Mary Jane Southgate Yellott Schlott, 79

SEAFORD - Mary Jane Southgate Yellott Schlott, died on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. She was 79. Mary Jane was born in Leesburg, Va., the daughter of the late Frederick McCausland Yellott and Marjorie Gray Yellott. Mary Jane, fondly known as "MJ" to her friends, and "GMJ" to the younger set, will be remembered as a kind and caring friend to all. She always made those around her feel comfortable with her easy conversation and unpretentious manner and she looked forward to spending time with close friends at her Sunday Morning Breakfast Club. MJ loved nature and the birds that visited her gardens, birdbaths and feeders that she kept well stocked year round. An avid reader, she was never without a book and so appreciated the amenities of the Seaford Public Library. GMJ was so proud of her grandchildren and so enjoyed her grandson, Cory, following his activities and talents, as well as those of his wonderful circle of friends. Additionally, like the songbirds she so loved, MJ sang beautifully and cherished the opportunities to share music with her family. Mary will be long remembered with love for her great spirit and many acts of kindness. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Clarence Edward Hartley and Robert Myron Schlott; her stepdaughter, Carol Schlott; and her son-in-law, John "Tom" Darden. She is survived by her children, Bruce Edward Hartley, of Rockville, Md., Ann Dulany Darden, of Seaford, Frederick Yellott Hartley, of Smithsburg, Md., and Linda Schlott and Donna King, of Post Falls, Idaho; a sister, Marjorie Yellott Chandler Gill; a brother, Daniel Dulany Fitzhugh; grandchildren, John "Cory" Cortland Darden, of Seaford, Autumn Nicole Darden, of Orlando, Fla., Jennifer Hammersla and Ryan Andrew Hartley, of Smithsburg, Md., Morgann Foster, of Queenstown, Md., and Charity Yerian and Sarah Thompson, of Post Falls; great-grandchildren, Alex and Maddie Hammersla, Chessie Hartley, Stuart Thompson, and Reese Yerian; and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at St. John's United Methodist Church, Pine & Poplar Sts., Seaford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Seaford School District Swim Team, 390 Market St. Ext., Seaford, DE; or the Seaford Public Library, 402 N. Porter St., Seaford, DE 19973. Arrangements by the Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford.