Hilda H. Jaywork
Hilda H. Jaywork, beloved mother of Susanne Messick and Terry Jaywork, died peacefully in her home at Slaughter Beach on July 4, 2011, at the age of 93. Fiercely independent, Hilda lived alone, caring for herself, until her 91st year. At 93, she reluctantly moved to assisted living, but as the end neared, she insisted on returning home, and left this earth looking out over the Delaware Bay.
Born in Newcomb, Maryland on April 18, 1918, Hilda was the fifth of seven children born to Ernest Earl Hall and Margaret Gilmon Hall. Upon her mother's death while still a teen, she was raised by her Aunt Ada and Uncle Edward West in Philadelphia. Upon graduating from Frankford High School in 1935, she worked as a secretary at the Jay Emanuel Theatrical Agency where she met many stars of the day.
In 1942, she married Jack Jaywork and had two children, Susanne and Terry. In 1950, the family moved to an old farmhouse on the Warwyck River in Secretary, Maryland, but in 1953, the family moved again to Milford where Jack and Hilda founded, co-owned, and co-operated the "Double J Ranch House", a family restaurant. Hilda's great personality and wonderful recipes were the heart and soul of the Ranch House and she developed close and long-lasting friendships with many of the waitresses and customers who regularly ate there.
After retirement, Hilda was very active in a number of local organizations including the Ladies of the Milford Elks, the VFW Blue Hen Auxiliary, the Milford Seniors Bowling Team, the Milford Senior Center, the Harrington Senior Center, the Clowns of Delaware, and the Hub Tappers. Hilda was quite a performer and comedienne in the style of Carol Burnett, and few who saw her shows will forget "The Pregnant Bride," "The Exercise Routine", or "The Sad Sack." Hilda loved seeing other people enjoy themselves and making them laugh.
Hilda was preceded in death by her husband Jack in1988, and was the last Hall sibling.
She is survived by her daughter Susanne Messick and son-in-law Jim Messick of Milton; and her son, Terry Jaywork and daughter-in-law Nancy Hastings Jaywork of Camden; by five grandchildren: Miles Norwood, Michele Warren, Casey Jaywork, Kathryn Jaywork, and Kelly Jaywork; and by two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Friends may call starting at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Bethel Church Cemetery, Oak Grove, near Seaford; and will be private.
Instead of flowers, it was Hilda's wish that memorial contributions be made to the Ladies of the Elks #2401, P.O. Box 119, Milford, DE 19963 or to the Milford Senior Center, 111 Park Avenue, Milford, DE 19963.
(07/05/11)