse and Anna May Stackhouse and brother to 13 siblings
Don joined the Army and was stationed at the Nike Base in Swedesboro where he met his future wife Jayne. They married June 1, 1963. After retiring from the Army, Don became a farmer at Stechers farm in Woolwich, New Jersey and retired from there after 44 years.
Don enjoyed fishing and was an amazing woodworker. Don and Jayne spent 45 years together in New Jersey before they moved to Eutawville, SC in 2007 where they vacationed together for many years.
Don was greeted in heaven by his late wife Jayne Sharon Stackhouse (nee Sholders), his father Clarence, his mother Anna May, and some of his brothers and sisters.
William is survived by his son William D Stackhouse (Ronnie) of New Hampshire, daughters, Anita J Carman (Frank) of Delaware and Sharon L Damask (Doug) of Woolwich Twp.; six grandchildren – Billy Stackhouse, Frankie, Matthew and Isabel Carman, Alexis and Amber Damask and 5 great grandchildren. Along with his companion of 11 years June Dupper.
The service and burial will be at Lake Park Cemetery in Swedesboro at a future date.
Memorial contributions in Don`s memory may be sent to Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Attn: Voluntary Service 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or Amedisys Foundation 3854 American Way; Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at https://www.avingerfh.com/.
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APGAR — It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Preston Apgar, announce his passing on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Willard Clayton and Ann Elizabeth Apgar, along with his older brother Lawrence Apgar. He is survived by his brother, David Apgar (Lee and John), his devoted wife Cathy of 42 years, his cherished daughters, Candis Aubrey (Scott), Czara England (Chad) and his beloved grandchildren, Heyley, Rebecca, Hagen, Trevor, Trenton, Calia, Cainan, and Callan, along with his dearly loved puppy, Bentley.
Richard was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Business and was an exceptional entrepreneur who ran many successful businesses throughout his life. Richard lived each day to the fullest, and he truly never met a stranger. He was a mentor to many and an inspiration to all. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and his love of all people.
Richard was a man of God who loved his family above all else. In retirement, he enjoyed his home on the lake, working in the yard, his family and photography.
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GRAY — Betsy Stanton Gray, proprietor of The Old Gray Mare Country Store in Mullica Hill from 1984 to 2004, died Sept. 14 at age 83.
Bets, to those who loved her best, was a 1956 graduate of Glassboro High School. She took great pride in her community and lived much of her life tending the Mullica Hill home built by her grandfather, J. Omar Heritage. She was a member of the Mullica Hill Merchants Association, the Harrison Township Historical Society, and the Mullica Hill Friends (Quaker) Meeting.
Betsy was artistic and enterprising, a talented businesswoman and devoted “Momma Mare.” With an irreverent sense of humor and more plans than time, Betsy loved the simple life: her screened porch, a gossipy call with an old friend or older sister, the hunt for bittersweet, a Jersey tomato, a great deal on a flat of primroses, a weekend with her kids and grand-pups. “When I leave this world,” Betsy said, “I want to go where it’s warm and springtime year-round. And there are no bills to pay. And I hope to have naturally curly hair.”
The family wishes to share its immeasurable gratitude for the team at The Branches of North Attleboro, MA, whose outpouring of love and care for Betsy gave us peace of mind through a most extraordinary year-and-a-half for all. Betsy is survived by her daughter Sheridan Haines (Julie Crockford), son Jeffry Stanton (Casey Hampton), sister Judy Suplee, niece Jennifer Mullin, and nephew Curt Suplee. She is predeceased by her parents Ruth Heritage and Laurance Stanton, and sister Connie Lange. Memories and condolences can be shared through fertigfuneralhome.com. Charitable contributions in Betsy’s honor may be made to the Harrison Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 4, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, harrisonhistorical.com/support, or to the Omar and Mary Heritage Education Fund of Mullica Hill Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 67, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062.
