Virginia ‘Gini’ Haas Clarke Sherman, knew value of hard work
Virginia "Gini" Haas Clarke Sherman, 88, of Lewes since 2006, formerly of Camden, went home to be with her Lord Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. Born in Wilmington to the late Harry Haas and Florence Lillian Spoerl, she shared her birthday of Nov. 18, 1928, with Mickey Mouse.
Gini was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1946, and then moved to the Dover/Camden area. It was at this time she became an active member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church. Throughout her early years and having been born during the Depression Era, she learned the value of hard work and saving for the future. Constantly striving to be the best role model for her daughters, she earned a position as an executive secretary for International Playtex/Rapid American Corporation and the Dover Air Force Base Aerial Port.
Following retirement, she became a devoted volunteer, giving back to others by participating with the RSVP Advisory Council, Dover Modern Maturity Center, Kent and Sussex Delaware Hospice, Milford Senior Center Library, Prime Hook Refuge, Beebe Medical Center, the Encore Thrift Store and by serving as a docent at the Governor's Mansion. She was very proud of her accomplishments, including receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush at the White House.
She was also a long-term member of the Eastern Star, and in more recent years was affiliated with the Unity Chapter 16 OES, Lewes. As a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes since 2006, she thoroughly enjoyed her church family and the many good times shared in the Elizabeth Circle.
In her spare time she enjoyed ceramics, adult coloring, working in her garden, and venturing out and about as a "Social Butterfly."
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, George "Ben" Sherman (2014); and her brother, H. James Haas (2014).
She is survived by daughters, Judi Heritage (Charlie) of Camden, Alison Parsell (Keith) of Lewes and Linda Moore of Wilmington; grandchildren, Steve Jones (Liz), Todd Heritage (Sarah), Amy Heritage, Amanda Boyer, Christina Lopez (Alex), Johnathan Parsell (Dani), Andrew Parsell, Brett Henry (Wendy), Joelle Patterson (Ken); and 13 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, March 30, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where a viewing will be held one hour prior to services. A viewing will also be held at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., with Eastern Star Services beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Graveside services will be held at Gracelawn Memorial Park, N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, Thursday, March 30, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Bethel United Methodist Church Bldg. Fund, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Virginia's Life Memorial and sign the online guest registry at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
