Trula M. Wilburn, 79

MARYDEL - Trula M. Wilburn, of Marydel, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, in Capital Nursing Center. She was 79. Mrs. Wilburn was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Friendsville, Tenn., to the late Claude Sands and Nona Mae Dockery Sands. She was one of 13 children. She worked her entire career as a dietitian, in nursing homes, hospitals and she last worked at the Palmer House in Dover. Mrs. Wilburn retired in the late 1980s. She loved sewing especially embroidering. Mrs. Wilburn also enjoyed reading, gardening, music, bible studies, but her real joy was visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While living in Luther Towers and then State Street Assisted Living she was very involved in many activities. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Columbus Eugene "Buck" Wilburn in 2002 and many siblings. Mrs. Wilburn is survived by her two daughters, Linda Briggs and her husband Hank of Marydel, Gale Ulp and her husband Jim of Moneta, Va; her son, Ernest Wilburn of Maryville, Tenn.; five brothers, Leo Sands of Maryville, Tenn., Harrison Sands of Friendsville, Tenn., James Sands of Greenback, Tenn., William Sands of Ky., and Ben Covington and his wife Alva of Ala; her sister, Jerline Ogle of Maryville, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Charlie Briggs and his wife Krisen, April Kushman and her husband Jeremy, Stephanie Belk and her husband Andy, Melanie Settle and her husband Les, Ernest Wilburn and his wife Amy, Kimberly Wilburn, Kelly Haught and her husband Duane, and Mela Wilburn; and 13 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her little Jack Russell "Chippy" who she just loved so much. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Kent Count SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934. Condolence may be sent, and the guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.