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Mary Black Pritchett, dedicated teacher

February 17, 2019

Mary Black Pritchett, 98, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Born and raised in Milton, the daughter of Joseph L. and Amanda Black, Mary was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Rodney, and brothers, Martin, Joe and Herman Black.

Mary was educated at the Milton School where she excelled academically, and with the help of family and encouragement from a school administrator, she attended Appalachian State Teacher’s College in Boone, N.C., graduating cum laude with a double major in mathematics and physical education in 1943. She took part of her senior year to come home and teach in the Milton High School as so many of the male teachers were away during the war.

In the fall of 2017, Mary was recognized as the oldest living alumna of what is now Appalachian State University, and was invited to join the chancellor at a home football game, which she attended. After graduation, Mary taught math and physical education at Milton High School, and coached championship girls’ basketball teams.

Mary met the love of her life, Bill, in her younger years in Milton, and they eventually married in 1948. She took a hiatus from teaching and focused on raising her two children until returning to teaching in 1960. She achieved her M.Ed. in 1970, and taught math at Christiana High School until retirement. She touched many lives during her teaching years and dearly loved her students.

Mary and husband Bill loved traveling, and enjoyed trips to Europe, Alaska and all across the USA. In 1991, they moved to Lewes to enjoy their retirement years. Before long, she was assisting her daughter in her retail store, Kids' Ketch, and going on buying trips.

Mary was an avid bridge player, and made many close friends during her adult life as a result of their common interest in bridge. A skilled athlete throughout her life, Mary dearly loved tennis which she played competitively and regularly well into her senior years. Mary was an active participant at the Newark United Methodist Church and later, Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. Mary adored her family and was always ready to attend games to support children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in team events. She was a pillar of strength, willing to provide guidance, encouragement, support in time of need and, above all, love, kindness and comfort to all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Teresa Ford (husband Jim); son Bill Pritchett (wife Kris); grandchildren, Jacob Ford, Maren Langford (Ryan), Wendy Harrington (Lew) and Lenna Miller (Adam); great-grandchildren Silas and Reese Langford; Anna and L.B. Harrington, and Maya and Lilah Miller; three nephews: David Dutton, Joe Black and Chris Black; sister-in-law Betty Black; and the cousins of the (Lingo) /Zabinski clan.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m., at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m.

Donations could kindly be sent in Mary’s name to Bethel United Methodist Church,129 W. 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958. Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.

 

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