Author: Scott Adams

William Carsteade Pompper, Jr., age 57 of Pilesgrove, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at home after a courageous battle with multiple health conditions.

Born in Elmer, NJ, William was the son of the late William C. Sr. & Shirley Ann (Shipley) Pompper.  From his younger days of Rodeo and farming to his present days of welding and trucking, he was always a hardworking man.  Put him in a Peterbilt, and he was the happiest man alive.  He loved having his wife and youngest stepdaughter tag along on a few fun road trips in a big rig.

William was well known by many and often referred to as “Billy”, “Speedy”, “Pops”, and most frequently, “Old Man”.  He could be found most of the time on a late-night trip to the Wawa with his companion, “Bud” or sitting by the river fishing with his wife and stepdaughter.  Always full of joy and laughter, he was well known for his storytelling which kept anyone who knew him very well entertained.  His most famous story was being “bamboozled” into getting married by “Elvis” in Tennessee.  Billy was the most generous man who would do anything and everything for anyone with nothing expected in return.  He was the master of the grill, fed everyone, and never let a birthday or holiday go by without a feast.  He was an all-around great man who is truly loved and will be greatly missed.  He is now at peace fishing in Heaven.  Rest easy “Old Man”, you are so loved.

Billy is survived by his wife, Donna; his stepdaughters who he loved as his own, Carmen M. Santiago and Sofia M. Santiago; his beloved fur-baby companions, Bud and Charlie; his children, Cody Hecker, Kasey Pompper, and Cassidy Pompper; his sister, Wanda Helms; his nephew, Charles Helms, Jr.(Vicki); his niece, Shirleen Hummel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, as Billy considered everyone family.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held from 1 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 18^th in the Pavillion of the V.F.W. Post 8840, 100 Margaret St. in Penns Grove.  Please feel free to dress casually as it will be an outdoor event.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Billy’s family.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.  Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Cheri Lynn Pettit, age 65 of Pilesgrove, passed Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in her home with her family by her side after a multiple year battle with various conditions.
Born in San Antonio, TX, daughter of Elizabeth (Fialkosky) Litwin, Cheri was a graduate of Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake High School. She attended SUNY Cobleskill College where she majored in secretarial science and was an Alpha Lamda Phi sorority member.
Cheri was the sole bookkeeper of the Clovervale Dairy family farm in Pilesgrove for many years while raising her three successful children, and later in her life, she had worked as a bookkeeper for twelve years at the Amish Market in Mullica Hill. She was involved with the Woodstown-Pilesgrove school board for many years and had served as president. She enjoyed camping with her family at Assateague campground, driving across the US with her husband to visit national parks and to see friends, and watching her grandchildren participate in sports. She loved living in and being an active part of a farming community and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was thoughtful and kind, bringing sweet little gifts to her loved ones during visits. She always remembered the favorite things and treats of the people she loved, even if she was told only once. She was the best mac and cheese maker and enjoyed making favorite cakes and dishes for birthdays and family holidays. She was always there to lend an ear during tough times for her loved ones, offering advice and support.
Cheri is survived by her husband, Phil, who she kept straight for 43 years; her children, Jesse Pettit, Jeremie Pettit, and Jennafer Pettit; her grandchildren, Nathan, Maci, and Sawyer Pettit; her mother, Elizabeth Litwin; and her sister, Cynthia Bingheim.
A Religious Society of Friends meeting will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 13th in the Woodstown Friends Meetinghouse, 104 North Main St. in Woodstown. The meetinghouse will be open at 10:30 AM to receive guests, and a luncheon will follow the meeting in the Annex. As is the way of Friends, stories will be shared aloud during the service by those in attendance. In lieu of flowers please share your favorite moments with us at the service.
Please visit htlayton.com <https://htlayton.com> to leave a note of condolence to Cheri’s family. Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Norman Ira Harris (June 7, 1971 to April 2, 2024)

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, we lost our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Norm was funny, sarcastic, talented, and a noted shoe snob. He was a proud union brother (Local 252) and a long-time employee at Trade Images in Buena. He was always proud of his work; he would come home and show us pictures of amazing creations. His free time was all about his boys. They would spend countless hours playing toy wrestling, video games, family board game nights, drawing, watching TV, and extreme hop scotch (there’s a story for that one).  He had an infectious personality, always quick with a comment, always getting a laugh. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jo; his sons, Shane and Nathaniel; his sisters, Anna McNiss, Angela Harris, Mary Houseberg (Chuck), Kathy DiAntonio (Chris), Vicky Harris (Jimmy), & Debbie Phillips (Gary); his brother, George Harris; and twenty-four nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Ledney Melvina Harris; his father, George Harris; and his brother, Lee Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 10^th in the H.T. Layton Funeral Home, 102 S. Main St., Woodstown, where friends are invited to visit from 5 PM until the time of service.  Burial will be private.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.

Trevor Allen Scott, Sr. of Salem (Elsinboro), 91, passed away at home with his family by his side on Monday, April 1, 2024 after battling recent health issues over the past few months.

Born and raised in Delaware County, PA, Trevor served in the US Coast Guard during the end of the Korean War. Once out of the Coast Guard he met and married Barbara Ann (nee Norton) in 1957 and eventually they settled in Elsinboro in 1962 where he remained until his passing.

He worked in various shipyards before becoming a welder through Local Union 322, Plumbers & Pipefitters.  After retiring from the Union, he began travelling across the US.  In 1986, he and his son traveled by bicycles from Pennsylvania to Sacremento, CA in 50 days.  He enjoyed golfing, playing card games with his family, motorcycle riding, bowling and plowing his fields on his many tractors.  He also enjoyed horse racing at the Delaware Park and claimed to have gotten the chance to ride the legendary racehorse, Man o’ War, in Glen Riddle, PA when he was around 13.  He often reminisced about his softball playing years for the Elsinboro VFW and the friends he made in that league.  He was known to get quite heated in conversations when talking about the government and was a true Patriot who believed in freedom, truth, loyalty and honor.   He also loved jogging which is how he met his second wife, Marie Heil, when they were both 75 years young.  Their companionship for almost 17 years was such a blessing for both extended families.  They enjoyed numerous dining out adventures and even camping out in a “pup tent” in Pennsylvania

Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Helen Scott, his first wife, Barbara, his brothers, Elwood, Jack, and Tommy, his sisters, Carma, Emma, and Jane, his sons-in-law, Rod Fisher and Rob Mutz, and his grandson, Zachary Hand.

He is survived by his current wife, Marie, his children, Sandra Mutz, Sharon Fisher, Trevor Allen Scott, Jr, Linda McDonald (Doug), his grandchildren Rod (Rosie), Josh (Alexis), Nicole and Ryan Fisher, Steffanie Hand (Joseph Ernst), Robbie Mutz (SaraAnn), Kandace McGinnis (Robb), Kassie and Kourtney Scott, Doug Bradway (Kim), and Andrew McDonald (Amber) as well as 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.  He was also dearly loved by Marie’s family especially her children and spouses.

A viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, April 6^th from 10am-12pm with services beginning at 12pm at H.T. Layton Funeral Home, 102 S Main St., Woodstown, NJ 08098.  A luncheon will follow immediately after at the Alloway United Methodist Church, 10 Church St., Alloway, NJ.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, your local VFW or another veteran support organization of your choice.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.

 

 

John Wayne Donelson, Jr., age 58 of Woodstown, passed away in his sleep on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Born in Germany and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late John W. Sr. & Gail (Spicer) Donelson.  John was a 1983 graduate of Salem High School, and he had worked as a custodian at Salem County Vo-Tech.  He enjoyed fishing, was a fan of the Eagles and Phillies, and loved spending time with his great-nieces & nephews.

John is survived by his sister, Connie Congleton (Frank); his brother, Dwayne ; his niece, Samantha (Ed), his nephew’s wife, Katie Gray; and his great-nieces & nephews, Hunter, Ayden, Azzy, Savannah, Paisley, Waylon, Naomi, Emma, Christopher, Jayce, Harley, and Colt.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kimberly Donelson; his nephew, Davey Gray; and his brother-in-law, Vernon Congleton, Jr.

Services will be private.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.  Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Woodstown.

 

 

 

 

 

Minnie Terry (nee Wilkins) Estes, 93, of Monroeville, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, March 16, 2024. Born January 13, 1931 in Haddonfield, NJ, she resided in Pitman during her school years until her marriage to Theodore R. Estes, March 27, 1948.

Terry was a 30+ year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, once serving as Regent of the Ann Whitall Chapter of Woodbury, NJ, who was her Revolutionary Ancestor.

From childhood she remained an avid caregiver to all animals, being especially fond of the equine family. She loved taking long rides on her horses and was a member of the old Boots and Saddle Riding Club. Some may remember her and Ted providing pony rides for children during Elmer Day celebrations.

Terry was predeceased by her parents, Forbes “Frank” G. Wilkins and Mary Catherine (Reyno) Wilkins; husband Ted Estes; son Elwood L. Estes, siblings Katherine Bronum-Baker; Frank G. Wilkins and Margaret D. “Peggy” Wilkins. She is survived by her son Kenneth R. Estes, (Arlene) of Warrenton, VA.; daughter Carol Lynn Estes, of Monroeville; brother Rev. Gene L. Wilkins, (Suzanne), Smithville, NJ; 4 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the graveside ceremony scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at the Salem County Veteran’s Cemetery, 719 Rte. 45, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098, with Rev. Gene L. Wilkins, pastor on staff at Landmark Church, Ocean City, NJ officiating.

Funeral arrangements will be held under direction of H. T. Layton Funeral Home, 102 S. Main St., Woodstown, NJ 08098.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loved one, Richard “Bill” Mortimer on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Bill passed peacefully in his sleep at Mullica Hill Inspira after a hard-fought battle with kidney complications.  He was a longtime resident of Woodstown but had lived in Alloway for the last 36 years.  Bill had just turned 76 on December 1st.

He was known to his large clan of cousins from coast to coast as the “soft-spoken” Mortimer, was admired for his strength and grace through a lifetime of physical discomforts and was a role model to us all in the art of aging gracefully.

He is survived by his constant companion and steadfast wife, Marilyn (Welch), his brother, Dave (Carolyn), and his sister, Bonnie (Roggio).

He was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Millie Mortimer, and his sister, Elaine (Shidner).

Bill was a graduate of Woodstown High School Class of 1965.

Always one to honor friendship, Bill still counts his childhood neighbors from North Main Street and his classmates from high school as lifelong friends.

He was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company of Millville as a claims processor for many years but if asked, would more likely say his favorite full-time job was supporting his local professional sports teams: the Eagles, the Phillies, the Flyers, and the 76ers.

Bill was a keen supporter of the up-and-coming athletes as well and attended many minor league ball games and the Flyer’s minor leagues Bears games in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Bill’s countless first cousins, second cousins, nieces and nephews, and the great-nieces and nephews too, marvel at his collection of magazines, newspaper articles, posters, and memorabilia on display in his sports room.  He was a great sports conversationalist and could share some wonderful stories filled with knowledge and sports trivia.

Always an avid woodworker in his garage – turned – workshop, Bill discovered a hidden talent in recent years.  He picked up a paintbrush and began painting his beloved sports teams‘ logos and mascots on rustic barn boards and hand-built birdhouses and garden/Christmas ornaments. He became a familiar figure at local craft festivals, and the countless gifts that he had shared with family and friends of all generations have now become more cherished than ever.

But everyone who knew Bill best would probably agree his happiest place was heading across a bay driving the fishing boat he owned for many-many years. He and Marilyn pilgrimaged to Ocean City, New Jersey every summer, and his boat was always docked in the local boat yard waiting for him and his fishing buddies to head out to open waters for flounder, stripers and bluefish. Not only did he love fishing he was darn good at it too. His generous heart was there again when he passed out fresh fish upon his return to town.

Family meant everything to Bill. His final peaceful hours were spent looking over photographs on family Christmas cards and admiring a hand colored get well card, then chatting with the family matriarch, Miss Patsy, leading us all from Louisiana, with her wisdom, guidance and love.

Bill will be remembered for the great big heart he always wore on his sleeve and redefines the family motto, MORTIMER STRONG.

We will miss his keen and constant interest in all of the nieces and nephews school and sports activities. Lucky was the child who knew him as a baseball coach in his younger years.  He was always ready to watch a game, attend a game or coach a game, and now the family imagines him sprinting around those bases like he always wanted to do.

Fly, Bill, fly.

Heaven now has another angel in the outfield.

Join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 6 2024 at Creekside Inn Pavilion, 137 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ. Family Gathering 1 -2 pm followed by a baseball theme picnic 2 – 5pm. Phillies / favorite team attire encourage.

The family would like to thank all the friends, neighbors and loved ones who have provided warm meals, phone calls of support, love and prayers. You all made a difference. We are grateful as well to all of the professional and private health caregivers who brightened Bill’s days along the way.

In lieu of flowers you can reach out to Marilyn about information on how to donate to a memorial bench in his honor at Marlton Recreation Field.

 

Gail P. Shute, age 78 of Alloway, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in her home with her family by her side.

Born in Salem, daughter of the late George & Linda (Bowling) Vanaman, she had been a lifelong Alloway resident.  Gail was a 1963 graduate of Woodstown High School.  She was a stay-at-home mom and had also worked at Agway in Bridgeton for 19 years.  Gail loved being outside, gardening and cutting grass.  She could usually be found at home in her flower beds, but also enjoyed going to the shore in summer.  If she could not be found on a Saturday morning, she was likely hitting yard sales.  She loved to shop, and she also loved decorating for the Christmas holiday, especially Christmas trees.  She also enjoyed decorating for Halloween and enjoyed the Alloway parade.  She was a perfectionist; everything at home had to be just right.  She was a member of the Alloway Fire Company Auxiliary.  Most important to Gail was her family whom she loved more than anything.

Gail is survived by her husband of 63 years, who she married on October 17, 1964, Charles Shute; her daughter & son-in-law, Kelly & Chad Everwine; her grandchildren, Allyson (Zach) and Wesley (Dana); six great-grandchildren; her sisters, Thelma Johnson, Shirley Abhau, Georgetta Pierson, Lorraine Osborn (Chick); and Carol Jean Drummond (Russell); her sisters-in-law, Louise Vanaman and Doris Vanaman; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Matthew Alex Laing; her sister, Glenda Thompson; her brothers, Harold, Maurice “Ducky”, and Preston Vanaman; and her brother-in-law, Frank Johnson.

A memorial gathering and celebration of Gail’s life will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, March 17^th in the Alloway Township Veterans Association, 95 Timberman Rd., Alloway.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to Gail’s family.

Sandra Kay Battle, age 82 of Woodstown.
Kay has left this Earthly life to live eternally in Heaven with Jesus and all her loved ones who have gone before her.
She passed peacefully, after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side.
Kay, daughter of Earl K. and Edith (Wright) Johnson, graduated from Woodstown High School in 1959. She was married in 1960 to her high school sweetheart Charles (Bub) Battle. They were married for 64 fun loving years until the time of her passing. Kay was the loving mother to her two children Scott and Denise. Kay’s Family and Children and eventually Grandchildren were her # 1 priority.  She could be found cheering from the bleachers anytime her kids took the court or the field.  Kay loved her sports teams!  She was a long time Eagles season ticket holder.  She enjoyed her Sundays tailgating with Irv and Lamita Smith and cheering at Vet Stadium and later The Linc. Whether it be the Eagles, Phillies or the Flyers, Kay was always ready to cheer on her team.
Kay enjoyed a 30 year career at The Woodstown National Bank where she worked her way up the ladder, eventually becoming the Chief Loan Officer and ultimately Vice President of the bank. Kay was a devoted employee and a very much loved fixture at Woodstown National.
Kay loved to entertain. The Battle house was known for the annual clambake, countless pool parties, and holiday celebrations.  Kay was always ready to host, the more the merrier and boy were they merry!
Kay thoroughly enjoyed her time spent with her Grandchildren.  Swimming in her pool and eventually summers in Wildwood.  And true to form, the more the merrier.
Kay enjoyed wintering in Florida with a large group of their Woodstown friends.
Kay and her girlfriends have enjoyed playing cards together in their monthly “Card Club” for over 60 years.  Kay valued her friendships, most of which were formed in high school and have lasted her lifetime.
Kay was a great daughter, sister, wife, mother and a friend to all who knew her.
She was known for her devotion to her family, her beauty and grace, and will be missed by all.
Kay is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles M. Battle Jr. (Bub), her son and daughter-in -law Scott and Maryann Battle; her daughter Denise & John Quisito; her grandchildren Michael (Tara) Quisito, Liza (Jesse) Quisito Eisenhart, Alex Battle, Nick Battle and Julia Weisel; her great grandchildren, Giovanni, Giuliana, Harper, Avi, Levi, Lux and Malachi; and her brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Mary Johnson.

Services will be private.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave note of condolence to Kay’s family.

“When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?  Miss me a little, but not for long, and not with your head bowed low, remember the love that once we shared, miss me, but let me go.  For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.  It’s all part of the master plan, a step on the road to home.  When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know.  Laugh at all the things we used to do, miss me, but let me go.”

 

 

Dr. Edward (Ted) H. White, Jr., formerly of Woodstown, NJ and Hydeville, VT, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 25, 2024. He was 81 years old.

Ted was born in Quincy, Massachusetts to Geraldine (Queen) and Edward H. White, Sr. He was a 1960 graduate of Norwell High School (MA) and earned a BA from Keene State College (NH), a MS from Indiana State University (IN), and a PhD. from the University of Maryland at College Park (MD). For over 30 years he taught at Rowan University (Glassboro State College). During his tenure, he chaired the Department of Educational Administration and was instrumental in the establishment of its PhD program. Upon his retirement from Rowan University in May 2000, Ted continued to consult to school districts across the state of New Jersey, offering his expertise in school leadership and evaluation.

Ted was a member of the Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church in Daretown, NJ where he faithfully served as Clerk of Session for 20 years and sang in the choir. In his younger years he volunteered with the Daretown Volunteer Fire Department and the Salem County Democratic Committee. When wintering during retirement in Frostproof, FL he attended Union Congregational Church in Avon Park, FL where he also sang in the choir and supported its various community outreach programs. An avid traveler he and his wife traveled to many destinations across the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico, and led RV caravans for Tracks to Adventure. His favorite vacation spot was always the family home on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, swimming, and the view of the beautiful Green Mountains.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Christina (Craven), daughters Melissa Johnson (Charles), Heather Tardel (Matthew) and Carrie Gray (Patrick), foster-daughter Justine Cheang, grandchildren Couper, Neil, Claire, Patrick, and Gavin, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by both parents, his sister Joan Blemings and his brothers Arthur and Frederick White.

A viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, February 29 from 5 – 8 PM at H.T. Layton Funeral Home, 102 S Main St., Woodstown, NJ 08098. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 1 at 11 AM at Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church, 312 Daretown Rd., Elmer, NJ 08318.  Burial will follow the church service.  Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.

The family extends their sincere thanks to the staffs at Harbor Chase Assisted Living and AccentCare Hospice at Wilmington Hospital for the excellent care they provided. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to go.rowan.edu/TedWhiteScholarship to support an endowed scholarship in his name at Rowan University.