Thelma Calhoun Mayhew, 104

MILFORD - Thelma Calhoun Mayhew, 104, of Milford, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, in Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. Mrs. Mayhew was born in Lincoln, to Charles Henry Calhoun and Virgie May Walls Calhoun on August 18, 1904. A Sussex County native, she was a graduate of Georgetown High School. She attended Columbia University in New York and Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa., and held degrees from the University of Delaware in 1932 and 1951, respectively. Thelma began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, Calhoun's Country School, Jefferson Crossroads. She taught school for a total of 43 years; two years in the one-room schoolhouse, eight years at Alfred I. DuPont school in Wilmington, and another eight years at Georgetown Elementary School. She completed her career at Lulu M. Ross Elementary, Milford, where she taught 26 years. She retired in 1967. Mrs. Mayhew was a life member of the National Education Association, Delaware State Education Association, Kent County Teacher's Association and a charter member of the Milford branch of the American Association of University Women, as well as a member of the Delaware Extension Homemaker's Council. An active member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Milford, she was also on the Commission of Landmarks and Museums, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Milford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of the Milford Museum, and a long time member of the Milford New Century Club. Thelma Mayhew as preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Calhoun' and her sister, Hilda Jewel. Thelma's husband, James C. Mayhew to whom she was married 50 years, died in 1976. She has no immediate survivors, but leaves behind a large family of relatives, and many former students and friends who loved and respected her and will miss her very much. Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, Thelma suggested that a donation be made to the Thelma C. Mayhew Scholarship Fund, in care of, Calvary U.M. Church, 301 S. E. Front St., Milford, DE 19963.