Thelma L. Gabbert
Born August 9, 1932
Thelma L. Gabbert, age 82, of Englewood, FL and formerly of New Castle and Millsboro, DE, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Sunday, September 7, 2014.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on August 9, 1932, Thelma was a daughter of the late Charles F. Comer and Gladys R. Sydnor Comer. A bookkeeper by trade, she made her career with Long Neck Dispensaries in Millsboro, retiring after many years of dedicated service.
Thelma was an avid bowler and devoted over 50 years to a sport she was truly passionate about. In 2007, she was inducted into the Delaware State USBC Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame for meritorious service and she also served on the director’s boards with the lower Delaware and state associations. In 2012, she reached a milestone at the USBC National Tournament in Reno, NV where she was presented with an award for competing in the national event for 35 consecutive years. Thelma’s highest score was an impressive 266. In her leisure time, she loved visiting the beach and playing cards. Thelma cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald E. Gabbert, Sr., son, Harry Lee Shelton, brothers, William H. and Charles F. Comer and a sister, Judy A. Poore. Thelma is survived by her children, Donna Hensley and her husband, Jesse of Middletown, Donald E. Gabbert, Jr. of Oakton, VA and Janet L. Garringer and her husband, Glen of Farmington, IA; 4 grandchildren, Brian L. Clossen, Kristin F. Walker and her husband, Brian of Middletown and Harry L. Wood and Clifford R. Wood both of Dundalk, MD; and 6 great grandchildren, Sadie Walker, Aidan Walker, Danielle Wood, Dustin Wood Chelsea Wood and Peyton Wood.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday morning, September 25, 2014, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Thelma’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Ste. 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Sharon Binning
Donna and Jess,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Donna (Illingsworth) McCafferty
Donna Jean, Butchie and Janet, we had so many great times growing up together. I have many great memories of our family’s and the times we spent together! Our mom’s bowling, card clubs, watching the soaps and dark shadows after school or eating your Dads bean soup, Uncle Bills beach house, coffee and toast mornings with our moms! There are so many memories when I think back to our childhood ! Thelma was good to our family and she will be missed. I’ll see you in a couple of days! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Thelma is now with her family and friends god rest her soul. R.I.P. Thelma
Joan M. Simmons
I bowled with Thelma in the Diamond State Major League at Bowlerama. With deepest sympathy! R.I.P. Thelma.