Mildred Louise 'Sug' (Thornton) Schafer, 86

MIDDLETOWN - Mildred Louise "Sug" (Thornton) Schafer, of Middletown, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at Christiana Hospital, Newark. She was 89. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, George H. Schafer Sr. in 1997. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sarah P. Schafer. She was born April 5, 1922, to the late George M. and Mildred (Harris) Thornton in Marcus Hook, Pa. She was the youngest of four children. Two brothers, Roland and Howard, both preceded her in birth and death at age 1 day old and 4 years old, respectively. Her third brother, George "Preston" preceded her in death at age 13 in 1926. Mildred and her parents moved to Mt. Pleasant, in 1938 where she graduated from Middletown High School and the Del-mar-va Institute of Cosmetology, Middletown. After the death of her father in 1958, Mildred and her husband became the proprietor's of Thornton's Store in Mt. Pleasant until their retirement Dec. 31, 1985. Mildred was a member of Summit United Methodist Church and served on the South New Castle County Parish Council. She also served as an observer on the C&D canal bridges watching for enemy planes during World War II. She delighted in spending time with her beloved family and friends. Her sense of humor and sweet disposition were a constant source of strength and comfort for all who knew her. She is survived by three children, Carolyn S. Davis and husband, George "Marvin," and George H. Schafer Jr. and wife Carolyn B., all of Middletown, and Mildred Ann Mitchell and husband David F. of Centerville, Pa. Also, surviving are eight grandchildren, Steven Davis (Sharon), Matthew Davis (Rachael), Alice Feldmann (Brent), June Winchester (Scott), Daniel Schafer, Leah Schafer, Levi Mitchell, and Luke Mitchell; and six great-grandchildren, Grace, Sarah, and Isaac Feldmann, Cecilia and Lydia Winchester, and Landon Davis. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at Christiana Hospital. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 at Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad Street, Middletown. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at Summit United Methodist Church, 554 Old Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Old Drawyers Cemetery, Odessa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Summit United Methodist Church, 554 Old Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, DE 19709; or Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 381, Middletown, DE 19709-0381. On-line condolences may be sent to www.daniels-hutchison.com.