Joyce E. Rickards, 71

MILLSBORO - Joyce E. Rickards, 71, of Millsboro, passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. She was born on Dec. 3, 1937, in Millsboro, to the late Charles and Bertha Andrews Hopkins. Mrs. Rickards was a school bus driver and self employed housekeeper for many years. She was a member of the Friendship United Methodist Church, Millsboro, where she was serving and had served as Treasurer, Trustee, Choir Director of the Senior and Junior Choirs, P.P.R. Committee, Intercession Prayer Committee, Cooking Ministry, Communion Steward, Usher, and Worship Chairperson. She was a Loving Mother, Friend to Everyone, good cook, and a great singer. Mrs. Rickards is survived by five sons, Sylvester Mark Rickards Jr. and wife Jona of Millsboro, Jeffrey Rickards and wife Cristina of Panama City, Fla., Stanford Rickards and wife Beverly of Frederica, Eric Rickards and wife Brandie of Millsboro, and Chris Rickards and wife Sharmin of Chesapeake, Va.; two daughters, Joyce Denise Rickards of Millsboro, and Sharon Elzey and husband Bill of Millsboro; brother, Donald Hopkins of Georgetown; three sisters, Ruth Hall of Millsboro, Mary Williams of Millsboro, and Rachel Powell of Dover; 22 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends; In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester M. Rickards Sr. in 2006; and siblings Paul C. Hopkins, Charles E. Hopkins, Harrison Hopkins, Grace E. Hopkins, and Catherine Davis. Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at the St John 2nd Baptist Church, Mt Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday and one hour prior the service also. Rev. George Fisher will officiate the service. Interment will be at the Friendship Church Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Friendship U.M. Church Building Fund, 30983 Friendship Road, Millsboro, DE 19966. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, Delaware. Letters of condolence may be emailed via www.watsonfh.com.