Sydney (Fleming) Hitchens, 71

GEORGETOWN - Sydney (Fleming) Hitchens, of Georgetown, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2008, at her home. She was 71.

Sydney was born in Dover, daughter of the late Leon John and Juanita (Jester) Fleming.

She began her 25-year career as a bailiff in 1974, with Superior Court in Georgetown, and was appointed in 1980 as the first female chief bailiff. She served as chief bailiff until 1997, at which time she had a brief tenure with Court of Common Pleas until her retirement from the state of Delaware in 1998.

Sydney also was a hostess for many years at Norma's Sub Shop, Milton, and later, for two years, at Milton House Family Restaurant.

Sydney was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown.

In addition to her parents, Sydney was preceded in death by a son, Neal M. Hitchens; and a brother, Terry Fleming.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles D. Hitchens; three children, Robin Donald Hitchens and wife Debbie of Lewes, David Bryan Hitchens and wife Melissa of Georgetown and Donna Scott and husband Marty of Georgetown; seven grandchildren, Amber Hitchens, Jared Hitchens Sr., Brooke Hitchens, Tyler Scott, Brian Scott, Caitlin Hitchens and Connor Hitchens; two great-grandchildren, Chase Murray and Jared Hitchens Jr.; and a brother, Bryan Fleming of Georgetown.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 11 a.m.

Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.

In lieu of flowers, it was Sydney's wish to have contributions made to Sussex County AIDS Committee, 107 A. South St., P.O. Box 712, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.