Thelma Dorey Monroe, former Millsboro mayor
Thelma Dorey Monroe, 95, of Millsboro, passed away in the presence of loved ones Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. She was born Sept. 4, 1927, to the late William B. and Cora Johnson Dorey in Millsboro.
Thelma was a graduate of Millsboro High School and Goldey-Beacom College. She married Walter Monroe, and together they managed the WP Monroe & Sons Clothing Store and raised four children. Walter and Thelma were members of Grace United Methodist Church and were active in the community, and loved civic affairs.
Thelma had a deep interest in politics, leading to her holding many offices over the years. She served 15 years on the Indian River School Board. Actively involved in Democratic Party service, she befriended a young Joe Biden, who would stop by the store and visit when he was downstate. She served as mayor of Millsboro from 1979-94 and held office as chairperson of the Sussex County Democrat Committee, president of Sussex County Association of Towns, clerk of the peace and jury commissioner.
Thelma worked very hard to support Democratic candidates, including Sen. Biden, Sen. Carper, Gov. Minner, and current Gov. Carney. She was dedicated, tough, a trendsetter, and a determined woman to make it in a man’s world. She was dedicated to her Marvelous Millsboro, as she called it when mayor, and will be remembered for her absolutely sparkling and strong-willed personality. She was above all devoted to her family, friends, and fellow Sussex Countians, setting a terrific example of tenacity, carrying on well even after her beloved husband Walter passed in 2009.
Thelma is survived by her four children: Karen Jo Reed and husband Jim of Lansing, Kan., Walter Keith Monroe and wife Marie of Millsboro, Mark William Monroe and wife Emily of Ruckersville, Va., and Pamela Monroe Serman and husband Gordon of Millsboro. In addition, she has eight grandchildren: Melissa (Jeremy), Jenny, Paul (Ashley), Jon (Carolanne), Zachary, Allison, Luke and Ben. She also has 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are all her Marvelous Millsboro family and friends, whom she loved very much!
A time of viewing and visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, with a funeral service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Karin Tunnell and Rev. Josh Berry officiating. Interment will follow at Millsboro Cemetery with a full formal procession through her beloved town of Millsboro, escorted by Millsboro Police officers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Electronic Condolences to watsonfh.com.
