Margaret Matthews Jolley, 100

EASTON - Mrs. Margaret Matthews Jolley, 100, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Heartfields Assisted Living facility in Easton. Born on May 20, 1908, in Petersburg, to the late Josephine and Daniel Matthews. She resided in Federalsburg until her move to Heartfields. She attended public schools in Dorchester County. After completing her secondary education, she attended Bowie Normal School, Bowie, Delaware State College, Dover, Del., and the University of Delaware, Newark, Del. Mrs. Jolley retired from the Dorchester County School System in 1974, after 42 years of service. Early in her educational career, she taught in the elementary schools in Williamsburg, and Thompsontown. In later years, she taught in Hurlock Elementary School. Many of her former students remember her as a stern and strict but excellent teacher, who loved children dearly. She was one of the oldest African-American teachers in Dorchester County From her childhood, Mrs. Jolley was very active in and an ardent supporter of Zion United Methodist Church in Petersburg. While affiliated with her home church in Petersburg, she organized and directed the Junior Choir, served as the church organist, church school teacher, and choir member. After transferring her membership to Hurlock United Methodist Church, she became a member of the Mass Choir, the Building Fund and Pastor Parish Committee. She served as chairperson of the Worship Committee, Flower Committee and Treasurer of the United Methodist Women, and office she held for thirty-five years. Mrs. Jolley not only involved herself with activities and programs of her church, but was active in the activities of the larger community. She played a leading role in the Center for Seniors in Federalsburg. She was chairperson of the Lenten Service Committee for five years, and also was a former member of the Advisory Council of Upper Shore Agency, Inc., as well as a member of the American Association for Retired Persons. She holds membership in the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Beta Epsilon Chapter, Federalsburg Community Civic League and the Dorchester County Retired Teachers' Association. For dedicated service to civic and community organizations, she has received many awards, notably among them a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and contributions made to the Caroline County Commission of Aging. In honor of her longevity and tireless dedication to others, she has received special presentations from the President's office, the Governor's office, and the Federalsburg Mayor's office. Although Mrs. Jolley found time to give supremely of herself, to the schools, her church and the community at large. She also found time to travel, including trips to several West Coast Cities, Canada, the West Indies, the Caribbean, Mexico, Venezuela, Italy, Spain, China, Alaska, and trips to Hawaii as well. Mrs. Jolley was preceded in death by her husband, Webster L. Jolley; two brothers and two sisters. She leaves to mourn, nieces, nephews, many cousins, and a host of friends. Funeral services will be noon Friday, May 15, at Hurlock United Methodist Church, 502 S. Main Street, Hurlock. Viewings will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 14 and from 10 a.m.-noon the day of the service. Interment will follow at Petersburg Cemetery. Arrangements through Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Hurlock.