HARRINGTON - Bernice Ada Allen Stayton passed away on Sunday, Apr. 9, 2017, at home.
She was born in Carneys Point, N.J., the daughter of the late Harvey Sayers and Julia (Prasch) Allen. After graduation from high school, Bernice joined the U.S. Army Nurses Cadet Corp, serving during WW II. Following the war, she graduated from the Delaware Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. After graduation, she married the love of her life, Roland Stayton on May 29, 1948. She began her career at Temple Hospital for one year, before moving to Houston. She then began working as a private duty nurse before going to work at Milford Memorial Hospital, working in the newborn nursery. She left Milford to continue her career with Dr. Luis David of Milford as his office nurse, working into the late 1990's before she retired. In her spare time, Bernice enjoyed crocheting, working jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and puzzle books as well as being an avid reader. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, the Harrington Senior Center, the CKRT American Legion Post #7 Ladies Auxiliary and the V.F.W. Blue Hen Post # 6483 Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Stayton in 1999; and one brother, Harvey M. Allen.
She is survived by her children, Michael David Stayton and his wife, Charlotte, Lynn Elizabeth Young and her husband, Richard, Fay Stayton Rust and her husband, Tom and Mark Patrick Stayton and his wife, Elizabeth Rose; grandchildren, Dana S. Jordan, Randall A. Young, Justin A. Young, Rebecca L. Young, Melissa F. S. Rust, Andrew T. Stayton, and Victoria L. Stayton; great-grandchildren, C. Martin Jordan, Randall A. Young, Jr., Wellington Young, Anna Dupree Jordan, Kimberley Young, Kyla Young, and Thackery Young; and one brother, Kenneth C. Allen.
A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Apr. 12, 2017, at the McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, 50 Commerce Street, Harrington. Another viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday morning, Apr. 13, 2017, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Harrington Senior Center, 102 Fleming Street, Harrington, DE 19952 or to the V.F.W. National Home for Children, 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Letters of condolence may be shared or sent to the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.