Sarah May Wilson, 75

MILFORD - Sarah May Wilson, of Milford, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Harbor Healthcare, Lewes. She was 75. Born June 28, 1933, she was the daughter of the late David and Myrtle Messick of Farmington. Sarah May was a member of Class of 1951 Alumni of Harrington High School, Harrington. It was at that time Sarah May began working at International Latex Corp. the predecessor company to ILC Dover where she worked until her retirement in 2001. During her employment at ILC, Sarah May earned the unique distinction of being the only employee to complete 50 years of service which earned her ILC Hall of Fame Honors for her longevity of employment and extraordinary and consistent quality of work. Starting out in the secretarial pool she quickly rose through the ranks serving her last 24 years of employment under the President and General Manager. She was presented the President's Award for excellence, dedication, and loyalty by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce upon her retirement. On Aug. 26, 1954, she married her surviving spouse of 55 years, William H. Wilson of Milford. She was a dedicated wife and mother of two children; a son, Ronald D. Wilson of Lincoln, and a daughter Wanda L. Wilson, of Houston. Sarah May spent her non-working life being a proud, loving and generous grandmother to her three granddaughters, Cindy Wilson of Dover and Amy Wilson of Lincoln, and Sarah Beth Wilson of Lincoln; three grandsons, Colby Wilson of Seaford, Ryan Wilson of Milford, and Corey Wilson of Milford. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Casey Thorne, Carissa Thorne, and Cameron Todd of Dover. She made these children her life seeing them through little league and softball games, swimming lessons and school plays, homecomings and heartaches, graduations and growing up. Sarah May was always giving of herself not only with her family but with friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by one brother, David (Teenie) Messick of Brownsville. Sarah May is survived by two sisters and their families, Mattle Bowman of Greenwood, and Joanne Benson of Milford; four brothers and their families, Robert L. Messick of Milford, Paul Messick of Brownsville, Jimmy Messick formerly of Louisville, Ky., and Toby Messick of Felton; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was well liked and respected by many who kept in touch until her passing. She was a great cook and had a green thumb and passion for working in her flower gardens. She loved baseball, watching the Kentucky Derby, wrestling, and especially loved watching local and NASCAR racing. She was a big country music fan and never missed watching the Grand Ole Opry. She also loved singing and doing the jitterbug. Sarah May was a member of the Houston Methodist Church, Houston. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday May 27, and funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Fleischauer Funeral Home, 16 W. Market St., Greenwood. Burial will be following services in St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood. he family suggests Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the American Diabetes Association.