As previously reported, Mrs. Della Thomas, of Whitlow, Saundersfoot, passed away at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Tuesday, November 21. She was aged 88.

The funeral took place on Monday, December 4, at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, followed by a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Both services were led by Rev. Canon Andrew Grace and the bearers were Philip and Christopher Cale, Gerry Adams and Newman Vincent.

Della was predeceased by her husband Penry Thomas.

Della and her sisters, Millie and Alison, were all born in the family home in Amroth, where Alison still lives. Della was an active child and during a tree climbing activity she fell and damaged her hip quite badly. This led to her hip being infected by tuberculosis and she spent five-and-a-half years at the Kensington Nursing Home on the north Pembrokeshire coast. During that time her father died. At 15-years-old she left hospital and returned to sing in the Ebenezer Chapel, Amroth.

It was obvious that Della had a fine contralto singing voice and so she had singing lessons from a Mr. Richard Williams in Tenby. Her singing talents developed and she won a place at the Royal College of Music in London at the age of just 18 under the tutelage of Miss Olive Groves. She obtained her musical training and qualification of a coveted gold medal standard as Della James and for many years she kept that as her ‘stage name’. Fred Pullin, the London music critic and adjudicator, reported that Della “had one of the loveliest contralto voices I have heard for many years.”

She returned to Wales and sang on many concert and eisteddffodic platforms, but she realised that to further her career she had to move to London. To maintain herself, she got a job at Scotland Yard as a clerk in the Yard’s surveyor’s department. She sang on many prestigious stages such as the Royal Festival Hall, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea and Colston Hall, Bristol. Della also took part in Vic Oliver’s popular radio programme ‘Variety Playhouse’ and she appeared on the Wilfred Pickles show ‘Ask Pickles’, in which she talked about her triumphant fightback against physical disability.

Whilst in London, she met Penry and following their marriage in Penarth, they moved to Bristol and then a few years later to Saundersfoot. Della continued to sing at big events and lots of local ones, including the Saundersfoot Operatic Society, often accompanied by Mary Griffiths. They enjoyed performing for the benefit of Cancer Research, since both ladies sat on the local committee of that charity. A highlight of many shows were her duets with Nancy Bateman - contralto and soprano.

Some time before these operettas, Della was introduced to the Tenby Male Choir. Graham Stubbs and his wife Pat, along with so many choir members, became precious friends to Della, who sang with them frequently. Another talented singer, Joan Luke, often sang with Della and their splendid duets were highlights of Tenby Male Choir programmes.

Some members of today’s Tenby Male Choir ensemble do not remember Della as she decided before their arrival that the time had come for her to step aside as she alone detected a slightest edge to her top notes - the ravages of time; such was her personal wish to give us, her audiences, the very best that she could. That was the standard she set herself always.

Determined to continue to use her musical talent, she joined the Hand-bell Ringers in St. Mary’s Church. She loved it; they loved her!

In later years, Della suffered increasing pain and decreasing mobility and her quality of life was vanishing, but she never lost her dignity. Thanks to the undying support of a band of loyal friends and carers, she always looked to be the charming, beautiful lady that all would remember.

Her conversations were always lively and interesting and everyone realised that she loved her family and her countless friends; she loved her music; and she loved life. She really is now free of pain - but the voice is silent. Thank you, Della, for all that you gave us, and for the wonderful memories you left for us. If there is a heavenly choir up there, then they have just welcomed a superb soloist.

There were family flowers only at her funeral, with donations to the RSPCA, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.

Mr. David Henry John

(Dai)

Clunderwen

Peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, December 9, of Mr. David John know as Dai, of Heol-y-gaer, Clunderwen. He was 84.

Beloved husband of Ceinwen, dear father of Eirian, Jeffrey, Delyth, Michael and Wayne, loving grandfather and great-grandfather.

The Funeral is on Saturday, December 16. Public Service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm. There will be family flowers only. Donations towards Meddygfa Taf Surgery, Whitland, c/o Ken Davies and Sons, Funeral Directors, Clunderwen who are carrying out the arrangements.

MR. HARRY WHITTAKER

Passed away in The Cliftonville Care Home, Northampton on Tuesday, December 5, aged 85 years.

Beloved husband of the late Marion and a much loved Dad, Grandie and Great Grandie. Will be sadly missed.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, December 18 in The Drayton Room of Rainsbrook Crematorium, Rugby, at 1.30 pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Parkinson’s UK or Dementia UK may be left in the chapel or sent c/o John Ward & Son, Funeral Directors, 17 High Street, Daventry, NN11 4BG. Tel: 01327 300033.

Mrs. Sinéad Hughes

St. Florence

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Tuesday, December 5 of Sinéad Hughes, of White Gables, St Florence, with family at her side.

Sinéad had recently celebrated her 88th birthday and is survived by her husband Raymond; sons Richard and Raymond; daughters Margaret and Jane and seven grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. 

The funeral will take place at Holyrood and St Teilo’s Catholic Church in Tenby on Monday, December 18 at

2 pm, followed by interment at St. Florence parish church. Family flowers only please, with donations, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Society or Cancer Research UK, c/o W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Wynne Lloyd Jones M.A.

Narberth

Peacefully, after years of a long illness borne patiently, Wynne, aged 66, retired primary school teacher, historian and creative writer, died on Wednesday, November 29, at Glangwili Hospital Carmarthen.

Sadly missed by cousins and friends.

Funeral at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, December 19, at 1.45 pm.

Flowers or donations, if so desired, payable to Cancer Research UK, c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR.

MRS. M. LEWIS

PENTLEPOIR

The death occurred peacefully at Pencoed Residential Home, Wooden, on Saturday, December 9, of Mrs. Margaret Lewis, aged 90 years, of Pentlepoir.

Devoted wife of the late Ivor. Much loved Aunt and Great Aunt. Margaret will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 22 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 10 am, followed by a service of Thanksgiving at St. Johns Church, Tenbym at 11.30 am.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for St. Johns Church, Tenby, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arangements.

MRS. W. E. TUNSTER

AMROTH

The death occurred suddenly, but peacefully at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, on Sunday, December 3, of Mrs. Winifred Elizabeth Tunster, aged 74 years, of Beechlea, Trelessy Road, Amroth.

Devoted wife of Richard. Dearly loved Mum of John and Dawn. Much loved sister of Michael and the late Ralph. Treasured Aunt and Great Aunt.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 15 at Eglwys Gymyn Church, at 2 pm, followed by interment at Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.

There will be flowers or donations, if so desired, for Stroke Association, British Heart Foundation, Arthritis Research UK and The Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o Mr. John Lewis Tunster, Beechlea, Trelessy Road, Amroth, SA67 8PT.

The funeral arrangements are being conducted by E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth. Tel: 01834 831876.

MR. S. P. PEARSON

ANGLE

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Friday, December 8, of Mr. Simon Peter Pearson, aged 67 years, of Angle, formerly of Thorne Island.

Simon will be sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbours.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 19, at St. Mary’s Church, Angle, at 1 pm, followed by interment at the Church Cemetery.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for Cancer Research, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel: 01834 831876.

MR. J. F. LLOYD JOE

KILGETTY

The death occurred peacefully at Lighthouse Ward, Park House Court, Tenby, on Sunday, December 10, of Mr. Joseph Frederick Lloyd, affectionately known as Joe, aged 82 years, of Cooksyeat View, Kilgetty.

Dearly Loved Husband of Gaynor. Cherished Dad of Sandra and Joanne. Much Loved Grandad and Great-Grandad.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 21 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for Parkinsons Society (Pembrokeshire Branch), c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel: 01834 831876.

MRS. S. BLAYNEY

KILGETTY

The death occurred peacefully at home on Monday, December 11, of Mrs. Shirley Blayney, aged 77 years, of Oakfield Drive, Kilgetty.

Devoted Wife of Herbie. Dearly loved Mum of Andrew, Michael and Mark. Cherished Nan and great Nan.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 21 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 11.30 am. There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for Macmillan Cancer Support and The Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors,, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH.

MRS. L. M. SHUCK

SAUNDERSFOOT

The death occurred peacefully at West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, December 12, of Mrs. Lily May Shuck, aged 88 years, of Whitlow, Saundersfoot.

Beloved wife of the late Norman. Dearly loved Mum of Jan, Andrea and the late Barbara. Cherished Grandma and Great Grandma.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 22 at St. Issells Church, Saundersfoot, at 2 pm followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 3.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for St. Issells Church, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

JAMES (JIMMY) TITTERTON

SAUNDERSFOOT

Jimmy passed away peacefully at home during the early hours of Wednesday, December 13.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 22 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired payable to Prostrate Cancer UK, c/o Mr. Ian Nicholls, 1 Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot.

The funeral arrangements are being carried out by Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB.