Judith R. Warrington, retired principal

Dr. Judith "Judy" R. Warrington, 68, of Milford, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, at the Milford Center after a long illness.

Mrs. Warrington was born in Asheboro, N.C., Oct. 7, 1945, to the late Wills P. and Margaret (Hodgin) Rodgers. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1967, moving to Milford in 1968 to accept a teaching position in the Milford School District. Judy received her master of education degree from the University of Delaware in 1972 and a doctorate in educational leadership from Wilmington University in 1995.

Mrs. Warrington taught several different elementary grades and spent the final 15 years of her career as an assistant principal and principal. She was the Lulu M. Ross Teacher of the Year in 1991 and while principal of Lulu M. Ross Elementary, the school was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2003. She retired in 2004 after 35 years with the Milford School District.

Her life focused on serving others and she truly loved her work with young children. She was an advocate for quality education for children. Judy loved her family and enjoyed their special times together on vacation at Emerald Isle, N.C. She was very proud of her children and loved life in Milford.

Mrs. Warrington was a 40-year member of Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, serving on many committees such as the building committee, was an MYF leader, and assisted with the pre-school choir. She served as co-chair of the Milford Hospital Fair and was a member of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Caleb Van Warrington III; her daughter, Allison W. Rothschild and her husband Adam, and two grandchildren, Landon and Alexis, all of Richmond, Va.; her son Caleb Van Warrington IV and his friend Amy Shaffer of Cambridge, Md.; a brother, Wills P. Rodgers and his wife Sue of Raleigh, N.C.; and many professional colleagues and close personal friends whom she loved.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, where the family will receive friends after 1 p.m. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, DE 19963, or to the Alzheimer's Assoc., Sussex Chapter, 108 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.