Florence Blades Layton

Florence Blades Layton died on Sunday, June 13, 2004 of Alzheimer’s at William Hill Manor, Easton, where she had resided since 1996. Born in St. Michaels, MD on September 20, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Everett Sheldon, Sr. and Ida Elizabeth Harrison Blades. She attended public school in Queen Anne, graduating in 1933. In 1936 she married Francis Delaplaine “Dick” Moore and they made their home in Centreville where she was employed as Clerk of the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. During World War II, she worked in accounting for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE. She later opened a beauty shop in her home in Queen Anne in order to care for her husband. Mr. Moore died in 1946. In 1948 Florence married Charles V. Layton of Enoree, SC. They made their home in Queen Anne, Denton and Easton. They took great pride in restoring Elbin’s Mill (circa 1735) in Tuckahoe Neck where they made their home for a number of years. During this time, she worked for Denton Production Credit. Upon their retirement, both she and her husband earned their real estate license working part time with the Anne B. Lockhardt Real Estate Agency. Mrs. Layton was the first women chairperson of the Caroline County Democratic State Central Committee. Mr. Layton died in 1996. Mrs. Layton, known as Susie to her family, is survived by her sister, Barbara Blades Dryden and her husband M. Conway of Salisbury; a brother, Robert E. Blades and his wife Constance of Easton; a sister-in-law, Shirley Reed Blades of Easton; five nieces, Chris D. Mosberg of Landenberg, PA, Ann D. Rubino of Baltimore, Nancy B. Harrell of Richmond, Patricia B. Chapman and Amelia B. Steward both of Easton; and a nephew, Charles C. Blades of Richmond, VA. Two brothers, E. Sheldon Blades, Jr. and F. Harrison Blades, died on December 27, 1994. A private family graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Easton, MD. Her nephew, C. Craig Blades and nephews-in-law Brandon H. Harrell, G. Anthony Rubino, Carl D. Chapman, James F. Mosberg and Eric L. Steward will serve as honorary pallbearers Memorial donations may be made to Thawley’s Chapel, c/o Mrs. Olive Smith, 23164 Thawley Road, Denton, MD 21629. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.