Julia Beatrice Morris Donly Gause

DOVER - Julia Beatrice Morris Donly Gause, was born in Caruthersville, Mo., Feb. 26, 1928. She departed this life Dec. 15, 2008, in Bayhealth Hospital. She was the oldest child and only daughter of the late Richard "Ned" and Ruth Morehead Morris. At an early age Julia was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Bobie and Julia Donly (St. Louis), who did not have children of their own. Julia graduated with honors from high school in 1944, and went on to attend Lincoln University (Mo.). Later she attended Hotel Management Improvement School at the Chase Plaza Training School in St. Louis, Mo. Still searching for her ideal career, Julia enrolled in the Homer G. Phillips School of Nursing where she graduated in January 1956, as a Licensed Practical Nurse. September 1955, Julia married Waverly "T" Gause. She relocated to Dover in the spring of 1956 to join her husband, stationed Dover Air Force Base. In Delaware she held nursing positions at Kent General Hospital, Dover Air Force Base Hospital, Green Giant Company and Perdue Farms. Her most recent employment was as Desk Receptionist at Luther Towers where she resided for almost 20 years. At Luther Towers she also served as President of the Residents' Council. In this capacity she advocated for resident services and activities, including a new weekly activity, Bingo. She thoroughly enjoyed the penny game and was a dedicated player who seldom missed a Wednesday or Friday night. Julia was one of the founding members of New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Dover where she sang on the choir and held the positions of usher, secretary and treasurer. For the past several years, Julia was an active member of the Governor's Commission on Aging and the Disabled. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Waverly "T" Gause in 1981, as well as a step-daughter, M. Louise Gause Glass. She leaves to cherish many fond memories two daughters, Dr. Bobby C. Jones (Willie) and Sharon R. Haith (Jerry) both of Dover; five grandchildren, Anthony "Tony" Carney (MaryAnn) of Fayetteville, N.C., Jeffrey Carney (Alice) of Kokomo, Ind., Kelley Jones, Julia Haith and Michael Haith of Dover; eight great-grandchildren, Justin Carney, Brad Carney, Jessica Carney, Kristin Carney, Jalyn Haith, Christopher Atkins, Amara Haith, and Marley Haith. She is also survived by two brothers, Curtis "Will " Morris and Jimmie Lee Walls, both of St. Louis, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Rev. B.J. Gause of Belleville, Ill., and hosts of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Services will be noon Monday at Mt. Zion AME Church Fulton/Queen Dover, where friends may view two hours prior. Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.