Thelma R. 'Nanny' Startt DOVER - Thelma R. "Nanny" Startt, of Dover, formerly of Smyrna, died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 78. She was born in Middletown, Sept. 12, 1929, the daughter of the late Harry Thompson and Estella Moffitt-Thompson, where Mrs. Startt grew up and attended Middletown High School. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph G. Startt; her son, Guy Wayne Startt; her brothers, Alan Thompson, William Thompson, and Elmer "Sonny" Thompson; and her sister, Catherine "Sissy" Prouse. Mrs. Startt is survived by her sister Dorothy "Dottie" Hall of Newark; her sister-in-law, Pamela Thompson of Hartly; her eight children, Barbara Graham of Dover, Joseph Startt Jr. and wife Joan of Leipsic, Betty Littleton and husband Dave of Millsboro, Cathy Taylor and husband Butch of Dover, James Startt and wife Robin of Smyrna, Jeffrey Startt and wife Kim of Clayton, Linda Kemp of Dover, and Mark Startt and fiancé Amie of Clayton. She was a devoted wife and mother of nine who enjoyed being with her family everyday. "Nanny" had 30 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren who she enjoyed seeing and spending as much time with them as she could. They are the highlights of her life. All the grandchildren looked forward each and everyday to go see their "Nanny"! Not only did she have all her grandchildren but also she volunteered her time as a Foster Grandparent for many years and was a grandparent to all the other children. She worked at Smyrna Elem. and Smyrna Day Nursery. She enjoyed helping, reading, and teaching the children for them to learn and grow. Up until the age of 74, Thelma drove herself around, took care of herself and went to work each day. She was still very independent and strong-willed and would tell you how she felt without holding back. She would still continue to help everyone each day with her Heart of Gold. She is loved like no other and will be missed dearly. She is truly a blessing to everyone that she has touched. She will also be missed by her Life long Friends Dorothy Burris, Pauline Cayhall, and Pauline Clark. The Startt Family would like to express the sincerest gratitude to Bayhealth Medical Center and staff for their compassion and generous support. A special thanks to ER Department, IMC Nurses and Doctors that cared for Thelma R. Startt. Also thank-you to Leipsic Fire Co., American Legion and Primecare Transport for all your help in the time of need. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Thursday in the Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 North Broad St., Middletown. The funeral services 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with interment following at Sharon Hills Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Thelma's memory go to "Foster Grandparent Program," 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901.