Mary Beth Abbott, 47 MILFORD - Mary Beth Abbott, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. She was 47. She was born in Seaford, a daughter of Sharon H. Workman of Lincoln, and William E. Sanders of Baltimore, Md.

Mary Beth was a school bus driver for over 23 years for the Milford School District.

In her spare time, she loved to garden, bowl, and visit flea markets as both a buyer and seller. She made and sold lids for Longaberger baskets and sold them all over the world. Even through her sickness, she managed to keep herself busy.

She will be remembered as a terrific wife and wonderful mother and friend.

Mary Beth was very active in the Jaycees on both the state and local level. She held every office in the Milford Jaycees, including past president. On the state level, she served on the Governors Board.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Albert and Myra Bradley; maternal grandfather, Marshall Henry Hastings; grandmother, Mary Ellen Bradley Hastings Wix; step grandfather, John Leon Wix; and stepfather, Fred Albert Workman.

Survivors include her loving husband of 28 years, James "J.J." E. Abbott Jr. of Milford; son, Jamie E. Abbott III of Milford; brothers, Robert E. Smith of Smyrna and William Sanders of Baltimore, Md.; sisters, Marsha Smith of Lincoln and Nancy Krystkiewicz of Baltimore, Md.; aunt, Elizabeth Ann Morriss of Chestertown, Md.; her boxer dogs, Yankee and Sarge whom she loved dearly, and followed her everywhere she went; and numerous extended family and friends.

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bayhealth Medical Center Foundation/Milford Memorial, 640 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.

Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington. www.melvinfuneralhome.com

(03/11/10)