Marie Denney Stringfellow died peacefully on February 11th. She was a lifelong Wilmingtonian, born at home on July 29, 1929 to William R. Denney and Cora Collison Denney. She was the youngest of eight children, predeceased by brothers, George, William and Robert and sisters, Kate, Fannie, Sallie and Dorothy. She was also predeceased by her devoted husband of 43 years, Irvin G. “Bud” Stringfellow Jr. and her infant son, Irvin G. Stringfellow III. Marie was baptized, confirmed and married at Old West Presbyterian Church where she also sang in the choir. She was a long-time congregant at St. David’s Episcopal Church. She was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of ‘47. She worked as a secretary at Sun Oil for five years, as a teaching assistant at Wilmington Special Preschool for five years and as the secretary to the Headmaster at Tower Hill Middle School for 15 years. She was an active member of Crest Century Club, Brandywine Senior Center and was also Den Mother for Cub Scout Troop 527. Wherever she lived, worked or played, she was known for her quick wit and her warmth. Marie, a.k.a. “Ri-Ri”, enjoyed music (especially Frank Sinatra), the summer winds at Stone Harbor, dancing, bowling and being a wife and a mother. She was also a passionate Phillies fan. She is survived by her son, Barry Gordon Stringfellow, her devoted daughter-in-law, Barbara Stringfellow, their daughter, Tess Twiss and her prized granddog, Daisy. She is also survived by son, Robert Irvin Stringfellow, and his daughter, Sara Stringfellow. Marie was especially grateful for the devotion and care that her niece Sue Gaynor provided for many years. Barry and Barbara are extremely grateful for the compassion Marie received from “Team Ri-Ri” — Mary Ann Dixon-Powell, Lee Page and Shanita Smith, and also for the care she received from the dedicated staff at The Lorelton. Services will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church (2320 Grubb Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810) on Thursday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. The viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment at Silverbrook Cemetery will follow. Donations in Marie Stringfellow’s name can be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia or St. David’s Church in Wilmington.
