Sylvia Irene Short Calhoun, longtime librarian

Sylvia Irene Short Calhoun, 87, formerly of Georgetown and Bridgeville, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in Durham, N.C. She was born in Georgetown, May 6, 1938, to the late Mildred C. Short and the late Paul W. Short. She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Richard M. Calhoun.

Sylvia graduated from Georgetown High School, where she served as student body president, president of her senior class, and represented the State of Delaware in the Betty Crocker Homemakers of Tomorrow contest. After high school, she graduated from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and later Drexel University with a master's degree in library science. During her career, she taught school in Virginia Beach, Va. She was a librarian in the Georgetown school system as well as at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. She was the Delaware State librarian before taking over the PW Short Southern States store from her father.

She is survived by her sister, Sharon Short Hinson of Savannah, Ga.; and five nieces and nephews, Paul Hinson of Richmond, Va., Melinda Cardell of Wadmalaw Island, S.C., Elizabeth Healey of Durham, N.C., Marjorie Hinson of Durham, and Scot Hinson of Savannah, Ga.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.