Jessie B. Wattenbarger, devout Christian

Jessie B. Wattenbarger, 94, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. She was born Jan. 14, 1923, in Athens, Tenn., to the late Minter and Ava Houser Boyd.

A long time resident of Lewes, Mrs. Wattenbarger was a loved and well-respected business owner, who in the 1970s began the Midway Cut Rate variety store. Then, together with her husband, established Midway Tire and Home Supply (Midway Tire) and later, Midway Auto Parts.

First and foremost, she was a devout Christian, always witnessing and sharing the Gospel to others given any opportunity. She loved to sing old hymns, taught Sunday school, Bible school, the youth AWANA program, and participated in many other church activities throughout the years. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown.

Mrs. Wattenbarger is survived by her loving husband William K. Wattenbarger; two sons, Roy Wattenbarger and his wife Sue of Lewes, and Kim Wattenbarger of Cary, N.C.; five grandchildren: Wendy LoBato (Dante), Kelly Seabrook (Ivin), Gretchen Randazzo (Joe), Stephanie Judy (John), and John Wattenbarger (Natasha); as well as 11 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Family and friends are invited to visit prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the request of the family.

Please visit Mrs. Wattenbarger's Life Memorial webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.