Obituary

Mildred Elmira Cleveland Mason, 98, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 3, 2013 in Smithfield, VA.

She was the daughter of John Emory and Marietta Miller Cleveland, born August 9, 1915 at her parent’s grocery store in Gettysburg, PA. She grew up in Gettysburg and graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1934. After High School she attended the Central Pennsylvania Business College in Harrisburg, Pa. In 1936, Mildred married Edward Nelson Mason at Grace Reformed Church (Now Grace United Church of Christ) in Hanover, PA.

Mildred and Nelson spent the next 45 years of their life together in Hanover. After their marriage, Mildred worked at Liggett’s Drug Store and Bernice’s Candy Shop, both in downtown Hanover. They raised 2 sons, Raymond and Kent. As a caring mom, Mildred taught Sunday School and Bible School at Grace Church. She also maintained a Cub Scout Den at her home and was an active PTA member. Mildred was a stay at home mother until their sons graduated college, married, and moved away.

In 1975, when Nelson retired, the Mason’s began wintering in Florida. They spent several winters at Baker Acres in Zephyrhills, FL where they instructed pattern and round dancing. In 1982, they sold their home in Hanover and moved to Zephyrhills.

In 2001, due to Nelson’s deteriorating health, they moved to Franklin, VA to be closer to their family. Nelson died in October 2004 and Mildred lost her beloved partner of 68 years.

Mrs. Mason was also preceded in death by her brothers Raymond N. and John E. Cleveland, Jr. and sisters Helen K. Cleveland, Esther Cleveland Culp and Anna Cleveland Mummert.

Mildred is survived by her sons Raymond C. Mason and wife, Judy M., of Smithfield, VA and E. Kent Mason and wife, Martha, of Waynesville, NC; four grandsons, Christopher Mason and wife, Erica, of Stephens City, VA, Kelly Mason and wife, Susan, of Chesapeake, VA, Jeffrey Giffin and wife, Lisa, of Wilmington, DE, and Jonathan Mason of Lexington, KY; two granddaughters, Christine McCloskey and husband, B.J., of Media, PA, and Emily Mason of Waynesville, NC; three great-grandsons, Noah and Caleb Mason of Chesapeake, VA, Ian Mason, and great-granddaughter, Lillian Mason all of Stephens City, VA.

The funeral will be held 1:30 pm on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at Panebaker Funeral Home, Inc., 311 Broadway, Hanover, with The Rev. Dr. Bruce P. Bouchard officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the viewing one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.