Passages: Summer 2022

Maurice L. Davidson ’69
Facilities Management (1991-2009)
April 5, 2022

Maurice Luther Davidson, 80, died Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at his home in Berea, Ky. He was born in Berea to the late Luther and Louona Sexton Davidson.  Maurice was a retired carpenter with Facilities Management at Berea College. After his retirement, he enjoyed working part-time as a maintenance technician for Mountain Association. Maurice was a US Air Force veteran and a member of the First Christian Church. He was also a Berea College alum, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts. Maurice loved spending time with his family, doing carpenter projects whenever needed, and building projects with his youngest grandson Brandon. He was an avid UK Wildcats fan. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of almost 32 years, Diane Davidson and his sister, Betty Sue Halbritter. He is survived by his son, Eric (Cortnie) Davidson, his grandchildren, Sara Kay Shearer of Knoxville, Tennessee, Grace, Avery and Brandon Davidson all of Berea. His nieces, Sheri (Mark) Watson of Marysville, Ohio, Tina (Chad) Van Etten of Dublin, Ohio, Nicole (Michael) Minak of Winder, Georgia, his nephew, Robert (Jodee) Stanton of New Port Richey, Florida; one brother, Robert Davidson of Lexington, Kentucky; and many other family and friends whom he loved dearly. Funeral services will be 1 pm, Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Caldwell-Reiss and Rev. Rick Fulton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Eric Davidson, Avery Davidson, Mark Watson, Isaac Watson, Jim Beaver, J.B. Hillard, and Tony DeGregorio. Honorary bearers will be Brandon Davidson, Jimmy Wagers, Jerry Powell, Christopher Lewis, and the Berea Police Department. Services will be livestreamed at www.lakesfuneralhome.com

Lizzie Allen Barrett ’41
March 23, 2022

Lizzie Mae Barrett, 105, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Heritage House of Connersville where she had been a resident since September 2019.

She was born January 24, 1917, in Teges, Kentucky to William and Sudie Rogers Allen. She graduated from Oneida Baptist Institute High School in 1933 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Berea College in 1941.

On May 14, 1945, she married Preston Barrett in Newport, Kentucky. Mr. Barrett passed away May 14, 1990.

Together they relocated to Connersville, and Lizzie Mae became employed as an elementary teacher for the Fayette County School Corporation for 28 years, retiring in 1974.

She was a member of New Heights Christian Church and later Connersville Church of Christ.

In her leisure, she loved reading and playing the board game Rummikub.

Survivors include two sons, Ronald (Sandra) Eddy Barrett of Cincinnati and Steven (Cindy) Troy Barrett of Cary, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) Barrett of Portland, Oregon, Cory (Allie Bieker) Barrett of Happy Valley, Oregon, Sarah Barrett of Chapin, South Carolina and Craig Piscitello of Cincinnati, Ohio; a great grandson, Cyrus Alexander Barrett of Happy Valley, Oregon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 45 years, Preston Barrett; four brothers, Raymond, Everett, Vernon, and Chester Allen; and two sisters, Nannie Hensley and Julia Allen.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage House Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their kindness and loving care in her final years.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. by Wayne Greeson on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Laurel North Cemetery. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made anytime at www.millermosterrobbins.com.

Published by Connersville News Examiner on Mar. 24, 2022.

Dr. Doshia McKnight Grosch ’43
April 3, 2022

Doshia M Grosch, age 100, of Bethesda, Maryland passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Doshia was born July 24, 1921.

Emma Bardill Hendrick Acad ’43
Sept. 30, 2021

Emma Augusta Hendrick, of Tullahoma, passed this life on Thursday, September 30th, 2021, at her home at the age of 100. Mrs. Hendrick was born in Wartburg, Tennessee to the late Walter and Anna Heidel Bardill. During her life she was a cafeteria worker with the Tullahoma City School System and was also a volunteer with the Good Samaritan Community Outreach for 68 years. Mrs. Hendrick was a long-time, devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, a 57-year member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and had made 89 different banners that have hung in the church over many years. She was also a volunteer with the Auxiliary at Harton Hospital for many years. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hendrick was preceded in death by her husband, Roger G. Hendrick, Sr.; two sons, Roger Hendrick, Jr. and Larry Hendrick; two brothers, Harold Bardill and Wilburn Bardill; and one sister, Miki Rudnik. She is survived by her daughter, Patti (Terry) Mathis; two sisters, Ethel Hamilton and Alice (Charles) Scott; one grandson, Adam (Amy) Hendrick; one great-grandson, Skylar Hendrick; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 4th, 2021, at Faith Lutheran Church from 11:00am-1:00pm with the funeral to immediately follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Marty Nutter officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Emma’s memory be made to either Faith Lutheran Church, 101 Bragg Circle, Tullahoma, TN 37388; or The Good Samaritan of Tullahoma Ministry, 210 E. Grundy St. Tullahoma, TN 37388.

Wilma Wilson Barath ’44
Dec. 10, 2021

Funeral services for Wilma Frances Barath, Frankfort, will be held 12 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. to service time. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Louisville. Wilma passed from this earth on December 10, 2021, at the age of 99 years old. She was born in the small town of Booneville, Ky. and grew up in Berea. She went to Berea college, where she met and married the love of her life, John Barath, Jr. For all of her 99 years her life reflected her love and care for her family and the Lord, being active in many church activities and always supportive of her family. She enjoyed helping with church bazaars, the church garden, teaching the Women’s circle and Sunday school. She taught elementary school in Louisville for 13 years, and later volunteered at the Thornhill Learning Center tutoring students. She enjoyed reading, art and painting. She lived for the times she could spend with her daughters, and their families, always supporting and encouraging them throughout their lives, to the end of her life. She was the daughter of Beulah Hammond and Hubert Wilson. Survivors include two daughters Patricia Lynn (Norman) Sims, Springfield, IL, Diane (Jeff) Pratt, Frankfort; grandchildren Amy (Patrick) Barry, Shela (Benjamin Gold) Sims, Chase (Christine Harris) Pratt and Cody Pratt; two great grandchildren. LeCompte Johnson Taylor is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, Frankfort. Please visit our website to leave the family messages of condolences @ ljtfuneralhome.com Upcoming Events Visitation Dec 17. 11:00 AM 12:00 PM (ET) LeCompte-Johnson-Taylor Funeral Home 1725 Louisville Rd. Frankfort, KY 40601 https://ljtfuneralhome.com/

Eugene Alexander Waggoner Navy V-12 ’44
April 4, 2022

Eugene Waggoner, 99, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on April 4, 2022, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray. Eugene was born on July 9, 1922, near Crutchfield, Kentucky, to the late Shelby Waggener and Inez Atkins Waggener. An error on his birth certificate resulted in a misspelling of his last name, and all his life this has caused some confusion with family records and the like. Eugene was a graduate of Murray State University with post graduate work at the University of Kentucky. World War II disrupted Eugene’s studies when he decided to enlist in the US Navy. His officer training was completed after graduating first from the Navy V-12 Officer Training School at Berea College and then the Navy Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University, New York City. Eugene served his country in both the European and Pacific Theaters in the Navy amphibious forces. He was Navigator of LST 540, participating in the D-Day landings at Normandy and later in the assault of Okinawa. At the end of the war, he participated in the logistical support of the occupation of Japan. Eugene’s involvement with the US Navy did not end with the war. His post-war Naval Reserve assignments included serving as Commanding Officer, Naval Electronics Division in Paducah, Kentucky, Fifth Naval District Manpower Representative, and Public Information Officer for the United States Naval Academy. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was a member of The Retired Officers Association. Eugene’s civilian career began as teacher of Vocational Agriculture in Fulton County, Kentucky. He left that position in 1952 to begin his career as licensed Professional Engineer at the Union Carbide Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, later known as Lockheed Martin. At the time of his retirement in 1982, Eugene was the Quality Assurance Manager for the plant. Eugene’s Christian faith was of upmost importance to him. He served multiple terms as deacon, elder, and adult Sunday School teacher in the churches he attended. Most recently, he served as Sunday School teacher at Hickory Woods Assisted Living, Murray, where he had been a resident since 2009. Survivors include two children, Paula Waggoner West (Dr. Milton) of Paducah and Mark Waggoner (Renee) of Symsonia; three grandchildren, Benjamin West (Cherith) of Kenedale, Texas, John West (Anna) of Pine Mountain, Georgia, and Lindsey Waggoner of Murray; stepson Ron Lanier (Christine) of Bulverde, Texas, and three step-grandchildren. Several great-grandchildren survive. In addition to his parents, Eugene was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce B. Waggoner, the mother of his two children; his second wife Robbie Lanier Waggoner; and his sister, Dr. Pauline Waggener. Visitation will be held at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th Street, Murray, KY 42071. Rev. Stan Walden will officiate. A graveside service with military honors will follow the service at Union Church Cemetery, Fulton, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at als.org, or to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071. Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th St., Murray, KY is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Eugene Waggoner. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.       Visitation     Thursday, April 07, 2022,     12:00 PM 1:30 PM        Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 713 South 4th Street Murray, Kentucky 42071              Directions         Funeral Service     Thursday, April 07, 2022,     1:30 PM        Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 713 South 4th Street Murray, Kentucky 42071              Directions         Graveside Service     Thursday, April 07, 2022,      Union Church Cemetery Fulton, KY  

Lucille Davis Juett ’46
Feb. 15, 2022

Lucille Davis Juett, the wife of the late Dr Tilman Juett, mother of Judy Doyle (Malcolm Tracy) of Broken Arrow, Ok, Becky Miller (David) of Kuna, ID and James Kent Juett of Ashland, Ky passed away February 15, 2022. She is also survived by 4 grandsons Brian Doyle (Amber) of Sand Springs, OK, Michael Doyle (Ashley) of Collinsville, OK, Matthew Miller of Louisville, KY and Jonathan Miller, MD(Amber) of Boise, Idaho, and 6 great grandchildren. Lucille was born in Jacksboro, TN Dec.13, 1924. She graduated from Berea College, Ky. In 1947 she graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky where she met her husband. They were married Dec 21, 1947, for nearly 45 years until his death on July 23, 1992. Lucille was preceded in death by her sister Lillian Drew, mother Addie Willoughby Davis Boggs and Father James Davis. Lucille and Tim, educators, lived in Oregon, Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Lucille taught high school and was an instructor at University of Cincinnati and Marshall University. After retiring she sold real estate. She had lived in the same home in Ashland from 1972 until February 2021 when she moved to Woodland Oaks Healthcare Center. In her senior years she enjoyed going to Ashland Senior Center. She was active at First Christian Church. Lucille often could be found at the library followed by a walk in Central Park. Lucille enjoyed Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and playing Scrabble. She was kind to others and passed this trait to her children. Her beautiful smile and humor will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to go to First Christian Church in Ashland, Ky. Memorial service will be held February 25, 6:00 pm at First Christian Church in Ashland, Ky. She will be buried next to her husband in Owenton, KY. Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, WV is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Ferrell-ChambersFuneralHome.com.

Stanley Pleatman Navy V-12 ’46
July 23, 2020
Obituary Unavailable

Betty Jean Shufflebarger Bergman ’47
Nov. 24, 2021

Betty J. Bergman, 94, died Wednesday, November 24. Betty was born in eastern Kentucky on September 25, 1927. She graduated from Berea College in Kentucky at age 19, meeting Daniel, the love of her life, in Chicago soon after. They were married for 37 years and raised two daughters together. Betty experienced life in several widely separated locations, both with Daniel and on her own, ending in Duluth. Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She seamlessly juggled home and career throughout her life. As a dietician she worked in commercial, educational and hospital settings, and with the Peace Corps in Jamaica. A second career found her working in admissions and library services at Central College in Pella, Iowa. She remained active throughout her life in the League of Women Voters and American Association of University Women (AAUW). Betty’s legacy lives on in her daughters Brenda and Valerie Bergman and in her grandson Noa Thomas. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis Richardson and brother Morris Shufflebarger. A small memorial service was held at Hope Methodist Church in Duluth on December 2, with a graveside service to be held in the summer in Pella, Iowa. Betty was a life-long champion of education and reading. For many years she supported her local libraries, including the Duluth Public Library. To honor her memory, please direct donations in Betty’s name to the Duluth Library Foundation (www.duluthlibraryfoundation.org).

June Settle Edwards ’47
Feb. 3, 2022

On February 3, 2022, June Elise Settle Edwards, a resident of Haywood County for nearly seven decades, died peacefully in the ninety-sixth year of her age at her home in Waynesville following a long period of declining health.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on October 16, 1926, she was the first child of Samuel Brittain Settle and LaVantia Pearl Elliott. Except for a brief period of residence in Columbus, Ohio while her father, a civil engineer, was working at the Wright engine plant during the Second World War, June spent her childhood and youth in Parkersburg, West Virginia. After graduation from high school, she entered Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, where in 1947 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ever after, she was a grateful and active Berea alumna.

Although she had hoped to go to Germany after the war to assist in the reconstruction of the defeated country’s Nazi-corrupted youth education system, June’s plans changed when she met returning veteran James Roy Edwards. They married in 1947 and the union endured for over 69 years, ending only with his death in 2016.

Following her husband’s graduation from Berea in 1948, June lived for a couple of years in his hometown of Barnardsville while he taught classes for other returning veterans. It was there in 1949 that their first son, Douglas, was born, but, sadly, he died at birth.

June moved to Raleigh with James in 1950 where she did secretarial work while he earned a master’s degree in Animal Science at North Carolina State. In 1953, they moved to Haywood County, where he had agreed to supervise dairy operations at what is now the Mountain Research Station. Here it was that a son, Samuel, and a daughter, Katharine were born to them.

Until her health began to fail, June was very active in Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church, where for years she sang in the Chancel Choir. She occasionally served as a substitute teacher in the public school system, acted as a Girl Scout Leader in Waynesville for several years, was a member of the AAUW, and was among the first women admitted to the Waynesville Lion’s Club. For a number of years, she worked in the office of the late Dr. James K. Stringfield. Always, however, her main focus was the care of her husband and children.

June is survived by a son, Samuel Edwards (Kay); a daughter, Kathi Lowery (Pete); grandsons, David Edwards (Jenna), Cory Lowery, and Joel Lowery (Emily); granddaughter, Rachel Edwards; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Ruth Thompson, of Proctorville, Ohio, and Mary Virgina Lowther (Dewayne), of Buckhannon, West Virginia; four nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville with Reverend George Thompson and Reverend Keith Turman officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. Funeral Services for Mrs. Edwards will also be livestreamed through the FUMC of Waynesville’s YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hbi7PhDfb0.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care, 13 Haywood Office Park, Suite 107, Waynesville, NC 28785, Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 or Berea.salsalabs.org, or First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, PO Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Edwards has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Published by Wells Funeral Homes, Inc. & Cremation Services-Waynesville on Feb. 4, 2022.

Verna VanWinkle Saylor Acad ’47
Dec. 15, 2021

Verna Lee (Van Winkle) Saylor age 94, died December 15, 2021, at Compass Park Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. Verna was born on March 6, 1927, near Berea, Kentucky, to Nelson P. and Mahala “Ella Mae” (See) Van Winkle. After her father’s death in 1935, Verna spent the remainder of her childhood at the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Anchorage, Kentucky. She later completed high school studies at Berea College, Kentucky, where she met her future husband, Rufus Saylor. They were married in 1947, and shared 71 years of marriage, until his death in November 2018. In 1963, the family moved to Greenwood, Indiana, and Verna began work at the administrative offices of Greenwood Village Retirement Community. She worked there for twenty-nine years, retiring in 1992. Verna was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by a daughter, Janis (Bob) Shuman of Arizona, and two sons, Dr. Randel (Joan) Saylor of Texas, and Valyn (Janice) Saylor of Indiana, as well as four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Josephine Seaborn, of Beavercreek, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Saylor, her parents, sisters, Vola Neeley, Dena Ross, and Lola Potters, and brothers, John, Charles, David, and Harold Van Winkle. Private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. The family plans a private Celebration of Life for Verna at a later date. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the kind staff and caregivers at Compass Park.

Daphne Miller Williams ’47
March 31, 2022

Daphne Belle Miller Williams, 98, of Weaverville, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022. She was born to Dewey Lee “Bert” and Angie Sanders Miller on November 2, 1923, in Boone County, West Virginia. Daphne graduated from Marshall College in 1947. Prior to that she had attended Berea College where she met the love of her life, Ormand Carvel Williams, Sr. They were married for 71 years until his death in 2018. Daphne was a schoolteacher, having taught special education at North Buncombe High School until she retired in 1985. After retirement she dabbled in oil painting. She and Ormand enjoyed Bible study and traveling for mission work. They were members of Newbridge Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Daphne was preceded in death by a daughter, Myra Williams Taft; a son, Ted Williams; and a grandson, Jeremy Williams. She is survived by two daughters, Millaine Milhaupt, of Weaverville, and Annette Potts and husband Joe of Mills River; a son, Carvel Williams of Weaverville; grandchildren Stephen Kohler (Jeneen), Laura Unnasch (Matthew), Katherine Capps (Tim), Melodie Potts Rosevear (Sam), James Williams (Delmi), and Amanda Sanders (Jeremy); 16 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm Monday, April 4, 2022, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service, in Mars Hill. Reverend Clark Henderson will officiate. Burial will follow in West Memorial Park. James and Tyler Williams, Peyton Vess, Tim Capps, Jeremy Sanders, and Matthew Unnasch will serve as pallbearers. Steve Kohler and Roger Barker will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made in Daphne’s memory to Newbridge Baptist Church, 199 Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804, or the charity of your choice. Daphne became a Christian at the age of thirteen. She had a strong faith and believed in the power of prayer. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was patient and kind, a blessing to everyone she met. She was happiest when she was helping others. Even when her memory faded, her sweet, gentle spirit shone through. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Daphne’s caregivers through the years, including the staff of Madison Health and Rehabilitation. Online condolences may be sent to the family, and you may view the service live at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

Janet Cawood Cornett ’49
Dec. 12, 2019
Obituary Unavailable

William Jerome Crouch Acad ’45, ’49
Obituary Unavailable

Dale Dedman Wilson ’49
Feb. 18, 2022

Dale D. Wilson, 97, passed away at home on February 18, 2022. Born December 2, 1924, in Brush Creek, TN to Arnold and Novie Blackburn Dedman. When she was 4 years old, her parents moved to The Village in Old Hickory, at that time a DuPont Company Town. Dale graduated from DuPont High School and attended Berea College in Berea, KY, graduating in 1949 after meeting her husband of 71 years, Josef.  After graduating and working for 6 months in Connecticut, she returned to the Southeast to establish her family, and later teach 3rd Grade Reading for 20 years in Nashville Public Schools before retiring in 1986. She was a member and Past President of the Donelson-Hermitage Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority. She and Josef were active volunteers and Board Members of the Buchanan Log House. She had a keen eye for modern design and art that she used along with her green thumb to make every house a home for their children. She is preceded in death by her four younger siblings: Harold Dedman, Jean Dedman, Jackie Dedman, and Joy Gasta. She is survived by her adoring husband, Josef B. Wilson; loving children, Phoebe Moody (the late Gary Moody) of Franklin and Keith Wilson (wife Renee’ Scholtz) of Easton, PA; sister-in-law, Shelby Dedman of Antioch, TN; loving grandchildren Lee Moody of Franklin, TN and Paul Moody of Spring Hill, TN; 13 dear nieces and nephews from all over the U.S. The family wishes to convey admiration and gratitude to Dale’s caregivers Tonya Dinkel, Denise Thomas, Toni O’Neal, Tameka Lindsley, Dorothy Stalworth, Lessie Murray, and Alive Hospice. Please consider donations to the Buchanan Log House in Donelson and Alive Hospice.

Forrest Earl Jarrett ’50
Feb. 4, 2022

Leicester – Forrest Earl Jarrett (November 29, 1928 – February 4, 2022) is now riding that Orange Blossom Special in the sky. Forrest died peacefully at home after a brief illness in the same room where his “darling,” Alene Ray Jarrett, passed away two years previously. Forrest was also predeceased by his parents Olin and “Mama Linda” Jarrett and his sister Jewell Jarrett Church (Reeves).

He loved telling stories. You’d hear stories about his childhood on a farm in Madison County, NC; his education at Marshall High School and Berea College; his time in the Army during the Korean conflict; and his decades with the law enforcement branch of the Southern, then Norfolk Southern, Railways. He retired in 1990 as the Director of Security of Norfolk Southern Railway.

Some of his proudest accomplishments included sponsoring the passage of a bipartisan Congressional bill for interstate railway policing, supporting the Lawmen, a company-sponsored country music band, directing the Special Olympics program during his time in Atlanta, saving the Marshall Depot which is now a popular country music hall, and helping create the Sandy Mush Game Lands, administered by the US Forest Service. He was most proud of his beloved family and loved hosting friends at his and Alene’s retirement home, which he’d been building in his mind for many years.

Forrest is survived by his sons, Greg and Owen, his brother Olin Jarrett Jr. (Evelyn), niece Rev. Esta Jarrett, nephew Tim Jarrett (Lisa), many other relatives, and too many friend-boys and -girls to count.

His funeral will be held Thursday, February 10, at First Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, with Pastor Bradley Johnson and Rev. Esta Jarrett officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 noon at the church, with the service following at 2 pm. Masks are required. A private interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to either the Antioch/Ponder Cemetery Fund (PO Box 99, Leicester, NC 28748), the American Cancer Society, or Berea College (101 Chestnut Street, Berea, Kentucky 40404). As a gift to the family, please write down your stories and memories of Forrest and Alene and send them to PO Box 399, Leicester NC, 28748, to be collected in a book.

Condolences can be made to the family online at www.MadisonFH.com.

Posted online on February 07, 2022

D. C. Martin Jr. ’50
Feb. 22, 2022

D.C. Martin, formerly of Morganton, for five decades, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, in High Point. He was 94.

D.C. was born Aug. 8, 1927, in the Rutherford County community of Bostic, to Dob Cleveland Martin and Bessie Thorne Martin, and was the youngest of five siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers, William, Burrell and Cecil, and his sister, Geraldine Martin Hill.

After graduating Cool Springs High School in Forest City, D.C. enrolled at Berea College in Kentucky. His studies were interrupted by the World War II draft, and he served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. He resumed his studies and graduated Berea with a BA in Economics in 1950. He later earned an MA at Appalachian State University.

D.C. loved teaching. He began his teaching career as a high school history teacher at Marion High School, in Marion. He subsequently served Marion City Schools as principal at both East Marion and West Marion Elementary. He left Marion to accept the position of principal at the K-12 school of Weldon City Schools in Halifax County. He returned closer to his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains in 1968, to begin a 20- year tenure as principal at Forest Hill Elementary in Morganton.

D.C. married Aileen Trout of Forest City, in August 1954. They raised three children during their 67-year marriage. They lived in Morganton from 1968 to 2018.

D.C. never lost the love of the outdoors that he learned growing up farming and hunting with his father and brothers. He was an avid gardener, wildflower photographer and hiker. In the three summers after his retirement in 1988, he walked three fourths of the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Ga., to near Manchester, Vt. — before a cancer diagnosis and treatment slowed him down a bit. He outlived his 6–18-month prognosis by 30 years.

In addition to his wife, Aileen of Greensboro, he is survived by daughter, Rebecca Martin and husband, Steve Patton of Greensboro; daughter, Nancy Higgins and husband, Don, of Petersburg, Ark.; son, Alan Martin of Davidson; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 20, at First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., in Morganton, with inurnment to follow immediately thereafter in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Morganton, NC 28655.

Published by The News Herald on Mar. 13, 2022.

Rev. Floyd William Finch Jr. ’51
March 2, 2022

The Reverend Floyd William Finch, Jr., 92, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Leona Sutherland Finch entered into eternal rest on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022. His Memorial Service was held Friday, March 4, 2022, in The Chapel at Bishop Gadsden, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Floyd was born April 22, 1929, in Arden, North Carolina, son of the late Floyd William Finch, Sr. and Ruth Mallory Finch. He was a graduate of Berea College, Virginia Theological Seminary and Appalachian State University. Floyd was involved in numerous activities during his schooling and honors included Valedictorian. Floyd was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1954 and served in the Diocese of NC, the Diocese of Western NC, the Diocese of Atlanta, and the Diocese of SC until his retirement in 2013.

Floyd’s ministry and community service was extensive. He served on several school boards and also was a school administrator. He helped develop and direct Camp Henry, participated with youth programs and was chaplain for fire departments. Floyd was a guest speaker and preacher in conventions, colleges, universities, churches, schools and other civic and professional organizations. Floyd, along with others, helped develop Cursillo in SC. His leadership in the community brought his appointment as an honorary Kentucky Colonel by Governor Combs. Floyd is also listed in several publications that distinguished him, including Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Personalities of the South, The Two Thousand Men of Achievement, The National Register of Prominent Americans, The Royal Blue Book and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Leona; two sons: Floyd W. Finch III (Carole) of Bonneau, SC and James Milton Finch (Audrey) of Moncks Corner, SC; daughter, Theresa F. Roberts (Chris) of Shelby, NC; two brothers: Morris M. Finch, Sr. (Carolyn) of Arden, NC and Adrian F. Finch (Linda) of High Point, NC; two sisters: Ruth F. Davis of Greer, SC and Mada F. Hare (David) of Arden, NC; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Floyd was predeceased by his daughter, Karen Elizabeth.

Memorials may be made to the Resident’s Assistance Fund, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

Dr. Douglas Kelley ’51
Jan. 12, 2022

Douglas C. Kelley, who conceived of and piloted the concept that would become the Peace Corps the International Development Placement Association died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, at 92. By 1954, when he was 25, the IDPA had already sent 18 young Americans to perform service work in India, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Uganda, and 502 others had applied, demonstrating the feasibility of the idea. A member of his non-profit board floated the idea on Capitol Hill, where it was picked up by Hubert Humphrey, who introduced legislation to create a “peace corps.” John F. Kennedy then adopted it in his 1960 campaign. After working on the original Peace Corps staff, Doug volunteered himself in 1963, moving to Cameroon, Africa, with his wife Cynthia and their sons, 4 and 6. He and local supporters founded the Bamenda Handwork Cooperative to create an export market for traditional crafts. It doubled the monthly income of many of the craftspeople, enrolling 1,300 members in 1964-65, and is still in business nearly 60 years later. On his return to the U.S., he became executive director of the Encampment for Citizenship, a summer training camp in organizing for young people from diverse backgrounds. He had attended the first-ever Encampment at age 17 in 1946, during which he was inspired by meeting Eleanor Roosevelt at the family’s summer residence in Hyde Park. He went on to direct the North Country Community College campus in Malone, New York, where he tailored two-year degree programs for artisans in the Akwesasne Mohawk community and outdoor guides in the Adirondacks. He created a community council and led its restoration of a decrepit old textile mill into a thriving arts center, which today is the college’s headquarters. He moved to Ann Arbor to marry his Berea College sweetheart from 25 years before, Mary Corsi, a beloved school social worker. He got his PhD in adult education from the University of Michigan at age 50 and finished his career as Director of Extension at the University’s campus in Flint, where he started its first programs to help unemployed auto workers retrain. He and Mary organized the first Elderhostel especially for grandparents and grandchildren. In his later years Doug devoted himself to Democratic political campaigns and to expanding his vast collection of presidential campaign memorabilia, housed in a private museum he called the Democratic Archive. At 79, he campaigned in five states for Barack Obama. Early in his career he worked as administrative assistant to then-Lt. Gov. and later revered U.S. Sen. Philip A. Hart, and as a member of the United Autoworkers at Olds and Fisher Body. He was active in the labor and civil rights movements and participated in Martin Luther King’s 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Monument. He served stateside in the Army during the Korean conflict, and attended the First Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor, where he sang in the choir. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, and a proud descendant of Danish immigrants to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His final home was the Glacier Hills Senior Living Community in Ann Arbor, where he met Ellen Brady Finn, a retired teacher. They were married in 2015 by the mayor of Ann Arbor and went to visit England on the Queen Mary. He was born in Lansing to Roy Palmer Kelley of Bay City, a highway engineer, and Edith Plambech Kelley of Michigamme, a teacher. He died peacefully in his own bed, surrounded by family. Contributing factors were kidney failure, a non-COVID infection, and cerebrovascular disease. He was predeceased by son Stephen Paul Kelley; brother Richard Allen Kelley; and second wife, Mary Corsi Kelley. Survivors include his first wife, Cynthia Gebauer Kelley; third wife, Ellen Brady Finn Kelley; son Peter Lawrence Kelley and daughter-in-law Valerie Annette Briggs; grandson Miles Nicholas Stoltzfus Kelley; nephew Bob Kelley; nieces Jane Kelley Walters and Betsy Kelley Evans; grandnephews David Kelley and Jim Kelley; and grandniece Grace Evans. A memorial service will be scheduled in the spring in Ann Arbor.

Isaac Kregger Musick Fd ’51
April 17, 2022

Mr. Isaac “Kregger” Musick, age 93, formerly of Colfax, passed away on April 17, 2022, at Glenaire Nursing Center in Cary, North Carolina.

Ike was born April 28, 1928, a son of Isaac W. and Nannie L. Musick of the Green Springs Community in Washington County, Virginia.  He graduated from Berea Foundations School in 1951, served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky State College in 1957.  He worked at Raytheon as a draftsman for one year, and then began his 30-year tenure as an Industrial Arts teacher at Ferndale Middle School.  Ike was also a licensed barber, owning and operating his own shop in High Point for several years.  Ike loved wood working, especially turning wood on the lathe; gardening (tomatoes were his favorite); and fishing.  He loved his family and friends and, with his wife, was a devoted member of Oakview United Methodist Church for many years.  Ike was a lifelong learner and participated in many Bible studies and Elderhostel classes and tackled the challenge of learning how to use the iPad with quiet determination and persistence.  Ike found joy in living the golden rule and showed kindness and patience to everyone.

Surviving is his brother, James D. Musick of Round Hill, VA; children, Nathan (Vesselina) Musick, Sharon (Nigel) Walker, and Steven (Lori) Musick; and grandchildren, Isaac A. (Maya) Musick, Sadie Musick, Peter Walker, Mary Katherine Musick, and Michael Musick.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Daphne B. Musick, as well as six sisters and six brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, in the chapel of the Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point with Chaplain Robbin Mundy officiating.  His interment will follow the service at Floral Garden Park Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home.

His family extends their deep appreciation to those who provided extra care at the end of Ike’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berea University (https://www.berea.edu/give).  Blessed be the memory of Isaac K. Musick.

Fannie Garrison Westfall ’51
Nov. 23, 2021

Black Mountain – Fannie Garrison Westfall, of Black Mountain passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Givens Highland Farms. Mrs. Westfall was born December 31, 1928, to Thomas and Alma Medler Garrison in Weaverville, NC. She is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, two brothers and a son, Timothy.

Mrs. Westfall graduated from Barnardsville High School in 1947, received a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in 1951, doing additional study at Ohio’s Miami University. She married a Berea College classmate and Country Dance partner, Robert Westfall in 1951. Mrs. Westall spent 30 years elementary teaching in Ohio Public Schools, where many parents wanted her for their child’s teacher. After retirement she moved with her husband to Leicester, NC in 1994, enjoyed square and round dancing with her husband in Asheville. She later received treatments for an ailment at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Robert Westfall; son, Robert, Jr. and wife Linda of Montaque, Texas; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren of Austin, Texas; brothers, Dr Ben Garrison and wife Judy of Cartersville, GA.; Lowell Garrison and wife Ruby, of Elizabeth TN., and Dr. Norman Garrison and wife Tabitha of Harrisonburg, VA,; sisters in law, Annie Lea Garrison and Naomi Garrison of Mars Hill, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM Monday, November 29, 2021, at Bull Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Bill Janes will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

Eddie K. Wilson Fd ’47, ’51
March 32, 2022

Eddie Kay Wilson went home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on March 23, 2022. He left a legacy of a truly dedicated Christian family man, who was devoted to his wife of 68 years, children, and church. He was an avid gardener, sharing his bountiful produce with the community. Retired from the USDA Cotton Division, he loved working crossword puzzles, writing poetry, enjoying God’s creation from his backyard swing, woodworking, watching Clemson football, and spending time with family in Montreat, NC. He believed strongly in absolute truths and the high ideals of our Christian heritage, practical wisdom, quiet strength, and common sense. Ed kept up with current events and read extensively on a variety of subjects, so his opinions and thoughts were sought after by many. He was quite the conversationalist; “I tell you one thing” was a favorite opening line. As a lifelong Presbyterian and founding member of Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ed lovingly and patiently lived out his faith in Jesus and committed many Scriptures to memory.

Ed was born in Denver, NC on November 28, 1929, to Joseph Alvin Wilson and Sue Tate Wilson. His older brother was Joseph Alvin Wilson, Jr.; his younger brother was Charles Larry Wilson, all deceased. He grew up in Columbus, NC, accompanying his father, a county agent, on various trips to share his “know-how” with neighboring farmers. As a young teen, he worked on a Hudson River boat in NY in the summers and finished high school at Berea Foundation School in Kentucky. He earned a BS degree in Agricultural Education in 1951 at Berea College. He taught veterans at Mill Springs, NC for a year prior to working with his brother Jay in Florence, SC at the Mall Chainsaw Store in the early fifties.

While in Florence, Ed visited his college roommate’s family in Whiteville, NC. There he met his sweetheart and future wife, Evelyn Faulk, a teacher. She had already made plans to move to California to be near her mother. In July 1953, he visited her in Ramona, CA, and proposed marriage. Ed possessed a romantic streak, as evidenced in this poem he wrote for Evelyn:

“Our love is that reflection on the water; the rain and wind may hide or distort;

But the foundation and source is always there,

It comes back and shines steady and smooth

And there is strength in the knowing it was there all the time.”

After completing basic training for the Army, they married on December 12, 1953, in the little chapel at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. Having served two years in the military, Ed was honorably discharged at Fort Devens, MA.

In 1957, Ed received his master’s degree in Agricultural Education from NC State. He became County Supervisor in the Farmer’s Home Administration in Northampton County, NC; then transferred to the USDA Cotton Division in Raleigh, NC, where he began his 41-year career. He moved to Bakersfield, CA, for two years and to Columbia, SC, in 1964. In 1980, the Columbia and Raleigh offices combined to form a new one located in Florence, SC. Ed retired in 1997 as Area Director of the Florence Cotton Office.

Ed was blessed with three children: Vicki Wilson Simms (Ben), Clayton, GA; Thomas Kay Wilson (Laurie) Florence, SC; and Jeff Tate Wilson (Pamela), Campobello, SC. His ten grandchildren include: Vicki Rhodes, Clark, CO; Lyndi Leary (Jay), Bluffton, SC; Kimberly Goodson (Matthew), Mooresville, NC; A. Benjamin Simms, V (Addie), Clark, CO; Evan K. Wilson (Erin), Columbia, SC, Dr. Andrew Wilson (Ashley), Anderson, SC; Laurie Beth Blanton (Hugh), Florence, SC, Kayla Davey (Aaron), Hoover, AL; Dr. Alexander Wilson, Philadelphia, PA; Mark Wilson, Dental School, Medical University of SC. Ed is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren: Damion, Lochlan, and Bright Rhodes, Clark, CO; Eve and Piper Leary, Bluffton, SC; Jacob and Ellie Goodson, Mooresville, NC; Arthur and Vera Simms, Clark, CO; Samuel, James, Annie, and Lillian Wilson, Columbia, SC; Abby, Emma, Drew, and Jack Wilson, Anderson, SC, Afton, Hadden, Meir Ruth Blanton, Florence, SC; Sophia and Charlotte Davey, Hoover, AL

Ed found the greatest pride and joy in his family, as he expressed in the following poem:

Twenty-seventh Anniversary Reflections

“Underneath the sweetgum tree, with paint and brush we stroked

‘Till summer’s heat gave way to frost and now the stove we stoke.

It’s cozy to sit contented by the fire and realize this house is now our home

With many hours spent on a thousand things that bear our mark, each with claims of its own.

A lot has happened since that reflection on the water; we’ve traveled near and far.

On this December twelfth let’s reflect again and pretend

That on top of that old sweet-gum tree

There’s a great big shining star.

Our blessings are many, which we should not forget

Such as Vicki, Tom, and Jeff, undoubtedly sent from heaven

But the years to come will suit me fine

If they even come close to matching the last twenty-seven.”

His own words capture the essence of Ed Wilson’s life, spirit, and personality.

Burial will take place at 2:30 pm Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Please send messages to the family at the obituary section of www.stoudenmiredowling.com.

Mary Louise King Donathan Fd ’48, ’52
Jan. 13, 2022

MARY LOUISE (KING) DONATHAN finished the last chapter in her long book of life on January 13, 2022. Over her lifetime she read thousands of books, which helped to shape her pathway through life. The one book she read daily was her Bible. Her faith was always present throughout her life, guiding her in all that she said and did. Her favorite part of Christmas was celebrating Christ’s birth at Christmas Eve services. She will always be remembered for her kindness, her sweet and loving spirit, never meeting a stranger, and always expressing just the right words of love and support. Her family remembers and cherishes her bone-crushing hugs. The limitless and unconditional love shown to her family will be remembered by those she leaves behind as a forever treasured legacy. Mary began her career as a Certified Home Economist with Appalachian Power Company, where she met her husband, John Donathan Jr. She worked for Appalachian Power until the birth of her children, when she stayed home to focus on raising her family. Following her family’s move to Monroe County, she became a farmer’s wife and a public schoolteacher in the Monroe County School System until her retirement. She received her bachelor’s degree from Berea College and master’s from Marshall University. She was born on December 7, 1930, in Grayson, Ky., the daughter of the late Roscoe Harrison and Sarah Mollie McClain King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Donathan Jr., and sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Glenn Thompson. She is survived by her sons and grandsons, James Donathan (Donna) of Huntington, Matthew (Jessica) Donathan of Gleason, Tenn., Tyler Donathan of Jersey City, N.J., Jon Donathan (Twyla) of Cornelius, N.C., Zachary (Macey) Donathan of Springdale, Ark., Gavin (Elisabeth) Donathan of Anchorage, Ala., Samuel Colton Donathan of Charlotte, N.C.; great-grandson, Benaiah Donathan; and one brother, James (Mryna) King of Huntington Beach, Calif. Friends may call from noon until service time on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park . Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. at the cemetery with Rev. Lloyd Hamblin Jr. officiating. Reger Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. If you wish to honor Mary’s life and memory, please consider a donation to your local library. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.

Lois Carroll Godbey ’52
Jan. 24, 2022

Lois “Sue” Carroll Godbey died on January 24, 2022, following a stroke, but only after living each of her 90 years to the fullest. The daughter of a coal miner, she was born in the hills of Eastern Kentucky in a less than cheerful setting. Her energy, strength and joy quickly brightened that and all her future homes. She helped raise her beloved sister and brother, Shirley Carroll Manly and Jack Carroll. While still a child, Sue created a mobile book exchange for mountain children.

She was a cheerleader and the valedictorian of her high school class. At 17, she entered Berea College on a full academic scholarship. That’s where she met fellow scholarship student Edsel Taylor Godbey. Sue’s father approved of their marriage but sat outside during the ceremony explaining that he loved her too much to ever give her away. Nevertheless, the marriage was a smashing success lasting 70 years and one month, cut “short” only by her death. The newlyweds completed their degrees at the University of Kentucky. Edsel eventually became a college President in Cumberland, Kentucky, and Sue taught first grade. Everyone wanted Mrs. Godbey as their teacher. Parents were caught gaming the system by withdrawing then reenrolling their children for a second chance to land in her class.

Of all the children she ever taught, none was luckier than her own, Dr. Patrick Edsel Taylor Godbey (Donna) and Judge Lisa Godbey Wood (Richard), both of St. Simons Island. If you ever met Sue, then you know all about her children. The pride she felt in them was surpassed only by the love she showed to them. She majored in spoiling her grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Godbey of Richmond, Virginia, and twins Katherine and Lachlan Wood of Athens, Georgia.

Sue and Edsel left Kentucky for France then Dunwoody, Georgia and ultimately St. Simons Island. However, they never forgot their roots nor their obligation to pay their scholarships forward. In 2000, they funded creation of the Godbey Appalachian Center at Southeast Kentucky Community College, and in 2005 they endowed a scholarship to train teachers intent on teaching in Appalachian schools.

Sue was ahead of her time in many ways. She eschewed cooking, so the family ate out every night. Although she never pushed for promotions, her competence kept earning them. She wound up in charge of all elementary science instruction for DeKalb County schools. The one secret she modestly kept was that in a family full of academic stars, hers actually outshone them all.

She loved to travel, visiting all seven continents and playing golf on six.

She was President of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club and an enthusiastic member of the St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church wedding guild. She was the kind of person who was apt to break out in song at any minute or tap out a tune on the car horn just to let out a burst of joy. She wasn’t flawless. She could hold a grudge, talk too loudly in movies and pressure you into eating dessert. Well, even her flaws had charm.

If some part of life’s purpose is to use all your talents, love all your family, pamper all your friends, and spread all your joy, then we know she was greeted in Heaven with “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A memorial service is planned at the family’s Bethelridge, Kentucky graveyard when the hillsides warm. Those wishing to send remembrances are invited to make a contribution to the “Sue Godbey Scholarship Fund” c/o Southeast Education Foundation, 700 College Road, Cumberland, Kentucky 40823.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Helen Hartenstein of BrightStar and the staff at Vitality for their professional and loving care.

Evelyn Suthard Herider ’52
Jan. 7, 2022

Evlyn Leone Holler, 88, of Richmond Indiana, entered eternal life on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Assurance Health near Cincinnati. She was born February 8, 1933, in Nansemond County, Virginia, to John Marvin and Esther Rose (Smith) Suthard, the fifth child of twelve born to her family.

She grew up on the family’s small farm in the village of Fairview, near Asheville North Carolina, and graduated from Fairview High School. After high school she attended Berea College in Kentucky, and subsequently graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1968 where she was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Business. She was a Social Worker and held positions at the Wayne County Department of Public Welfare in Richmond, Indiana and at the Indiana State Department of Public Welfare in Indianapolis.

She made a career change in the mid 1980’s, successfully completing a two-year course of study in Medical Laboratory Technology. She was a Licensed Medical Laboratory Technician (LMLT) and worked in physician offices and hospital laboratories in Brewton and Robertsdale, Alabama.

Upon retirement, she applied for service in the Peace Corps. She was accepted and served two years on the island of St Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. She worked in the local schools setting up Junior Achievement programs, establishing telephone service in the schools, and mentoring the students toward building a successful life for themselves and their families.

She was a member of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Richmond and participated in parish-sponsored studies of the Catholic Faith. She was a member of Catholic Women United and was on Team 16 of the Christ Renews His Parish retreat program. Father Todd Riebe was very special to her.

Her hobbies included reading, knitting and crocheting. She met her future husband and father of her two children when they were both members of a Roller-Skating Dance Club in Newark, Ohio.

Evlyn was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Walter J Holler, Jr. in 1957; her former husband, Roger W Herider in 1995; brothers John Jr, Charles, Henry, and Clarence; sisters Martha and Alice.

Survivors include her daughters Cecelia Holler and Evelyn Miller of Richmond, IN, son-in-law Deacon James R Miller, grandchildren Jenny Priest, David Ruddell, James A Miller, Kimberly Vournazos, Shelly McClure, and Patricia Davis, great-grandchildren Karter Ruddell, Isaiah, Ian and Joseph Vournazos, Gabe, Ava and Addy McClure, Trey and Ethan Davis, and Averleigh Miller.

Four sisters and one brother also survive including Vivian James of Huntersville, NC, Hazel Printz of Dupont, WA, Sharon Cramer of Longview, WA, Catherine Suthard of Richmond, IN, Mitchell Suthard of Denton TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

It was Evlyn’s wish that she be cremated. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 18 at St Andrew Catholic Church of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Richmond, IN with Father Sengole Thomas Gnanaraj officiating. Immediately following, Deacon Jim Miller will officiate a graveside service in St Mary Catholic Cemetery in Richmond.

Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at www.stegallberheideorr.com.

Nan Harris Sevy ’52
Obituary Unavailable

Charles Larry Wilson Fd ’52
Jan. 17, 2018

Dr. Charles Larry Wilson, 83, of Montreat, North Carolina went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

Dr. Wilson was born April 28, 1934, in Columbus, North Carolina to Joseph Alvin Wilson and Eddie Sue Tate Wilson, adding to two older brothers Joseph Alvin (Jay) and Eddie Kay. After a boyhood spent in Polk County, Larry lost his parents at an early age and was raised by his older brothers and stepmother Ophelia Shields Wilson.

Larry graduated high school in Berea, Kentucky and began collegiate studies at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he studied Physical Education and became an extremely accomplished gymnast. It was at Springfield that he met and after graduation married Judith Johnson. Larry was fond of saying, in front of Judy, that the best thing that happened to him while at Springfield was meeting his beautiful future wife. In addition, he would later earn a Master’s (State University of New York [SUNY] at Cortland) and a Ph.D. in Physical Education from Florida State University.

Larry and Judy began their family life together in upper New York State, where Larry taught and coached high school athletics for a number of years. While there, Larry and Judy were blessed with four wonderful children: David Charles, Susan Lynn, Robert Larry and Timothy George.

In 1965, Larry and Judy moved their family to the mountains of Western Carolina and began a 27-year career at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina. Over his long and distinguished career at Montreat, Larry taught physical education, sociology, Marriage and Family and many other academic courses. He began as a faculty member in Physical Education and Coach of many of the athletic teams of the College and progressed upward as Athletic Director, Department Chairman of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Dean of Students and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In his role as Vice President, Larry worked closely with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and provided the leadership necessary to transition Montreat -Anderson College from a two-year college to a four-year college. In addition, he served in many leadership roles as a Deacon and Elder of Christ Community Church of Montreat and was extremely involved in the communities of Montreat and Black Mountain including Rotary. He was perhaps most proud of his work on the Committee which initiated and saw through to fruition the design and construction of the new Owen High School.

Dr. Wilson was instrumental in the birth and development of the Montreat Summer Club Program, the Fourth of July Parade and Celebration and the Friday Night Square Dancing in the Barn with the Stoney Creek Boys as house band. Many generations of the College family and the Montreat Community recall with fondness his call to “find a partner and round ’em up”.

Dr. Wilson was honored by Montreat College and the Montreat family with an Honorary Doctorate in 2012 and with a Lifetime Achievement Citation in 2017.

Larry was the epitome of a family man and his love for and devotion to his family, soon to reach 40 members, was unquestioned. His faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior is foundational to the strong legacy he left for his family. As a fifty yearlong resident of Montreat, he faithfully served his Lord as a long-time friend to many, teacher, coach, dean, and mentor to countless College students, servant-leader and developer in the Community, loving brother, brother-in-law and uncle and loving husband, father and father-in-law.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Alvin and Eddie Sue Tate Wilson and by his stepmother Ophelia Shields Wilson.

Dr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Judith J. Wilson of Givens Highland Farms, son David Charles Wilson and his wife Twyla, daughter Susan Wilson Hood and her husband Dr. Charles (Chuck) Hood, son Robert Larry Wilson and his wife Becky and Timothy George Wilson and his wife Mona; 12 grandchildren and 8 (soon to be 9) great grandchildren, brothers Kay and Jay Wilson and sister-in-law Karlene Johnson Shea.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Ps. 23:6)

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, January 26, 2018, at 3:00 pm at Christ Community Church, Gaither Hall, Montreat with Rev. Richard White officiating. A reception will follow the service. A private burial will be held in Piney Grove Cemetery. Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).

Jean Hurt Williams ’53
Feb. 12, 2022

Mildred “Jean” Hurt Williams, 90, wife of the late Eugene Walter Williams, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter in Lawrenceburg on February 12, 2022.  Born in Lancaster, KY on February 26, 1931, Jean was the daughter of the late Harris and Elizabeth Ball Hurt. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Scott Matthew Williams, a grandson Cody Clemmons Baxter, and a brother Frank Hurt. Jean received her Nursing Degree from Berea College and worked as a Registered Nurse for the V.A. Hospital in Lexington for over 20 years.  After marrying her husband, Eugene she worked on several military bases as a registered nurse.  While working at Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio she was recognized and received special accommodations for saving the life of a young mother who had just given birth.  She was chosen as Outstanding Nurse of the year when working in the Neuro Surgical Unit at the Veterans Administration in Lexington.  She was a member of the Sand Spring Baptist Church, the Faithful Workers Sunday School class and a former member of the Lawrenceburg Pierian’s Woman’s Club. Survivors include her daughter, Anita Williams Toll and her husband Allen of Lawrenceburg; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Williams of Sugerland, TX; three grandchildren, Kristian Baxter and his girlfriend, Taylor Polston, Lacy Toll (Nate) Lawhon, and Elaine Toll; five great grandchildren, Bentley Baxter, Oliver Bowen, Tierian Lawhon, Mattie Jean Baxter, and Nola Blue Polston; her sister, Ramona Simpson of Lawrenceburg; several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 12 noon Friday, February 18, 2022, at Sand Spring Baptist Church, 1616 Harrodsburg Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY with Dr. Mike Hamrick officiating.  Burial will follow in Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Jessamine County, KY.  Visitation will be held 4   7 PM Thursday and after 10 AM Friday, all at the church. Serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Lynn Simpson, Bryan Engle, Will Simpson, Eddie Hurt, Ricky Hurt, and Kristian Baxter.  Members of the Faithful Workers Sunday School class will serve as honorary bearers. Memorials in memory of Jean Williams are suggested to Sand Spring Baptist Church Missions Fund, P.O. Box 166, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com.

Don C. Pardue ’54
April 10, 2022

Don Carson Pardue, 91 of Wilkesboro passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, at his home.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2022, at First United Methodist Church North Wilkesboro with Rev. Jim Sanders officiating. The family will receive after the service in the Faith Center.

Don was born Aug. 27, 1930, in Wilkes County to Eugene Forrest and Ever Prevette Pardue. At an early age Don developed a great love for nature and the outdoors, which he carried with him throughout his lifetime. Agriculture became more than a passion for him when at the age of 12 his father enlisted in the U.S. Navy soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942 and went on to join the war effort in the South Pacific. Don and his five siblings quickly learned the value of hard work in an effort keep the farm going while their father was away. Don attended high school in Wilkesboro, where he played football for the undefeated Ramblers team of 1947. After graduation, Don followed in his father’s footsteps and joined three years in the Navy and then an additional two years in the Marine Corps. While at Berea College he obtained a degree in agriculture and it was there he met Carol Henderson, who would become his lifelong companion of almost 70 years.

Edith Campbell Todd ’54
Jan. 20, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Edith C Todd of Elgin, Tennessee, born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, who passed away on January 20, 2022, at the age of 89, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Edith C Todd to show support.

A reception was held on Monday, January 24th, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at 7:00 PM. A burial was held on Tuesday, January 25th, 2022, at 1:00 PM at the Todd Family Cemetery.

Kenneth Ray Weaver Fd ’54
July 1, 2021
Obituary Unavailable

Shirley Garland Byassee ’55
Dec. 22, 2021

Shirley Garland Byassee 87, passed away on December 22, 2021, at her home in Clinton, Kentucky. She was born on September 24, 1934, in Cumberland, Kentucky to Charles Sumner and Alice Flanary Garland. She was deeply cherished by her family. Shirley was the epitome of strength, grace and love. Shirley grew up in Holmes Mill, Kentucky. She graduated from Evarts High School in 1951. After high school she attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky where she received a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Shirley taught Home Economics and Science at Loyal High School and then Evarts High School before moving to Jasper, Tennessee to work as a Rural Development Agent in the Extension Office. She worked almost a year as an extension agent before finding her professional passion which was Dietetics. Shirley began working at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She participated in a Dietetic Internship which led to becoming a Registered Dietician. Shirley left Chattanooga to become Food Service Director at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. She was an active member of the American Dietetic Association for over 50 years. Shirley married the love of her life, John Hall Byassee, Jr. in 1964 in Murray, Kentucky. They were happily married for 39 years. Shirley completed her master’s degree in Dietetics at the University of Tennessee at Martin, TN. She also completed an endorsement for teaching Middle School Science at Murray State University. She worked for Hickman County Schools as Food Service Director and as a teacher until her retirement. Shirley was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton, Kentucky. She was a member of many professional organizations and was dedicated to her service in the church. Shirley is survived by her son, John (Jill) Byassee of Clinton, Kentucky; her daughter, Jan (Josh) Johnson of Clinton, Kentucky, her sister, Ann (Donald) Sowders of Lexington, Kentucky, her grandchildren Katherine Byassee, Charles Byassee, John Eric Johnson, and J.B. Johnson. Her nieces Lynn (David) McGaughey and Jody (Chuck) Caudill. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Hall Byassee, Jr. and her beloved parents, Charles and Alice Garland. A family burial will take place in Clinton, Kentucky. Expressions of sympathy make take the form of donations to Gideon’s International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800. Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mrs. Shirley Byassee by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories. Imes Funeral Home Crematory, downtown Murray is entrusted with caring for the family of Mrs. Shirley Byassee.

Jimmie Lou Rochester Nickell ’55
March 28, 2022

Winston-Salem – Jimmie Lou Nickell passed away on March 28, 2022, at Forsyth Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Hallie Price Garner ’56
Jan. 14, 2022

Hallie Marie Price Garner died 14 Jan 2022 in Dallas, TX. It was her wish to be cremated and her ashes spread on the grave of her beloved husband, Glendon W. Garner, at the historic Garner Cemetery in Ivan, AR. Hallie was born 8 Apr 1936 in Detroit, MI, the second child and first daughter of Etheridge Nathaniel and Florence Viola (Greene) Price. At the age of 10 her family moved to Tennessee where both of her parents were born. She attended Berea College in Kentucky and continued a life-long relationship there, having attended her 60th Class Reunion when she was 80 years old. She also earned her M. Ed. Degree from the University of Maryland and attended the Universities of Tennessee, Heidelberg and the Frei University of Berlin. Hallie was a teacher for 25 years before leaving that profession to start her own small business, Garner Services. She taught on four continents and loved to travel the world. She achieved a life goal of visiting every state but did not manage her “all continent” goal as she did not get to visit Australia and Antarctica. She was proud of visiting the mouths of the great rivers: Danube, Blue Nile, and the Mississippi, which she waded across at the age of 60. A highlight of her life was walking a portion of the Great Wall of China shortly after China was reopened to American visitors. While living in Japan she met her first husband, John D. Kendall who was the father of her adopted son, John Kevin Kendall and her natural son Kent Patrick Kendall, both born in Tokyo, Japan. John Kevin was the father of her granddaughter, Kortney Lauren Kendall of Milwaukee, WI. Kent (Betty) (Danbury, CT) is the father of adopted grandson, Luis Patrick Kendall. She especially appreciated John’s constancy in her later years that allowed her to stay in her home. Hallie met and married Glen Garner in Dallas, and they had almost 35 years together before he died of cancer in 2013. Her years with that wonderful man were the happiest in her life. They traveled and did many activities together, and he was her partner in publishing. After her children were grown and personal computers became available, Hallie became immersed in genealogy which became the passion of her life. She extensively documented her family and Glen’s family with many award-winning family histories. The Library of Congress has 16 of her books. Hallie was active in a number of local and national lineage groups where she enjoyed proving new ancestors. She was also a Registered Parliamentarian. As one of five children, Hallie remained close to her siblings: John Royce Price who predeceased her, Larry (Pat) and Lester (Sara) Price of Knoxville, TN and her only sister Pattie (Jerry) Loveday. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and was especially close to Jennifer Loveday, with whom she shared a love of theater and travel, and Kenny Price. Hallie’s life was made richer by her membership in the Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano and by her long-time friendships with much appreciated supportive friends, Fred Penn and Dean Corbitt, Joe and Nancy Barlow, Suzanne Nicholson, Joan Howell, Karen McClendon, Carol Armstrong, Joyce Betler, and Walter Seekircher, and so many others too numerous to mention. A Memorial Service will be held at Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano (Texas).

Lena Williams Hollifield ’56
March 31, 2022

Lena Williams Hollifield passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Burke County, April 11, 1933, to the late Phifer and Carrie Williams.

Lena was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated from Berea College in Kentucky in 1956. She absolutely loved being a college student, where she worked at Fireside Industries and Boone Tavern. One of her jobs was to produce tapestries and woven materials. She often had the most precise pieces of work, and she won many awards for her work. Lena even won a large weaving loom, which still holds a special place in the family home. As a college student, she worked every summer at a different country club to earn money for room and board. She enjoyed working at Sea Island, Ga., and Orchard Lake, Mich. The family heard many stories of these summers and her work at Boone Tavern, near the Berea Campus.

In 1956, she moved to Frostproof, Fla., for her first teaching job. She became a teacher at Frostproof High School, where she taught Home Economics. She enjoyed her first year and supported her beloved Bull Pups.

In 1957, she received an offer to teach at Drexel High School. She returned to the family home in Salem and began teaching at Drexel in the fall of 1957. At a teacher’s meeting in September, she was asked out by a handsome Geometry teacher, Reynolds “Knox” Hollifield. The two married in 1960 and lived in Drexel. They were a huge part of all Drexel High School activities and especially loved the many proms, banquets, and dances for the Future Homemakers of America.

In 1974, Knox and Lena moved to the Salem area. They built what their daughter’s call The Plantation and spent all their free time in the garden. The couple were asked to help open East Burke High School in 1975 and retired from Burke County Public Schools in 1990. Lena loved to walk among her many flower beds and her vegetable garden, which her brother, Norman helped plant each year. Lena taught Sunday school at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church for many years. She loved to visit the ladies from her class and help with the Senior Luncheons.

In addition to her parents, Lena was preceded in death by her husband, Reynolds Roosevelt “Knox” Hollifield; three sisters, Regina Kincaid, Joyce Burnette and Ella Dale; a special sister-in-law, Hilda Williams; and son-in-law, Steve Farlow.

She is survived by her daughters, Holly Hollifield Farlow of Morganton and Heather Hollifield (Pete Minter) of Conover; sister, Norine Miller (Ray); brother, Norman Williams; sister, Gena Kirby; and a number of nieces and nephews.

During the last few years of declining health, their girls cared for Knox and Lena in their beloved home, with their special Missy Cat. The family was blessed with wonderful caregivers, Mrs. Marie Cook and Mrs. Rita Johnson, who became part of the family. Burke Hospice (now Amorem) took excellent care of Lena and the family throughout this journey.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Monday, April 4, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m., in the church, with the Revs. Keith Burkhart and Brian Buckner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Eddie J. Williams
Spouse of Wilma Hall Williams ’56
March 1, 2018

Eddie Jay Williams, age 84, of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord Thursday, March 1, 2018. Eddie served in the U.S.M.C and served during the Korean War. He loved camping, hiking, traveling, and nature especially with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Glen and Doris Hall. He was the former owner of Burlington Fish Market in East Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ruth Williams; sister, Mary June Hillard. Eddie is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Wilma Jean (Hall) Williams; several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff from Tennova Hospice. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 4, 2018, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at McCarty Evergreen Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at mccartyevergreenfuneralhome.com.

Carrie Holcomb Bottenfield ’57
Oct. 15, 2021
Obituary Unavailable

Luther W. Center ’57
February 5, 2022

Luther Center, 90, of Circleville, Ohio (formerly of Rockcastle County, KY) died Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Wyngate Senior Living Facility. He was a Berea native born January 7, 1932, son of the late Daniel and Ruth Tutt Center, a retired educator with the Kentucky School System, farmer, property owner and member of Union Church.  Survivors include his sons Stephen Center (Rose), Luther Center, Jr.; grandchildren Stephen, Jr., Sarah, Michael, Andrew; great grandchildren Jackson, Jacob, Sullivan, Camille, Angus; as well as numerous relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Yvonda Tunnell Center, siblings Daniel Center, Jr., Bernice Robertson, Vivian Landis, Mabel Boehm.  Funeral Service 1:00 PM Friday, February 11, 2022, at Reppert Funeral Home with Pastor Kent Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow in Berea Cemetery. Visitation 11:30 AM until service time.  Leave condolences for the family, share a memory, light a memorial candle or plant a tree in Luther’s memory at www.reppertfuneralhome.com. Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements.

Alan Dale Cooper ’57
Feb. 11, 2022

Alan Dale Cooper, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother died on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at the age of 87 years surrounded by his family. Alan was born on Jan. 21, 1935, to Delbert and Violet Cooper in Grassy Creek, N.C., and grew up in Galax, Virginia. An avid athlete, he received his BA in Mathematics from Berea College, Kentucky, from which he was recruited by Westinghouse Electric Corporation at a pre-graduation college Job Fair. Dedicated to problem solving and successful management, Alan directed the company’s Quality Assurance division for 37 years, and in 1987 wrote and published the field guide, “The Journey Toward Managing Quality Improvement. “Alan’s work took him on trips around the world; most notably Japan, Australia, Spain and Puerto Rico, and relocated him up and down the US east coast. His first position was in Athens, GA where he met Sharon Lee Blair, a beautiful 18-year-old secretary whose father also worked at Westinghouse. Within four months the two were married on December 16, 1961. The happy couple had three children before moving the family to Pittsburgh, PA for two years, then Philadelphia, PA for eight years, then Orlando, FL, where each child graduated from college to start their own journeys. One final Westinghouse move took Alan & Shari back to their favorite location in Pittsburgh, where Alan found it easier to follow his cherished Pirates and Steeler. It was here that Alan retired from Westinghouse but continued to work as a sub-contractor in the field of Quality Management. He loved working with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents to help develop and employ their Five Star Agency Designation – meeting insurance agency employees, understanding their management systems, and working with each individual and group to enhance the quality of their work. Alan saw this as an opportunity to not only improve work functions, but to create better work environments and life experiences for each of the people he met, and he did! In 2009, Alan & Shari built a one-story home in Belgrade, Maine across the street from their daughter and her family, and Alan didn’t fully retire from work until 2018. He spent his days landscaping his picturesque lawn and gardens, giving sage business advice to his daughter and son-in-law, watching North Carolina Tar Heel games with his son on the phone, engaging Molly, the couple’s 12-year-old Shih-tzu, in sock chases around the house, and loving his wife of 60 years. He was known by all who met him to be a “good man,” who never found the need to smoke, drink or swear, always expressed kindness, care, and a willingness to listen, and had a penchant for light-hearted teasing. Alan will be missed every day by his wife Sharon Blair Cooper, his sister Loretta Higgins, his two surviving children and four grandchildren: daughter Crista Cooper Lavenson, husband Joel, and granddaughters Hanna Blair and Emma Lena Lavenson; son David Michael Cooper and grandson Nathan Alan Cooper; deceased son (2015) Gregory Mark Cooper’s son Levon Cooper; and sister-in-law to whom he became a second father, Faith Ann Blair. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1 Church St. Augusta, 623-8722.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Belgrade/Rome Food Pantry 508 Smithfield Rd. (Route 8) Belgrade, ME 04917.

Irene Bell Williams Glass ’57
Jan. 31, 2017

Irene Bell Glass, 81, of Ashland, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

She was born August 12, 1935, in Ashland, a daughter of the late Alfred Bell Sr. and Mary Nell West Bell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Johnson, brothers, Kenneth, Lewis, Ralston, Alexander and Alfred Bell, Jr.

She was a member of Johnson Memorial CME Church and retired after many years as a registered nurse.

She is survived by her son, Daryl Williams of Ceredo, WV; sister, Marie Blake; grandchildren, Timothy, LaTonda, and Andre Jackson and Lakin Hatton; and two great grandchildren, Miya Jackson and Noah Hatton.

A memorial service will be held 12 Noon Saturday, February 4, 2017, at New Hope Baptist Church.

Dr. Miles O. Hayes ’57
March 30, 2022

Columbia, South Carolina – Miles Oren Hayes, Ph.D., 87, died on March 30 from complications with Lewy Body dementia, which he faced with courage and humor during the past four years. He was retired Professor of Geology (1972-1984) and Department Chair (1973-1977) at the University of South Carolina and founder, president, and chairman of Research Planning, Inc. (1977-2020) based in Columbia, SC. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Jacqui Michel (Columbia), daughters Joy E. Hayes (Bettendorf, IA) and Mya S. Hayes (Davenport, IA), grandchildren J.J. and Alma Gonzalez-Hayes, and James Glenn Worley, who was like a brother to him.

Miles was born in Oakley, North Carolina, the fourth child of Norman E. and Ora B. Hayes.

He loved baseball and was a star player and student at Oakley High School and Berea College, the school where tuition is free and all the students work 15 hours a week. Because he changed majors after his sophomore year (from Agriculture to Geology), it took him five years to get his degree. In his fifth year (1956), his work assignment was to be the assistant baseball coach under head coach, Monarchy White. At a pay rate of 15 cents an hour, he claimed to have set the record as the lowest-paid college baseball coach in history.

Miles went on to earn a master’s degree in Geology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Ph.D. in Geology and Marine Science from the University of Texas at Austin, studying under the great professor, Robert L. Folk. His life work was set when Hurricane Carla (1961) tore up the Texas coast and destroyed his beach and offshore monitoring stations. Taking advantage of such an event, Miles ultimately produced the seminal study, Hurricanes as Geologic Agents, a widely cited treatise. Navy grants to study coastlines of the world at University of Massachusetts (1964-1972) and a growing coterie of graduate students solidified his reputation as a rising star in the earth sciences.

The University of South Carolina recruited Miles to the Department of Geological Sciences and also got an instant research group of graduate students and funded post-doctoral graduate instructors, the Coastal Research Division. In barely 20 years Miles supervised 72 Masters and Ph.D. graduates who worked on projects around the world.

Miles Hayes is often referred to as the Father of Coastal Geomorphology, the study of landforms, because of his intuitive understanding of the origins of today’s coast. He published widely on the role of tides and waves in barrier island formation, clearly and cleverly explaining why islands in South Carolina and other coasts are shaped like a chicken drumstick, unlike the straight beaches of Texas or Long Island which look more like skinny hot dogs. His aerial photos were breathtaking and his artistic sketches of beaches legendary.

Miles was able to attract the best and brightest students because of his unique blend of scientific integrity, global experience, and high standards. He was generous giving credit to others and didn’t expect to have his name first on scientific papers written by his students. But he expected every publication to be clearly written, colorfully illustrated, free of typographical errors, and to be based on careful measurements.

Miles worked in 40 countries and on every continent, including Antarctica, where he was honored with the naming of Hayes Head, a prominent coastal headland. He designed and taught a course for petroleum geologists and geophysicists on Modern Coastal Environments, with over 3,000 students participating in class lectures and field trips along the amazing South Carolina coast from 1976-2006. In 1997, he received one of geology’s highest honors, the Francis B. Shepard Award for sustained excellence in marine geology. In 2016 he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Berea College.

Miles wrote many scientific articles, but he was most proud of two memoirs: Black Tides (1999), about being an oil spill scientist working on many large spills; and Coastal Heroes (2011), a tribute to the work that he and his students and associates conducted. Each chapter begins with “The Science” on a topic of coastal science, and the second part “The Story” about the funny events and interesting people he met along the way. Miles and Jacqui published beautifully illustrated books on the coastal geology and ecology of five areas: South Carolina, Central California, Georgia, Southern Alaska, and Oregon and Washington, drawing on their passions for fly fishing and bird watching around the world.

In the second half of his career, Miles’ private company, RPI, focused on applied research related to the search for oil, oil spill science, spatial analysis, and coastal restoration. The quality of RPI’s work has continued under Jacqui’s leadership since 2000.

Miles’ greatest legacy is likely to be the hundreds of earth scientists he inspired through his teaching and infectious love of nature. While conducting studies along the Alaska coast in the early 1970s, he and several students produced the tone poem, Suzanne’s Lament, with songs like Fire and Rain and Let It Be juxtaposed with photos of the beautiful Alaskan landscape and the over-developed shores of New Jersey. He always attributed his recruiting success to the presentation of Suzanne’s Lament at dozens of colleges and science conferences. Many of his graduates speak of that showing with reverence because it became a life changing event for them.

There will be a celebration of Miles’ life at a time to be determined. The family would appreciate it if you could share a special memory or photographs on the guestbook at: link. Donations can be made in his honor to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (Appalachian.org), an organization that he and Jacqui believe are doing amazing work to protect the North Carolina and Tennessee mountain ecosystems.

Forrest Ronald Ross ’57
March 16, 2021

Ronald Ross, 86, passed away on March 16, 2021, after a long hard-fought battle with heart disease. Born in Marion, NC, he was a Korean War veteran, serving as an Army medic. Ron was an educator, teaching in the Portsmouth Public Schools, Principal at Churchland Academy Elementary and Assistant Principal at Manor High School. He was an active member and deacon of Westhaven Baptist Church.

Ron is survived by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Gail Parsons Ross; daughters, Lycia Phipps James (husband Drew) and Ronda Joelle Ross; grandchildren, Remy Forrest Phipps and Cameron Gail Phipps; nieces, Donna Harris (husband Tandy) and Tracy Ross; and nephew, Troy Ross.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 19, at 3 PM in Westhaven Baptist Church. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westhaven Baptist Church, 4900 Caroline Ave., Portsmouth, 23707.

Helen Baldwin Telfer ’57
Feb. 20, 2022

Helen left us to be with the Lord on February 10, 2022. She struggled for 6 months with cancer. While she leaves a hole in our hearts, we rejoice in knowing she lived a loving and fulfilling life and is now in the light of the Lord.

Helen was born on March 10, 1931, in a log cabin without running water about five miles from the town of Crystal Springs Mississippi to Louis Oakley Baldwin and Lucy Elizabeth (“Honey”) Thornton Baldwin. Helen was the second of five children and was a child of the depression. The family went through lean times but managed to make a living off the family farm in Mississippi. Helen lived through some historical moments during our country’s history. When she was only 5 years of age, Franklin Roosevelt, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, told the country, “this generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” How true!

Helen was active in Mississippi fighting for justice and equality for African Americans during the civil rights movement. She always stood up for what she believed was right, which was not only admirable for a young woman during the time, but especially one in Mississippi.

In 2021, during a family zoom call held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 when Helen turned 90 years of age, a niece of Helen’s asked her what she thought was the greatest advancement during her lifetime of 90 years. Her answer was, “having electricity in the home.” It did not go unnoticed that she mentioned this on her 90th birthday while looking at family members across the country on a live stream on a computer screen. What incredible advancements she saw during her lifetime!

Helen told us once she earned $1.50 per day when she was 10 years old picking cabbage from the fields and placing them in bags that held 50 lbs. each. Oakley, her father, would pay his children the same rate he paid the farm hands. It seemed like a lot of money to Helen at the time.

Helen attended Berea College, a private liberal arts college in Berea Kentucky and obtained her BA degree in history in 1957. Berea College charges no tuition and every admitted student is provided the equivalent of a four-year scholarship. Students are required to work a certain number of hours each week and Helen spent her time throwing pots and making tapestries that were sold to raise money for the college. She later went to Southern Illinois University and obtained her Master of Arts degree in 1959.

Helen met Arnold Kiss, her future husband, on a cruise ship when she was working as a waitress and he as a steward. The ships would depart from NY city and travel to Haiti, Jamaica, and other ports of interest. Soon after they married, they had two daughters. When those daughters were quite small, Arnold died of cancer and Helen was left to pick up the pieces in supporting the young family while facing untold hurdles like a mortgage on the house they had recently built, medical bills because the medical insurance had lapsed during Arnold’s illness. Helen demonstrated, again, what a strong woman she was by going back to school to get her teaching certification so she could have summers off with her daughters while making a living wage.

After teaching several years in New Jersey, Helen moved the family to San Antonio Texas where her mother, Honey, was working at Kelly Airforce Base, and they took up residence together. Helen was an active member of the Sierra Club and spent a good part of each summer leading and taking trips with the club to various national and state parks across the U.S. She used to wear a shirt that said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” She loved nature and the serenity and calm the surroundings provided her. She instilled that love in her children and grandchildren as well as people she met.

During a trip to London, which Helen was awarded after receiving a significant teaching honor, Helen met another traveler, one who came from Wales, Eric Telfer. Helen and Eric had a two-year long-distance relationship until it was decided Eric would relocate to San Antonio Texas and they would marry. They had many happy years together until Eric’s death in 2013.

Helen is survived by her children Elizabeth Cooper, San Antonio, TX and Mary Thomas, San Antonio, TX; sister, Ruth Baldwin, Hendersonville, NC; two brothers, Bill Baldwin, Wickenburg, AZ, and Tom Baldwin, Eastsound, WA; two grandchildren, Amanda Domsch and Nova Cooper; and three great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Edna Chandley.

Memorial Service: In order to allow family members time to travel to San Antonio, a memorial service has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Coker United Methodist Church in San Antonio on Saturday, March 26, 2022, with a reception to follow.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen Telfer’s memory may be made to Berea College (https://www.berea.edu/give/no-tuition/ or 101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40404), your local Sierra Club, or Coker United Methodist Church (https://coker.org/donate/ or 231 East North Loop Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216).

Condolences: Condolences may be left online for the family at https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/helen-telfer-10583263

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/san-antonio-cremation for the Telfer family.

Frank Howard Campbell, III ’58
Nov. 21, 2021

Frank Howard Campbell, III, 87 of Harrisonburg, Va., passed away November 21, 2021, at Sunnyside Retirement Community after a prolonged illness.  Born in Waynesboro on November 4, 1934, he was a child of the late Frank Howard, II and Elizabeth Graham Robson Campbell. Howard was a veteran of the United States Army and received his degrees from the University of Virginia (MS, 1962) and Berea College (BA, 1958). He was employed with the Texas Oil Company for several years until he began a 30-year career as professor of geology and environmental science at James Madison University, from which he retired in 1997.  One of his satisfactions during those teaching years was leading spelunking tours with his students. Howard was well known for his amiable personality, and as the expression goes, he never met a stranger.  In later years he played the dulcimer and cultivated the arts of sueseki and wood carving. He remained interested in his Scottish heritage throughout his life. Mr. Campbell is survived by his wife, Phyllis Cody Campbell, 91 of Sunnyside. Also surviving are a sister, Mary C. Hopper and her children Brian, David, Graham and Robson Hopper, cousins Randy Humphrey and Mark Robson, as well as extended family.  He was preceded in death by his older sister, Betty Ann Joiner. A private memorial service will be conducted in early March; an interment will follow at Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mount Solon.

Ruth Childress Cox ’58
March 22, 2022

Ruth Cox, 85, of Williamsburg passed away Tuesday, March 22 at the Williamsburg Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman J. Cox; two brothers, Henry and Michael Childress; and her sister, Wanda Dennison.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Holly of Corbin; her son, William Cox and his wife Donna of Science Hill; and four grandchildren, Barron Cox, Liam Cox, Emily Holly, and Sara Holly; she is also survived by two brothers, Jerry Childress, of Corbin and Roger Childress, of Fort Myers, Florida; and a sister-in-law, Judith Wakefield of Vero Beach, Florida.

Ruth was born in Speedwell, Tennessee, the oldest of Roy and Beatrice Childress’s six children.

She attended Berea College and graduated from Cumberland College in Williamsburg. She received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She worked as a social worker for the state of Kentucky for 35 years. She retired in order to join the Peace Corps and taught at a residential high school in Namibia. She later came out of retirement again to work for a time at a dialysis clinic in Barbourville.

Ruth was a member of the First Christian Church of Williamsburg, now the Cornerstone Community Church, which she attended since 1962. She was also a member of various civic and social clubs, most recently the London chapter of the Red Hat Society.

Ruth was the rock of her family. In addition to raising her two children, she took in her two youngest brothers after her mother died. She nursed her husband through years of cancer treatment. She dedicated her career to helping the neglected, abused, or abandoned children of Kentucky. Then she helped raise four grandchildren and also welcomed step-grandchildren into the family.

She loved traveling, mystery novels, and butter pecan ice cream. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Funeral service was Saturday, March 26, at Ellison Funeral Home with Bro. David Sweet officiating.

Interment was in Whitley Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.

Margaret Morris Gibson ’58
Jan. 23, 2022

Margaret Wilma Willie Gibson, wife of Paul Allen Gibson Sr., departed this life on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Meadowview Regional Hospital, having attained the age of 86 years. Willie was born on November 11, 1935, in Cumberland, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Edward and Maxie Mae Smith Morris, attended Berea College and Thomas Moore College, was a retired teacher, and a member of First Baptist Church, Paris, where she had been a part of the Ruth Ramey Sunday School Class for many years. In addition to her husband Paul, she is survived by three sons, Paul Allen Gibson, Jr., and wife Lori, Robert Edens Gibson, and wife Mindy, Everette Bellamy Gibson and wife Lisa; three daughters, Diana Lynn Gibson, Hester Jean Tapp and husband Mark, Jennifer Margaret Csolkovits and husband Mark. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Davis and husband Gene, Patricia Scopa and husband Joe; and a brother, Raymond Green Morris and wife, Shelby Sawyer. Willie was active throughout her life in the churches she attended, often serving as church librarian, Sunday School teacher, and Bible Study leader. Her faith was the cornerstone of all that she did. Willie’s hobbies and passions included all children, but ESPECIALLY her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader of all genres of books and enjoyed using the computer and internet as a tool to keep up with all the people she loved. There will be a private graveside service for Margaret Wilma Willie Gibson with Rev. Don Reed and Pastor Kyle Sullivan officiating. A celebration of Willie’s life will be scheduled later this year for family and friends to gather and remember her life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain SD; Salvation Army; or First Baptist Church of Paris, Kentucky. www.hintonturner.com

Robert G. Grove ’58
March 3, 2022

Robert G. Grove, Jr., age 88, of Corbin, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 3, 2022, at Baptist Health Corbin. He was born in Corbin on September 11, 1933, to the late Robert G. Grove, Sr. and Viola Mathes Grove. Robert was preceded in death by his brother Dewey Sharpe, sisters Louise Grove and Jeanne Miller, and grandson Robert Vernon Grove.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran and graduated from Berea College with a degree in business administration. He was offered a job at Daniels Department Store and stayed there over 40 years. He belonged to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include his twin brother, George (Judy) Grove; his wife of nearly 63 years, Jeannette Cloyd Grove; sons Robby (Vanessa) Grove, Scott (Sonya) Grove, and Steven Weevil (Mary Jo) Grove; grandchildren: Mackenzie (Jeff) Ledford, Meredith (Wes) Chandler, John Robert Grove, Joey (Destiny) Grove, and Josh (Julia) Grove; great grandchildren: Annabelle, Atticus, and Arthur Ledford, Natalie Grove and Flora Grove.

No services are planned at this time.

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home is serving the Grove family. Messages can be sent to them at www.vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Patricia J. Franklin Lohrmann ’58
Feb. 4, 2022

Janice Patricia (Pat) Lohrmann of Dover passed away, Friday, February 4, 2022, at home. She was 85.

Mrs. Lohrmann was born August 21, 1936, in Avery County, North Carolina to the late Roger Franklin and Thelma Vance Franklin. She grew up in NC, graduated from The Crossnore School, and moved immediately to teach in Alaska after graduation from Berea College; later, in 1965 Pat moved to teach in Dover.

She worked for Capitol and Caesar Rodney School Districts. Mrs. Lohrmann started at Dover High School and shortly after transferred to CR as a Reading Specialist from where she retired in 1981.

Mrs. Lorhmann enjoyed painting, socializing with her school friends, walking, traveling, playing bridge, and hiking. She had obtained her pilots license and learned dog sledding while in Alaska. Mrs. Lohrmann was a member of the DAR, a women’s pilot club, and active in the Kent County Theater Guild.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Carl “Charlie” Lohrmann of Dover; and his son David Lohrmann of Sholow, AZ; and by her son Larry Sullivan (Linda) of Middletown, DE and by her siblings, Rachel Hynes of Anchorage, AK, Roger Lee Franklin of Newland, NC, John Henry Franklin (Dorothy)of Anacortes, WA and Hugh J. Franklin (Jennifer) of Old Fort, NC; grandchildren, Brevin Sullivan (Sandi) and David and many relatives and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11AM, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State Street, Dover, DE. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Breast Cancer Coalition, 165 Commerce Way, Dover, DE 19904.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Breast Cancer Coalition, 165 Commerce Way, Dover, DE 19904.

Published by Torbert Funeral Chapels on Feb. 7, 2022.

Loretta Cunningham Cox ’59
March 13, 2022

Loretta Ann (Cunningham) Cox, of Lebanon, Va., passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022. She was born March 11, 1935, in Clinton, Ky., the daughter of William E. and Ila Jennings (Bryan) Cunningham. She moved with her family to Lebanon, Va., in 1968. She contributed her productive life to her faith in God; she was a dedicated member of the Lebanon Church of Christ.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and five sisters. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Professor Emeritus Curtis W. Cox of Lebanon. She leaves behind four children: daughters Karen (Dale) Bartlett of Lexington, Ky.; Cheryl (Keith) Schramm of Searcy, Ark.; Sheila (Barry) Sullivan of Abingdon, Va..; and one son Thomas Cox of Raleigh, N.C. She is survived by twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and six nieces.

Loretta attended Berea College and UVA-Wise; she earned her master’s degree from Radford University. She taught English and drama for the Russell County Schools, Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould, AR, and served as an adjunct faculty member for SWCC for a total of 31 years. Loretta’s passion for teaching and the love she had for her students was obvious; she often said, “my students are the wind beneath my wings.” She was very active in Lebanon High School’s extra-curricular activities often sponsoring student organizations. She was a forensic coach, assisted with the debate program, and for years directed the high school plays. She was the recipient of numerous teaching recognitions and awards. Among them were a Senatorial Citation from Senator Wooldridge of Arkansas, a Presidential Citation from the Virginia Governor’s School for the Performing Arts. She was named the 1997 LHS Homecoming Parade Marshal. She was a member of several professional organizations; she served as President of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Loretta served her community as well. She served as PTA President, Leader of the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts. She was an active member of the Lebanon Women’s Club and the Historical Society. She was honored by Woodmen Life for her “Dedicated Service to Russell County in Education and Community Involvement”. She served as a member and officer of the RCMC Auxiliary for eleven years, earning the 5,000-hour Life Membership plaque, and she was named a member of distinction by the National Senior Circle Association. She also volunteered at the Russell County Library for five years.

She directed several community plays, but she is probably best remembered for writing and directing the Russell County Bicentennial drama, Heritage West, for which she was honored by the Russell County supervisors with a written Resolution and plaque.

A simple service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in the Ketron Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Lebanon with Bros. Keith Hovis and David Franklin officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons.
The family will receive friends at the mausoleum 30 minutes prior to the service.
The family respectfully requests observation of COVID 19 precautions including masking.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Box 474, Memphis, TN 38101 or to the Loretta Cox Scholarship Fund, Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40403.
Share condolences with the Cox family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.
Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Ave., Lebanon, Va., is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta Ann Cox (Cunningham), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Dr. Ralph W. Nevels ’59
March 1, 2022

Dr. Ralph Waldo “Wally” Nevels, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and was placed in the care of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Nevelsville Cemetery. Family will receive friends after 1:00 pm at the funeral home Monday until service time. He was born at home in Nevelsville, Kentucky on October 21, 1938. He is preceded in death by his parents, C.D. “Dave” and Dovie Nevels; his wife, Phyllis Stewart Nevels; and his brother-in-law and sister, Gerald and Doris Wilson. He is survived by two sisters, Patricia McCracken (William) and Alma Fay Sexton (Landon); three children, Joety Nevels (Carol), Lisa Kintzele, and Nick Nevels (Jennifer); and five great grandchildren, Tyler Nevels, Shawn and Trevor Kintzele, and Asher and Anaya Nevels. Ralph began his education at his mother’s Knee, moving on to his first two years of formal education under the guidance of his father. He spent the remainder of his elementary education under the guidance of Adrian Stephens, his teacher at Parker’s Lake. He finished elementary school in 1951 and moved on to McCreary County High School where he would spend the next four years. He applied and was accepted to Berea College in 1955, during Berea’s celebration of their 100th anniversary, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1959. Ralph went on to earn a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1972 and a Doctor of Education from the University of Kentucky in 1984Dr. Nevels’ career spanned 32 years, serving in positions of teacher, principal, finance officer, and superintendent. He served as a mentor to many outstanding personnel. It was under his leadership as the Superintendent of McCreary County School System that Pine Knot High School and McCreary County High School Merged to form McCreary Central High School. Dr. Nevels held fast that merging the two schools was in the best interest of students in order to provide them with access to the best resources available. One feature of the blueprints that Ralph insisted upon was the addition of an auditorium for the presentation of concerts and plays. The final project was notably one of the finest buildings in the region, and the consolidation paved the way for decades of learning and success. Almost 45 years later, the building is still referred to by many locals as “the new school. “On October 21, 2018, Dr. Nevels was honored by having the Dr. Nevels Transition Center at MCHS dedicated to him. This center helps students prepare for their future and serve our great community. He has also been honored by having a math classroom at Somerset Community College, McCreary Center, named for him. Dr. Nevels’s work for the McCreary County education system was the best exemplified by the talents and achievements of its students throughout his career. Ralph was baptized into membership at the Whitley city United Methodist Church, where he attended regularly, serving as the Administrative Council Chair for many years. Ralph leaves behind a rich legacy of academic excellence, community service, and an appreciation for University of Kentucky basketball and the fine arts. His family and friends are blessed to have been able to call him one of their own, and McCreary County is a better place because of his efforts. Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Ralph Waldo “Wally” Nevels.

Marvin Douglas Wiseman ’59
Feb. 15, 2022

Marvin Douglas Wiseman, age 82, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, at his home. He wanted everyone to know that even though he died peacefully, he wasn’t done with the list of projects he always had going so there may have been some kicking and screaming. Douglas was born on June 19, 1939, in Bakersville to Ray and Edna Wiseman. He is survived by his wife; Sue, his sons; David and wife, Kari and Eric and wife, Stephanie; his sisters; Gayle and husband, Bob and Sharon and husband, Kenny; his brother; Charles and wife, Sand, six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. He attended Harris High school and was a graduate of the infamous class of 1957. He also attended Gardner Webb University and Berea Collage; but it was decided by both schools that they would be better off without him. After spending some time in Thule Greenland working on satellite tracking stations, he returned to Spruce Pine and he eventually joined his father at Wiseman Mining, an olivine processing plant in Yancey County that eventually became part of IMC. After many years in the mining industry, he moved to south Florida where he worked in the construction and exporting fields. He had numerous interests including remodeling, relandscaping, refinishing, rebuilding, rewiring, redoing all the things he had redone, while making lots of trips to the hardware store. He also enjoyed the times spent visiting special friends in the Abaco Bahamas. He was a great collector of friends and many stories to go with them. He had an uncanny ability to make a friend wherever he went, and they became one of his most treasured collections. His parting advice to you would be to start your own collection, to have a friend is worth more than gold. Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Telling a story of their own choosing. A good cold beverage of your choice should be a part of your celebration. In lieu of flowers, Douglas would hope that you will do and unexpected act of kindness for someone less fortunate. Douglas is shining and living the dancing life in heaven rest in peace my love and our friend. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Maxine Harrison Aldredge ’61
Nov. 30, 2021

Maxine H., 83, of Englewood, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at her home. She was born into humble beginnings at the end of the Great Depression in rural southern Kentucky. At an early age, Maxine along with family settled in the Dayton area starting a new life. Maxine through her own tenacity and perseverance obtained a bachelor’s in education from Berea University Ky 1961. Maxine spent the next 32 years as a Dayton public elementary School teacher during which time, she obtained a dual master’s degree and principalship at Wright State University Ohio. An avid learner & writer, she traveled the world extensively to explore world culture and history. Maxine was prolific in her hobby endeavors and produced many works of textile art in quilting as well as wood carvings. Maxine is most remembered as selfless support and a loving person to others. Always there when you need someone. Maxine throughout her entire life advocated for women’s self-determination financial independence, personal goals and empowerment through education. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Aldredge, Sr.; mother, Goldie (Saylor) Harrison; father, George M. Harrison; sister, Aliene (Harrison) Powers; stepsons, Stephen & Douglas Aldredge. Survived by her son, Joseph H. Aldredge (Karen A.); granddaughters, Niamh Aldredge-Wilson (Austin) and Emily Aldredge; brother, John W. Harrison (Joan); stepson, Robert L. Aldredge, Jr. A Celebration of life for family & friends will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 6pm at Ray’s Grill, Englewood OH. Arrangements entrusted to the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.

Yvonne Taylor Burt ’61
Obituary Unavailable

Rev. Howard N. Gothard ’61
Nov. 1, 2021

Howard Newton Gothard, 81, died at his home in Greeneville. Howard was born in Gate City, VA and graduated from Gate City High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky. It was at Berea his life was impacted by the school motto, “God has made one blood all peoples of the Earth.” He earned a MDiv degree from Candler at Emory University in Atlanta. Howard served in ministry from Chattanooga to southwest Virginia. Survivors include his wife, Delores; son, Adam Gothard; daughter and son-in-law, Spring Hope and Sam Slagle of Chapin, SC; three grandchildren, Eva Kathleen of Aiken, SC, Tirzah Adora and Jonathan Andrew of Chapin, SC; his “Uncle Roy Newton”; of Kingsport; sister-in-law and husband, Darlene Reeves Kline and Steve of Dandridge; and several nieces and cousins. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Leaustine and Kathleen Newton Gothard; grandparents, Sam and Myrtle Newton; brother, Lee, Jr.; uncles and aunt; mother-in-law and father-in-law; and most recently, his grandson, Isaac Asher Slagle and neighborhood friends Jim and Bill. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:30-2:30 pm at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Joey Tillery officiating. A eulogy will be presented by Adam Gothard. The body has been cremated. Pawpaw’s ashes will be interred at a later date near his grandson in Chapin United Methodist Cemetery in South Carolina. Memorials can be made to: I Can for Isaac; 1120 White Rock Road, Chapin, SC 29036. Special thanks to Sara Beth and Angie of Ballad Hospice and to Dr. Philip Thwing.

Dr. Darrell Cecil Belcher ’62
Jan. 19, 2022

It is with great sadness that we relay the passing of Darrell C. Belcher, MD, 81 of Bluefield, West Virginia, on January 19, 2022. He is survived by his partner of 28 years, Regina Gwinn Eckle of Green Sulphur Springs, WV, brother Danny Belcher, Burlington, NC, wife and mother of his children, Ollie B. Belcher (married 1961-1981) four children; Julia Belcher (Philip Rupp) Knoxville, TN, Darrell Belcher II, New York, NY, Sharon Belcher-McRorie (Chadwick McRorie) Asheville, NC, Sarah Belcher (Cary Tilton) Eureka, CA and grandson Ezekiel Belcher-McRorie, Santa Monica, CA.

Darrell was a father, mentor, companion, world traveler, doctor, husband, and dear friend to many. He was a generous spirit and gave his time, money and help to anyone who needed it.

A man of few words with a sly, dry wit and excellent sense of humor, Darrell was the king of the one liner. In addition to being a dapper gentleman he knew where the best food was, from soup beans and cornbread in his own kitchen to dining in some of the finest restaurants in Atlanta, New Orleans, New York and abroad. He traveled the world in style, loved live music, enjoyed art, and knew how to throw a great party. His generosity springs from his humble beginnings- he was truly one of a kind.

Darrell Belcher was born March 11, 1940, in the tiny rural community of Red Sulphur Springs, WV to parents Otis and Faye Belcher, who preceded him in death.

He grew up in Monroe County with his younger brother Danny, plus many cousins, aunts and uncles who loved him dearly. He was an exceptional student and in 1954 was the winner of the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe award, topping all 8th grade history students in the state.

He graduated from Greenville High and was accepted to Berea College in 1958 to study Scientific Agriculture. He made money for expenses by painting barns in his home county.

While at Berea his focus turned towards pre-med, and he attended medical school at West Virginia University. He paid his way by working as a barber at $1 a head and still got the clippers out at home years later to trim up unsuspecting family members.

He volunteered for the Army and served two years in the late 1960s as a captain in Vietnam. He received accolades including a bronze star for valor and performing surgery under fire in active combat.

His first child was born while he was in med school, and along with his growing family he made several moves around the country to accommodate many years of medical training and internships. This culminated with a residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN in Orthopedics, 1971-1975.

Darrell was an exemplary practitioner wherever he went, always focused on helping in his quiet, confident way. He made many fast friends among his peers, mentors, and those he took under his wing, including Drs. Philip Branson, Joe Crow, James Powers.

His entrepreneurial drive led him to start his medical practice in Mercer County, West Virginia in 1976 which continued until his retirement in 2019. He specialized in total joint replacement of knee and hip. No assignment was too difficult. He worked night and day being the best doctor and Orthopedic Surgeon that could be found anywhere. His ability to diagnose and repair any orthopedic break, wound and diagnose other bone and joint problems is well known in the state of West Virginia and beyond.

He was a small-town doctor on first name basis with Ortho gods and referred to as “secret weapon” at Princeton Community Hospital where he worked for 43 years. He always knew a way to get out of a jam in the operating room. He was generous and never demeaning with his knowledgeable, plain-spoken advice and helped a multitude of patients in his many years of practice.

He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. A memorial celebration will be in the spring. If you would like to pay your respects, tell a story, share some photos see links below.

Donations to Berea College in memory of Darrell C. Belcher. His experience there gave him a path to greatness. https://www.berea.edu/give/

Online condolences can be made at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the Belcher family.

Donald R. Calfee ’62
Jan. 12, 2022

Donald “Don” Robert Calfee of Southern Pines, NC, son of the late Talmage Calfee and Ann (Evans) Calfee, was born in Beckley on Sept. 29, 1939, and passed away on Jan. 12, 2022.

His wife Nettie and children Ben, Aimee and Robert were by his side.

Don grew up in Beckley with his two sisters—Gloria (Calfee) Martin and Nancy Calfee.

He graduated from Berea College and enjoyed a career in hotel management.

He served during the Vietnam War (1964- 67) as a signal officer aboard the U.S.S. Bennington.

Funeral services were held Jan. 15 at Christ Community Church in Pinehurst, NC. Burial followed at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkison.org.

Dr. James L. Campbell ’62
April 12, 2022

Dr. James Lester “Jim” Campbell Jr., 82, of Lynchburg passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at his residence.

Born in Campbellsville, Ky., February 4, 1940, he was the son of the late James L. Campbell and Clora England Campbell. Jim attended Berea College in Kentucky, The Ohio University, and the University of Virginia. He received his Ph.D. in English literature at the University of Virginia having written his dissertation entitled “Ecclesiastes and Eighteenth-Century Literature”. During his many years at Lynchburg College, he taught traditional literature courses as well as several that he created. After Jim retired from Lynchburg College, he became involved in the Literacy Council of Lynchburg. He also created two very successful study groups through Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Literature for Life and Current Issues and Events, through which he met many wonderful people. He attended the Unitarian Church of Lynchburg and often led their discussion groups.

During the last year of Jim’s life, his health deteriorated. He received Hospice care from Centra Health during the last months of his life. The family is forever indebted to Teresa Lancaster, Melanie Fastabend, Susan Allen and especially Janet Nuckles, who became very close to Jim and Nancy.

Our family is deeply grateful to Jim’s forever friends who visited him every Wednesday, brightening his life, Tom Brickhouse, Kern Lunsford, and Carlos Gorostiaga.

In addition, we want to thank the wonderful neighbors who have been so caring and helpful over the last several months, and Vickie Stinnet, a force of nature who took over the household and loved Jim.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Ann Campbell; two daughters, Jamie Ann Plank and her husband, Colin of Lynchburg, and Marianne Elizabeth Campbell of Chicago; five grandchildren, Elodie, Silvia, Asa, Rowan and Anora; one brother-in-law, Bruce Ware and wife Valerie; one sister-in-law, Connie Webster; two dear friends, Tom Brickhouse and Kern Lunsford and his K-9 companion, Meko.

Nancy (AKA Ann) wants to thank every person she has ever known because each person created in her a spirit that she passed on to Jim and enabled to live as long as he was able. Thank you to my dear friends and acquaintances and especially the group of eight.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Celebrant Polly Starnes officiating. The family will host a reception and receive friends following the service.

The family requests those wishing to make memorial contributions to consider the American Red Cross 3700 Candlers Mountain Road, Suite 7, Lynchburg, Virginia.

To send condolences online, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Mildred Clark ’62
March 1, 2022

Mildred Clark, age 82, of Clyde, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, following a brief illness. Mildred was born, January 6, 1940, in Fines Creek, North Carolina. She was Salutatorian of the Fines Creek High School class of 1958. She graduated from Berea College in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree. She worked first as a teacher, then as a Social Worker in Kentucky, and then the North Carolina counties of Burke, Henderson, and Haywood respectively. Following her career at DSS she worked as a CNAII, employed until recently. Mildred was known for her love of reading, animals and crafting, especially sewing. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Kathryn McCarson Clark, brothers Frank and Edward Clark, sister Helen Clark, and nephew Greg Clark. She is survived by her sister Juanita Ledford (Ray) of Lake Junaluska and remembered by the close bond that they shared. She is also survived by a brother J.C. Clark (Annette) of Fines Creek, sister-in law Virginia Clark of Clyde, her aunt Jean Roberson of West Jefferson, nephews Jeff Clark and Tim Clark (Joanie) of Clyde, Randy Clark (Tammy) of Fines Creek, nieces Sharon Ort (Tom) of West Virginia, Rebecca “Becky” Rose (David) of Clyde, Katheryn “Kathy” Duckworth (David) of Lake Junaluska, and numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces, and cousins in the Leicester community. She is also survived by her current fur family which includes a rescue dog, Buster, and cats, Honeybun and Freckles. Visitation will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, March 5 at Fines Creek Memorial Baptist Church, with services to follow at 2:00pm, officiated by Reverends Jimmy Moore, Billy Ferguson, and Daniel Sprinkles, with burial in the church’s cemetery. Pallbearers are Jeff Clark, Randy Clark, Tim Clark, Joshua Clark, Anthony Duckworth, and Jarod Duckworth. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786. Smoky Mountain Cremations and Funeral Service of Clyde is caring for the family and the online register is available at www.smokymountaincremations.com.

Bette Wilson McClain ’62
Jan. 29, 2022

Charlotte – Our beloved Bette Wilson McClain, born March 2, 1940, entered her eternal home on January 29. We rejoice that she is in the arms of Jesus, her Savior. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, after courageously battling heart failure. She is predeceased by her mother and father (Albert and Pearl Wilson), and her brother (Albert Wilson).

Bette was born in Burnsville, NC, later moving to Asheville. She graduated from Berea College, majoring in home economics. She excelled in everything she did and it’s no surprise that the college dean said of her, “In everything she has done here, she’s always a lady.”

Bette met and married the devoted love of her life, Henry, and they would be celebrating 60 years of marriage this July. He loved to tease her and called her “Lightning”, as her southern charm and manners didn’t always equate with swiftness! Their love and commitment have been a beacon of light and example to so many, particularly their children and grandchildren. Bette and Henry later moved to Fort Myers, Florida and enjoyed many years of sailing before moving to Charlotte to be near their extended family.

Bette had an unwavering faith in God and was marked by grace, wisdom, and gentleness to all. Despite years of chronic pain, complaining was simply not an option for her, as her response was always, “others have it worse than I do”. She was active in church her entire life teaching Sunday school and many women’s Bible studies. She had such a gift of listening, particularly in mentoring young married women in their faith. They were drawn to her peaceful heart and wisdom and flocked to her for advice and counsel.

Bette’s greatest joy was her family. Her children and grandchildren adored her. She frequently checked in with them, asking how she could be praying for them thereby nurturing deep relationships with them all.

Bette is survived by her loving husband, Charles Henry McClain, daughters Karen McClain Cauthen (Charles), and Kelly McClain Dockery (Mike), grandchildren Julia Cauthen Williams (Hampton), McClain Cauthen, Frances Cauthen, Matthew Dockery (Holly), John Dockery, Sarah Dockery, and great grandson Henry Lake Williams.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Hospice of Charlotte and Aldersgate at Home for their incredible care given to Bette. Renee and Hollie, you became and are like family to us.

A service to celebrate Bette’s life and Homecoming will be Saturday, Feb 5 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, NC at 11 am, officiated by Reverends Bernie Lawrence and Tom Groelsema. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 am in the main foyer. Memorials in Bette’s honor may be given to Christ Covenant Church at address above.

Posted online on February 01, 2022

Colon Sparkman ’62
March 16, 2022

Colon “Sparkie” Sparkman entered his eternal home on March 16, 2022. He died in his Walkertown, NC home at the age of 83 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Sparkie was born on March 7, 1939, in Letcher County, KY. He graduated from Kingdom Come High School in Linefork, KY in 1958 and attended Berea College in Berea, KY. Sparkie & Margaret married July 22, 1961, after being introduced by mutual friends. They welcomed their only child, Kimberly, in 1977. Sparkie had a rewarding career in hospitality beginning as a Soda Jerk at Mammoth Cave in the summer of 1959 and managing Blue Ridge Parkway operations at Crabtree Meadows in Little Switzerland, NC and Bluffs Lodge & Coffee Shop in Laurel Springs, NC prior to retiring in 2005. He was a Christian, a numismatist, a joke teller, a talented cook, a devoted husband, and a doting father & grandfather that leaves a legacy of love & kindness for those closest to him. He was preceded in death by his father William McKinley Sparkman, his grandfather Ira Sparkman, and his grandmother Marybell Sparkman. Sparkie is survived by his wife, Margaret Burgess Sparkman; his daughter, Kimberly Sparkman, and his grandson, Rory Goss. Sparkie’s visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 1:00pm, with a memorial service at 2:00pm at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church in Walkertown, NC. It will be immediately followed by a graveside burial ceremony at the same location. Flowers may be sent to Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home at 3950 Macy Grove Road, Kernersville, NC 27284. In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at https://www.brpfoundation.org/donate or Morris Chapel UMC at http://morrischapel.org/giving/online-giving.

James L. Davis ’64
Feb. 13, 2022

James LeMarr Davis of Rose Hill, Virginia passed away after a brief illness on February 13, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul McDaniel Davis and mother Mary LeMarr Davis, brother-in-law Edmond Hensley, and nephew Tim Hensley.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Carolyn and four children: Melanie (Mitchell) Stockwell from Atlanta, Georgia, Shannon (Greg) Brock from Knoxville, Tennessee, Jason (Martha) Davis from Rose Hill, and Amanda (Eddie) Reasor from Jonesville. He also leaves behind four grandchildren on whom he doted: Davis Stockwell (23) Anna Davis (21) Amelia Stockwell (20) and Jack Davis (18). He is also survived by his two sisters, Jacinta Hensley and Teresa (Dan) Susong, both of Rose Hill, a cousin (who was more like a brother), John D Hines of Jonesville and several close cousins, nieces and nephews.

A 1964 graduate of Berea College (Agriculture), Jim served as chief executive officer of Davis Brothers Nursery, a family business his father Paul and uncle Claude began in 1952. Jim represented the fourth generation of Davis’ in the nursery profession. He was a great advocate for professional landscaping and design. He openly shared his expertise with anyone who needed assistance for over 50 years. As a contractor, he completed many major, multi-mile tree planting projects for the Virginia Department of Highways across the state, as well as countless regional commercial projects. Jim was known throughout the area for his friendliness, kindness, and commitment to his family and the community. He was also known for his humor and wit. He was a great friend to many around Rose Hill and was a rock on whom many could depend. Jim absolutely loved classic country music and would listen to it constantly as well as picking out tunes on his guitar. He also served as the caretaker of the Silver Leaf Baptist Church Cemetery where he will now be buried.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Silver Leaf Baptist Church in Rose Hill. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Varnadore officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Silver Leaf Cemetery.

Online condolences may be viewed or sent by visiting our website, www.RobinetteFuneralHomes.com. Robinette Funeral Home of Rose Hill is serving the Davis family.

Douglas T. Wilder ’64
March 10, 2022

Tommy Douglas Wilder, 79, of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at his residence. He was born in 1942 in Baxter, Kentucky, to Joe Hayward and Bernice (Shell) Wilder. Doug graduated from Loyall High School in 1960 and from Berea College in 1964. He immediately began working at Harding-Jones

Paper Company as a computer programmer. He became V.P. of Manufacturing and finally Mill Manager in 1986. He began work at Miami Paper in West Carrollton in 1986 as Production Manager. He retired, as Mill Manager, in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Elaine (Williston) Wilder of 57 years. Also, three children, Kent

(Brenda), Derek (Kim) and Melissa (Julian) Davis; seven grandchildren, Evan and Hannah Wilder, Tyler and Ryan Davis, Courtney Davis (Hunter) Gentry and Patrick and Jacob Wilder; two Great-Grandchildren, Beckham Gray Gentry and Stella Joy Gentry and two brothers, David and Carl Wilder. He was

preceded in death by his parents; Joe and Bernice; brother, Don and sister, Dorothy Wilder Howard and a granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Wilder. The family wishes to express a

special “Thank you” to Doug’s Nurse, Michelle and the other staff at Queen City Hospice. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 15, 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. at Crosspointe Church of Christ with Funeral Services also there at 12:00 pm with

Minister Scott Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Butler County Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions may be directed to: Queen City Hospice at 4605 Duke Drive, Suite 200

Mason, OH 45040 or Midwestern Children’s Home at 4585 Long-Spurling Rd. Pleasant Plain, OH 45162. Condolences may be sent to www.bakerstevensparramore.com.

Rev. Pat Barney Yates ’64
Oct. 13, 2021
Obituary Unavailable

John S. Brown ’65
Jan. 31, 2022
Obituary Unavailable

C. Eugene Reavis ’65
Feb. 15, 2022

Charles Eugene Reavis, 80, of Millers Creek passed away Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro with Dr. Bert Young officiating. Burial will be in Welcome Home Baptist Church Cemetery.

C. Eugene Reavis was a native of Wilkes County, born Jan. 15, 1942, the son of Clyde and Norma Reavis. He attended Union Elementary School, was a 1960 graduate of West Wilkes High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Berea College, Berea, Ky. in 1964. He completed his post graduate studies at Appalachian State University, where he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in 1969 and Education Specialist Degree in 1982, receiving both degrees with honors.

Mr. Reavis began his career in Wilkes County Schools in 1965 as an eighth-grade teacher at C.C. Wright School. From 1966-71, he served as assistant principal at Wilkes Central High School. In 1971, Mr. Reavis was selected as principal at East Wilkes High School. During his tenure at East Wilkes, the school was recognized for innovations in student instruction, staffing and staff development, community involvement and co-curricular choices for students, including more athletic opportunities for both male and female students. East Wilkes was the first school in Wilkes County and the second school in North Carolina to implement a Community School Program. Many of these innovations and programs were later implemented at the other Wilkes high schools. In 1983, Mr. Reavis joined the central office staff and in 1985 was appointed Assistant Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1999.

Professional organizations in which Mr. Reavis was involved included Phi Delta Kappa and the North Carolina Association of School Administrators. He served on the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction Insurance Advisory Committee for several years and in conjunction with the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction prepared an Americans with Disabilities Act instructional video that was distributed to all North Carolina school systems.

In 1991, Mr. Reavis was named Administrator of the Year by the Wilkes Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educational Office Personnel.

Mr. Reavis was a member of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro where he served as a deacon, provided leadership for several new construction and renovation projects and served as longtime chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He was a member of the North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge and participated in various other local volunteer organizations.

Gene was honored by Berea College for holding the highest scoring total record in a Berea College basketball game with 50 points during the final home game of his senior year. His parents and wife were present to see this achievement.

Mr. Reavis was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Ella Rose Moore Reavis of the home, and a daughter, Stephanie Reavis Sanderson and husband, Norman, of Wilkesboro.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wilkes County Schools, 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

Douglas Willard Allison ’66
Jan. 15, 2022

Douglas Willard Allison, 77, of Old Fort, transitioned to his Heavenly home peacefully, while surrounded by his loving family. Following a brief illness, he fought hard to remain here with those he loved but on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, the Good Lord took him home to be with his “beloved and beautiful” Donna Morris, whom he missed dearly. Doug was born June 27, 1944, in Old Fort, to the late Guy Meloy Allison and Clara Kate Eller Allison. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Allison; two sisters, Janet Allison and Anita Broach; and a son-in-law, Nelson Branly. Doug is survived by a wonderful family including brother, Marion Allison and wife, Kaye; brother, Alan Allison and wife, Linda; sister, Carole Overbay and husband, Larry; sister, Katie Lynn Allison; Michael Broach, husband to Anita; and Anne Allison, wife to David; two daughters, Kimberlee Branly and Tara Broyhill with her husband, Mike; four amazing grandsons, Michael Whittington, Andrew Whittington, Zachary Branly and Connor Broyhill; a wonderful granddaughter, Charlotte Broyhill; a sweet great-granddaughter, Ava Branly; and the loving mother of his children, Andrea Hulin. Doug was also blessed to have countless nieces and nephews and their extended families that gave him much joy. After graduating from Old Fort High School in 1962, Doug attended Berea College in Kentucky, Class of 1966. During his life, he worked for some great companies but was retired from MDI as a truck driver, a job he “truly enjoyed” for many years. In recent years, he returned to work for McDowell County Public Services “just to get out of the house a little” and he met some great people along the way. His work ethic and love for his family, especially “seeing all of those grandkids,” travel, hunting and gardening kept him busy and brought such satisfaction to him. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou. Daddy sure had many of those moments and will be greatly missed here on this Earth but we shall meet again in Heaven; until then “may you have great blessings and find joy in all that you do, drive careful and I love you!” 1 Corinthians 2:9A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards the family to be used for the grandchildren’s college funds. Beam Funeral Service & Crematory2170 Rutherford Rd., Marion, NC 28752

Dr. Everette C. Simmons ’66
March 5, 2022
Obituary Unavailable

William T. Burkett ’67
Jan. 2, 2022

We are sad to announce that on January 2, 2022, at the age of 76, William Thomas Burkett of Muskogee, Oklahoma, born in Gravel Switch, Kentucky passed away. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of William Thomas Burkett to pay them a last tribute.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Burkett and Lettie Roller Burkett; his siblings, Ashby, Henry and Virginia; his godmother Naomi Hourigan; and his granddaughters, Hope Naomi and Faith Jean Burkett Dearhamer.

He is survived by : the mother of his children Phyllis Burkett of Muskogee; his daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Burkett Dearhamer (Timothy) and Jan Rosson (Ryan); his grandchildren, Grace, Mercy of Broken Arrow, Max, Charlie of Muskogee and Maria Roberson (BJ); his great grandchildren, Arianna, Xavier, Ava and Audrey of Cushing; and his brother Ray (Patty) of Lebanon, Kentucky..

Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematory (1830 N York St, Muskogee, OK 74403). A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 6th, 2022, at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church (600 E Okmulgee St, Muskogee, OK 74403).

Gary Steven Hale ’67
March 10, 1947

Gary Steven Hale, 76, of Christiana, Tennessee passed away on March 10, 2022. He was born in McMinnville, Tennessee on October 27, 1945. Preceding him in death were his parents, Thurman Hartford and Verna Beatrice Davis Hale; daughter, Sherry Storm Brandywine “Brandy” Hale; brothers, James William Hale, Donald Everett Hale, and Daniel Richard Hale; and sister, Betsy Diane Hale.

He is survived by his brothers, Larry Hartford Hale of McMinnville, Charles Ronald Hale of McMinnville, and Terry Douglas “Doug” Hale of Philadelphia, PA; sisters, Laurel Paulette Hale Taylor, Rebecca Lynn Hale, and Betty Bounds all of McMinnville; and 17 nieces and nephews.

Gary started off life being a boy in every sense of the term, but being one of 10 children, he quickly transitioned into being a man. He was always one to look out for his siblings, especially the younger ones. In high school, Gary excelled at being an athlete and played basketball, but when Doug got interested, Gary went out of his way to show him the ropes. A natural-born leader, Gary taught Doug how to play basketball by creating and nailing a rim to the outside of the smokehouse. Turned out that Gary made quite the coach, and Doug earned a college scholarship for basketball.

His leadership and ingenuity attracted people to him, but he reserved the closest relationships for his siblings, especially his sister Rebecca. Most boys didn’t want to hang out with little girls, especially if they were little sisters, but Gary didn’t care what people thought. He would take Rebecca on outings and watch over her. Though he grew into his role as a protector quickly, it didn’t affect his friendly and kind disposition. Growing up out in the country, you had to make your own fun, and Gary wasn’t about to miss out on a frog-gigging expedition with friends.

After high school, Gary went off to Berea College in Kentucky for two years before being drafted in the Vietnam War. Seeing his potential, the Air Force shifted him over to serve in the Military Police, where his primary responsibilities were guarding military planes and training the canine units. When he had the opportunity for advancement to Lieutenant, Gary jumped at the offer. However, he hadn’t written home to momma in a while, so Mrs. Beatrice decided that if he wouldn’t answer her, surely, he’d answer the preacher.

What Mrs. Beatrice didn’t know was when the preacher called to inquire about Gary’s whereabouts and how he was doing, Gary actually ended up getting moved back to being in the Military Police. Mrs. Beatrice finally got to hear from her boy, but it wasn’t the phone call she’d been hoping for. And Gary’s whereabouts? Well, he had the pleasure of serving time in the kitchen peeling potatoes for the disruption.

In total, Gary served 2 enlistments in the Air Force, traveling to Vietnam and Guam before bringing his military career to a close. He enjoyed playing basketball for the military team and managed to make several good memories during his time of service. However, it wasn’t all fun and games, and Gary didn’t miss out on seeing the atrocities of war. His shoulders had always been broad enough to carry the load, but his family could tell something had changed in him after the war. Nevertheless, he kept his problems to himself and continued to be a figure of strength for those he loved.

Coming back to civilian life, Gary tried to pick up where he had left off and live a normal life. He enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University and started back working on completing his general education courses. His daughter being born and working added to his load, but ultimately, family came first. Gary took his role as a protector and provider seriously and put family before everything else. So, when times got tough, he quit school to work full-time and take care of his family.

Gary worked as a factory worker at GE until he retired after a work-related accident that caused him to lose a finger. He faced many trials and hardships during his lifetime from side effects due to his military service to the death of his daughter, Brandy. It was enough to make anyone ready to give up, but Gary just kept on trucking and took each blow in stride. His perseverance through the storms in his life was pure grit.

In his retirement, he took more time to go back to some of his original interests. He was a die-hard Tennessee fan, rooting for the UT Vols in basketball and football. Instead of frog gigging, he decided to kick back and go fishing, and Gary had an eye for special lures. His enjoyment on the river multiplied when he met and became fond of a little boy named Larry. They shared many fishing trips together, and Gary was able to go back to a simpler time when he was just a big brother being a coach.

Burial services will be private. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190

Dianne Parsons Cooper Fd ’68
Dec. 21, 2021

Dianne Parsons Cooper, beloved wife and mother passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2021, at the age of 71. A native of Berea, KY, she spent her childhood living alternately between various military bases, and her family farm on land granted for service in the Revolutionary War. Most of her adult life she lived in Elizabethtown where she invested her energy and passion in her family and community. A fierce advocate for learning, she spent 16 years on the Elizabethtown Independent School Board and devoted countless hours as a volunteer working in the schools, she was particularly passionate about the importance of early childhood literacy, and the opening of the Panther Academy early childhood education center. Dianne will be remembered by her friends and loved ones for her intellect and wisdom. A voracious reader, she loved literature and history, was a master level duplicate bridge player, and welcomed opportunities to travel. She was a kind and caring friend and enjoyed spending time as part of the Junior Women’s Club, the Hardin County Homemakers, her Memorial United Methodist Church Potpourri Sunday School Class, various book clubs, bridge, and bunko groups, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was the touchstone and center of her family. She showered unconditional love, raising her children with the importance of family, loyalty, and purpose. Married for more than 53 years, she leaves her husband Tom, her children Amy (Troy), Josh (Amanda), Logan and her grandchildren whom she delighted in (Jessica, Matthew, Catherine, and Boone). She is also survived by her sister Carol Parsons, stepmother Luanne Parsons, niece Julie Rhule, nephew John Nibert, sister-in-law Doris Zhogul and countless friends. Goodbye Momma, we were your everything, you remain everything to we. The funeral will be Monday, Dec 27th at 12 noon at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Visitation is from 10 am to 12 pm Monday at the funeral home.

John J. Watson, Ph.D. ’68
Jan. 8, 2022

Palm Desert, California – Dr. John Joseph Watson, Jr. passed away on January 8, 2022, at the age of 75 near his home in Palm Desert, California. A prominent San Francisco psychologist from 2004 until his retirement in 2019, John’s work within the gay men’s community brought him immense joy and satisfaction. Born in Dallas, Texas, he grew up in Georgia, attended Berea College and the University of Kentucky, and spent many years in Lexington, Kentucky. After living in Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, and Phoenix, he finally made his way to his adopted home state of California and lived in Walnut Creek for over twenty years. Sitting on his balcony with his partner and husband of twenty-four years, Jerry Miller, with a glass of buttery Chardonnay or a mimosa in hand, watching the sun move across Mt. Diablo, was one of the quiet pleasures of his life.

John was an accomplished pianist and avid home cook. He enjoyed experiencing new adventures and traveling in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Utah, and Vancouver, BC, his favorite city. He loved sharing the Napa and Sonoma wine country with his family and friends. John was an inspiration to his twin daughters, Adrienne and Alison, and they always will remember his kind and generous spirit, his passion for good food and wine, the way he created a beautiful home, his love of nature and animals, and the intentional way he taught them to joyfully live in the present.

John will be incredibly missed by those who loved him. He is survived by his husband Jerry Miller of Palm Desert, California; daughters Alison Morgan (JC) of Cold Spring, Kentucky, and Adrienne Henize (Keith) of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren Emily, Abby, Brandon, Luke, and Tyler; brother Ken Watson (Abretha) of Pineview, Georgia; nephews Jason (Angie) and Patrick (Marissa); great nephews and nieces Nathan, Emily, Noah, and Norah; mother-in-law June Miller; siblings-in-law Jenny, Jeff (Denise), Jay (Debbie), and Jill Miller; family members Kit and Jerry Roberts, Ann Wadsworth, and Betsy and Jerry Mandell; many dear friends; and his beloved tuxedo cat Boris. John is preceded in death by his parents John Joseph, Sr. and Catherine Watson, and his father-in-law John Miller.

A celebration of life is being planned for June 2022, near what would have been John’s 76th birthday. Family and friends who wish to make a donation in John’s memory may give to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1.

Maurice L. Davidson ’69
April 5, 2022

Maurice Luther Davidson, 80, died Tuesday, April 5th, 2022, at his home in Berea. He was born in Berea, KY to the late Luther and Louona Sexton Davidson.  Maurice was a retired carpenter with Facilities Management at Berea College. After his retirement, he enjoyed working part-time as a maintenance technician for Mountain Association. Maurice was a US Air Force veteran and a member of the First Christian Church. He was also a Berea College alumnus, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts. Maurice loved spending time with his family, doing carpenter projects whenever needed, and building projects with his youngest grandson Brandon. He was an avid UK Wildcats fan. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of almost 32 years, Diane Davidson and his sister, Betty Sue Halbritter. He is survived by his son, Eric (Cortnie) Davidson, his grandchildren, Sara Kay Shearer of Knoxville, Tennessee, Grace, Avery and Brandon Davidson all of Berea. His nieces, Sheri (Mark) Watson of Marysville, Ohio, Tina (Chad) Van Etten of Dublin, Ohio, Nicole (Michael) Minak of Winder, Georgia, his nephew, Robert (Jodee) Stanton of New Port Richey, Florida; one brother, Robert Davidson of Lexington, Kentucky; and many other family and friends whom he loved dearly. Funeral services will be 1 pm, Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Caldwell-Reiss and Rev. Rick Fulton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Eric Davidson, Avery Davidson, Mark Watson, Isaac Watson, Jim Beaver, J.B. Hillard, and Tony DeGregorio. Honorary bearers will be Brandon Davidson, Jimmy Wagers, Jerry Powell, Christopher Lewis, and the Berea Police Department. Services will be livestreamed at www.lakesfuneralhome.com

Ralph Milton Ragan ’69
Jan. 13, 2021

March 17, 1947 – January 13, 2021

Psalm 37:18 “The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”

On January 13, 2021, God sent His angels to carry Ralph Milton Ragan to heaven, to dwell there for eternity with Him. Ralph was born on March 17, 1947, and departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love and blessing of a large family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Ethel Ragan; his sister, Anna Jane Gregory; his daughter, Julie Rebecca Ragan; and his granddaughter, Mary Grace Ragan.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Linda Page Ragan; children, Aaron (Gina) Ragan, Brent (April) Ragan, John (Nicole) Ragan, Cristin (Travis) Joyner, and Ralph (Lauren) Ragan Jr.; as well as grandchildren, David (Katie) Ragan, Abigail Ragan, Tikvah Ragan, Isaac Ragan, Reuben Ragan, Hope (Zack) Hughes, Ellis Ragan, Katie Ragan, Luke Ragan, Calvin Ragan, Julia Ragan, Sye Ragan, Eli Ragan, Ellie Ragan, Ragan Joyner, William Joyner, Jacob Joyner, and Augustus Ragan; and great-grandson, Wyatt Ragan, In addition to sister, Jean (Robert) Abbot; brother, Jack (Susan) Ragan, many cousins, nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law.

Ralph was a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and his faith was evident in the love and patience he showed to his family and the kindness and compassion that he showed to his community. He was proud to have honorably served in the U.S. Army from January 1971 – January 1973. He was a founding member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, as well as a deacon there, happily giving of his time and resources to serve his church family. From the time his kids were old enough to play sports, he volunteered to coach, pouring knowledge and encouragement into his players. God gave him many talents: woodworking skills, construction savvy, mechanical expertise, a knack for soothing fussy babies, and listening with grace. He sought to store up treasures in heaven, living as a godly example to all of his children and grandchildren and everyone he met. Although we will miss him, we will cherish the legacy he has left us and look forward to our Reunion Day in heaven.

The funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 400 Old Airport Rd., Bristol, Va., with Pastor Jerry Russell officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service. A procession will leave Gethsemane Baptist Church at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021, to Mountain View Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Barry N. Wood ’69
Feb. 1, 2022

Barry Nelson Wood February 1, 2022, Barry Nelson Wood, 80, of Pine Grove, PA and Houston, PA passed away on February 1, 2022, at Country Meadows in Hershey, PA from cancer. He was born in Pottsville, PA on September 30, 1941, and was the son of Girard and Erma Beck Wood.  His parents preceded him in death, along with maternal grandparents Nelson and Edna Schneck Beck, Pine Grove, paternal grandparents William and Florence Wood, Branchdale, a cousin Linda Lou Beck Felty, Lebanon and a niece Traci Shott, Pine Grove.  Also preceding Barry was Kenneth E Britten.  He was his companion for many years and on December 9, 2014, they were married and spent the last 6 years together until November 4, 2020, when Kenny died. Barry grew up in Pine Grove.  His love of the theater began early in his life.  As a child he would go to the Pine Grove movie theater along with his sisters to see whatever was playing.  At that time the theater was run by Irvin Gassert.  The cost was 12 cents and they all had 5 cents to put in the candy machine.  So now you know why he always said I was a boy who grew up at the Saturday matinee. From there he attended St Peter’s Reformed Church (now UCC) and jumped right in to help others develop short skits with the Youth Fellowship Group.  Barry was crazy over musicals.  He fell in love with all Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy movies.  He joined their fan club and I am sure he was one of their biggest fans. He graduated from Pine Grove High School in the Class of 1959.  After high school he continued his education in McCann’s Business School in Harrisburg and then went to work at the Veteran’s Administration in Washington DC.  While he was there he and his sister, Maxine, had the pleasure to meet Nelson Eddy in person, one of the highlights of his life.  From there he attended Berea College in Kentucky and received a B.A. in English and Speech in 1969.  Barry met Jannette Pugh when he went to Berea College in 1969.  They were married in Pine Grove on August 22, 1970.  Barry started in Peters Township in 1971 and for his first several plays she made a lot of the costumes.  They later divorced in July 1977.  It was a very friendly divorce and they have always been in contact with each other. In 1971 he was hired at Peters Township by Dr Howard Jack and continued to teach English and Theater for 39 years and retired in June 2010.  During those years he put on musicals, comedies, dramas, dancing, etc. using any of the students wherever he needed them.  Sometimes they would have several plays during the year.  Now that wasn’t all!  At the end of the school year, they would have an awards program for the students.  Just like the Academy Awards for movies.  They had a 20-year reunion to honor Barry and those students who were involved with all of the plays.  His 3 sisters attended.  After all the ceremonies and the honoring of Mr. Wood they told him they are now going to name the award.   It is now known as the Barry Award. He received a Master of Arts in Teaching (Education) from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972 and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater (Directing) from Ohio University in 1971. In 2007, he returned to his High School Alumni Banquet to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award for all his outstanding achievements during his teaching. He was a teacher and director for Peters Township, McMurray, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, Washington and Jefferson College, Waynesburg University, Berkshire Center for the Performing Arts, and director and choreographer for the Washington Community Theater. He established the Annual Awards Ceremony at Peters Township, the Peters Dance Company and was Co-founder of the Hillside Players and The Thespian Troupe 185. He was named to the Teacher Excellence Center’s Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, a nominee for the Disney Teacher Award and invited to the American High School Festival in Scotland. He was a Deacon and Elder at the First Presbyterian Church 1793 in Washington.  He received the Dr Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award.  This award came from the man himself who hired him and always remained an inspiration and mentor to him. Surviving him are his three sisters, Maxine (Terry) Zimmerman, Pine Grove, Pamela (Fred) Grabe, Florida, Wanda (Fred) Schneck, Pine Grove, cousins, niece, nephews. Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church 1793 at 100 E Wheeling St, Washington PA  15301. We the family would like to thank Country Meadows of Bridgeville and Hershey for taking care of our brother and also Grane Hospice Care from Camp Hill for seeing him through his end stages but most important were Barry’s former students and precious true friends that were faithful with their gifts, cards, phone calls and amazing and memorable letters.  You were the best. And now Barry this completes your final act in life you may now EXIT STAGE LEFT.

Brenna Wilson
Spouse of William Wilson ’70
Dec. 21, 2019
Obituary Unavailable

Robert E. Smith ’72
Dec. 9, 2021

Robert Emil Smith, age 72, of Palatka, passed away on December 9, 2021, following an extended illness. He was a native of Clothier, West Virginia, and lived there until he moved to Berea, Kentucky to attend and graduate from Berea College. Smith later received his master’s degree in Business from the University of North Florida. He taught at Palatka Middle School and as a business instructor at night school. During the 1970s he became Director of the Northeast Florida Educational Consortium, where he worked until his retirement in 2010. He oversaw the Consortium’s work to provide educational services to 15 rural school districts, providing programs and support that these schools would not be able to provide to students on their own. His work also included advocacy efforts with superintendents and local and state legislators to provide critical funding for schools. Bob was a big fan of the Florida Gators, and he also loved fishing and boating. He spent a lot of time off the west coast of Florida, especially Cedar Key, where he took his airboat decked in orange and blue with custom Gator seats, to fish for redfish and speckled trout in the coastal flats. He loved to take family and friends on the airboat and got a kick out of teaching his children and grandchildren to tie a hook, bait it, and cast the line to see what would bite. He also loved to point out wildlife (birds and alligators) in the marshes. He really loved bringing his family together. Bob also enjoyed reading, woodworking, gardening, and travels to the Appalachian Mountains and Costa Rica. And many can attest he was very skilled at the barbecue grill and smoker, with any type of meat. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Smith, Senior, and Hattie Browning Smith, and his brother, Archie, Junior. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Dobbs Smith, of Palatka, Florida; his children, Travis Smith (Chrissie) of St. Augustine, Florida; and Shannon Eckhaus (Josh) of Johns Island, South Carolina. Smith is also survived by two stepdaughters, Claire Aiello (Joey) of Huntsville, Alabama; and Mary Katherine Kelly of Gainesville, Florida. His grandchildren are Camryn and Paige Smith, Elena and Nick Aiello, and Eric Leo and David Robison. In addition, Bob is survived by his sister, Sue Ann Crabtree (Tom) of Statesboro, Georgia, and nephew and niece, Tyler and Taylor Crabtree, sister-in-law Joann Smith of Tucson, Arizona, and nephew and niece Greg and Jessie Smith. Bob strongly believed in people having access to education to better themselves, and his family is working to establish a scholarship through Northeast Florida Education Consortium (NEFEC) and St. John’s River State College in Palatka. NEFEC and the college will partner to create, annually select, and award a deserving student funds to attend classes at SJR State. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Foundation for Rural Excellence (attn. Bob Smith Memorial Scholarship) the mailing address is P.O. Box 756, Palatka, Florida, 32178A private family celebration of life will be scheduled. Johnson Overturf Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memories and condolences may be expressed in Bob’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.

Phyllis E. Massey ’73
March 30, 2022

Phyllis was born on March 16th, 1951, and passed away on March 30th, 2022, at the age of 71

Phyllis Elaine Massey age 71 of Limestone passed away Wednesday March 30, 2022, at Durham Hensley Health and Rehab. Born in Greene County, Tennessee on March 16, 1951,

Phyllis grew up helping on the family farm in Limestone. She graduated from Washington College Academy in 1969 where she enjoyed membership in the Latin Club. After high school, she attended and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Berea College in Kentucky. She went on to further her education by becoming an LPN. Phyllis worked at Plus Mark in Afton for many years before retirement. In more recent years she was a resident of Durham Hensley Nursing Home in Chuckey, TN. Phyllis was a hard worker with a curious mind. She enjoyed word puzzles and reading mystery novels, especially Agatha Christie. She loved animals and even went so far as to name every single cow in the family’s pastures.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Freeman and Virginia “Mama Dean” Massey, and a brother Larry Massey.

She is survived by 2 brothers and sisters-in-law Gary and Linda Massey, Rex and Lorie Massey, her late brother Larry’s wife Pat Massey, Nephews Shane Massey, Joey Massey, Lee Lawson, Noah Cook, Adam Cook, nieces Kim Holomback, April Massey, Jenny Massey, Michelle Dunbar and several cousins. 

The family will receive friends Sunday from 1-2 pm Sunday at Jeffers Funeral Chapel at Afton. Graveside service will follow Sunday at 2pm at GraceLand Memorial Gardens with Rev. Sam Smith officiating.

Jeffers Funeral and Cremations is in charge of the services.

William David Darwin ’74
Nov. 11, 2021

William David Darwin was born April 8, 1951, and departed this life Thursday, November 11, 2021, reaching the age of 70 years. He was the son of the late Arthur David and Irola (Hall) Darwin.     

He married Wanda Roberts and to this union two children were born.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Darwin; one son, David Rhodes Darwin; one daughter, Alea Ashley Darwin Bueno (Ritche Patrick); and one sister, Joan Etta Darwin Adams (Mitch); along with a host of family and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Wayne Darwin.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, between 11 am – 1 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 1 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia Sneed Salyers ’74
Obituary Unavailable

Freddie C. Hall ’75
March 3, 2022

Freddie Clayton Hall, age 71, of Coal Run, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV. He was born May 8, 1950, in Hi Hat, KY, the son of the late Omery and Helen Gearheart Hall. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Willie A. Hall, of Centerville, OH, and one sister, Rheba Burtch, of Swanton, OH. He is survived by his wife, Linda Fae Hall, two daughters, Emily Rose Weakley and her husband, Daniel, and Mary Elizabeth Hall, and one granddaughter, Abigail Faye Weakley. Five brothers, Thurman Hall of Kettering, OH, Rex D. Hall (Carole) of Adelanto, CA, Roy C. Hall (Shirley) of Lexington, KY, Stanley Hall (Rhonda) of Muncie, IN, and Omery Chuck Hall (Donna) of Martin, KY. Three sisters, Christina Scrocco of Seven Hills, OH, Tonda (Ricky) Johnson of Georgetown, KY and Nada Ousley of Hopkinsville, KY, a sister-in-law Wilma Hall, and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Freddie attended Alice Lloyd College and was a graduate of Berea College. Freddie worked at Pikeville College where he achieved a master’s degree of Education. He was a retired teacher from Pike County Board of Education. He served as PCEA president, PCEA and EKEA delegates, a KEA budget committee member, and on the KEA Board of Directors. Freddie coached a number of sports through the school system. He was a Board of Director for the Historic Garden Foundation and a member of the Main Street Church of Christ. Freddie’s favorite hobby was golf, and he was an avid UK fan. Arrangements are under the direction of the JW Call Funeral Home in Pikeville, KY. Visitation will be at the Main Street Church of Christ in Pikeville, KY on Friday, March 4, 2022, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm EST on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Main Street Church of Christ in Pikeville, KY with Josh Allen officiating. Funeral services will be live streamed at www.mainstcoc.org. Burial will follow at Ramsey Cemetery in Coal Run, KY. Donations may be made to the Main Street Church of Christ Mission Fund.

Jewrette Y. Johnson ’77
April 6, 2022
Obituary Unavailable

Evelyn Blankenship Ballard ’78
March 27, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Evelyn Joyce Ballard (Berea, Kentucky), born in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, who passed away on March 27, 2022, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Evelyn Joyce Ballard to pay them a last tribute.

She was predeceased by her parents, Billy Blankenship and Evelyn, and her sisters, Ida Mae Blankenship and Lucille Blankenship. She is survived by her husband Michael “Mickey” Wayne Ballard; her children, Michael Shaun Ballard (Brandi) of Richmond, KY, Braxton Mullins of Berea, KY, Jerry Boucher of Berea, KY and Brandy Michelle McKinney (Bryon) of Berea, KY; her siblings, Myrtle Blankenship and William Junior Blankenship; and her grandchildren, Kaetlyn, Riley, Joseph, Casen and Hadleigh.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1st, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Richmond House (330 Mule Shed Ln, Richmond, KY 40475). A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 1st, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the same location.

J. Wyatt Sasser
Spouse of Nancy Taylor Sasser ’78
Feb. 21, 2019

James Wyatt Sasser Thursday, February 21, 2019, James Wyatt Sasser, of Newport, VA, died February 21, 2019, at Lewis Gale Hospital, Salem. He was born in North Carolina on May 4, 1950, to the late Lewis Elwood and Frances Whitley Sasser. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Nancy Taylor Sasser; three brothers, L.E. “Pete”; Sasser and wife, Susan, Don Sasser, Frank Sasser and significant other, Sherri, all of North Carolina. Wyatt is also survived by brothers-in-law, Richard Taylor and wife, Paula, Craig Taylor, mother-in-law, Mary Foster Taylor. He has many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends to remember him. Wyatt and Nancy enjoyed motorcycle trips, camping, and fishing. He was one of the Grill Masters for church events in the Newport community. Before his retirement in 2015, he was a dedicated employee of Virginia Tech, as the Director of Housekeeping for 28 years. He was faithful member of Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church. He loved God, his wife, his family and friends. His laugh was just one of his great attributes. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, February 24, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., at Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, with a Celebration of Life service to follow.

Albert York ’79
Dec. 17, 2021

Mr. Albert York, 64 of Mt. Vernon, passed from this life on Friday, December 17, 2021, at his home. He was born in Rockcastle County, KY on November 2, 1957, the son of George Christopher, Sr. and Ora L. Robinson York. Albert was a Union College graduate and instructor where he taught history, as well as coached several sports of which his favorites were tennis and swimming. He was the President of the Republican Party at Berea College, where he served on the high council. He was the first person from Rockcastle County to swim and play tennis for a college, as well as the first of his family to graduate college with multiple honors. He was an avid collector of art and glassware and enjoyed fishing, music, PC gaming, and spending time with his family. He was baptized into the Baptist Faith as a member of Brindle Ridge Baptist Church and was a true believer in God. He is survived four sisters: Viola Robinson, Joanna Smith, and Lucy Payne and husband Richard, all of Brodhead, and Eliza Jane York-Hansel and husband Chris of Mt. Vernon; two special nieces: Brooke York and Rachael Miller and husband William, both of Mt. Vernon; one special nephew: William Smith, Jr. of Mt. Vernon; a special great nephew: Ayden Courtney of Ohio; and a very special feline companion, Loki. Also surviving are a host of nieces and nephews, as well as friends that he considered family. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister: George Christopher York, Jr., John Henry York, Leroy York, and Mary Ida Taylor; as well as two nephews: Jerry Dean Morgan and Carl Lee York. Funeral services for Mr. York will be conducted Monday, December 20 at 2:00 PM at the Dowell Martin Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. George Renner and Katha Carpenter. Burial will follow in the Saylor Cemetery. Friends may call at Dowell Martin Funeral Home from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Sunday.

Sue Ellen Aylstock ’81
Feb. 18, 2022

Sue Ellen Aylstock, age 64, of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022. Sue was born December 11, 1957, in Dayton, OH.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-funeral.com for the Aylstock family.

Mark A. Gailey ’81
Jan. 18, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mark Alan Gailey (Berea, Kentucky), who passed away on January 18, 2022, at the age of 63, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Jennie Shain Kiteck ’81
Jan. 17, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Jennie Belle Kiteck of Berea, Kentucky, born in Louisville, Kentucky, who passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 94, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Shain and Goldia Shain; her husband Stephen P. Kiteck; her siblings, MaryAnn Shain Cubranic and William Shain; her daughter-in-law Sierra Cahoon; and her great grandchild Nolan Cahoon.

She is survived by her children, Susan Pfeifer (Patrick) of Louisville, KY, Steve (Sally) of Somerset, KY, Paul (Sharon) of Longmont, CO, Peter (Liz) of Carmichael, CA, Priscilla Cahoon (Jack) of Manteo, NC and Mary Whitlock (Mark) of Duluth, MN; her sister Marcia Purdue of Louisville, KY; and her caregiver Kim Bussey. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Church Nurture and Care Team fund.

Christina Davis-Camp ’82
Jan. 1, 2022

Chrissy Davis-Camp, 62, of Bell Buckle, passed from this life Saturday, January 1, 2022, at St. Thomas Rutherford. She will be cremated and the family will hold an End-of-Life Celebration and Potluck at Bell Buckle Banquet Hall on Sunday, Jan. 16, from noon-5 p.m. Chrissy was born November 21, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, to Kaye Davis and the late Rev. Bob Davis. She was raised in Cosby, Tennessee and graduated from Berea College. She worked for Sir Speedy Printing Company, was a music teacher, and loved sharing her passion for Dance. Chrissy is survived by her husband of 33 years, Pat Camp; daughters Ellie Camp and Anna Claire Camp; sister, Becky (Tom) Davis Slone; brother, Dan (Mona) Davis; niece, Rachel Slone; and nephew, Christopher Davis. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations: Flat Creek Dancers, Lloyd Shaw Foundation, and Berea Christmas Country Dance School. Doak-Howell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Mary Katherine Livingstone ’82
Obituary Unavailable

Kelly Johnson ’87
Dec. 25, 2021

Ms. Kelly Sue Johnson, age 57, of Pilot Oak, KY passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House in Murray, KY. She was born on December 5, 1964, in Fulton, KY to the late Robert Johnson and Dorothy Yates Johnson of Pilot Oak, KY. Kelly was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fulton, where she was also a member of the Prayer Shawl Group and United Methodist Women. She was involved with the Ken Tenn Food Bank, Kelly received a master’s degree from Murray State University, she was a Biologist for the Core of Engineers. She was also an undergraduate of Berea College in Berea, KY and received an honorary nursing degree from WKCTC. Kelly was an avid gardener. In addition to her mother is survived by a sister Samantha (Nathan) Hall of Murray, KY, a brother Randy (Debbie) Johnson of Wingo, KY, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11AM Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Fulton with burial to follow in the Old Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4-7PM Wednesday. Ms. Johnson will lie in state at the First United Methodist Church from 10AM Thursday until the hour of service. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn by all friends and family who attend. Memorials may be made to the Old Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, c/o Jerry Coltharp, 4001 State Route 94 W, Wingo, KY 42088.

Jessica Alan James ’89
Feb. 5, 2022

Jessica Allen Jess James, age 56, of Abingdon, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was employed by the Washington County Virginia School System for around 20 years in various capacities. Jess was an active member of Valley Street Baptist Church where she served as the church clerk, pianist, and taught Sunday school. She was a graduate of Berea College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hotel Management. Jess loved to journal, crochet, make jewelry, and encourage others. She loved singing, worshipping, cooking, writing, and looking at nature.    Jess was preceded in death by her father, Kenwood Allen James.    She is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Chapman James; son, Myles Alexander James, of the home; three siblings: Otis (Kay) James of Clarksville, Tenn.; Deatrice Lynn James of Abingdon, Va.; and Leslie James Webb of Lexington, Ky.; special aunt, Nellie Foster of Abingdon, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.    A funeral ceremony will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Dwayne Knight officiating. A committal service will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.   The family would like to express a special thanks to Johnice Knight, Tina Marie Foster, Penny Anderson, and Jackie Foster for being there for Jess.   Those wishing to  online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family is Jessica Allen Jess James is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).

K. Chad Tate ’90
March 26, 2022

Kenneth Chadwell “Chad” Tate, 55, husband of Mary Carole Thomas Tate, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Baptist Health Richmond. He was born on November 12, 1966, to Kenneth and Danella Sasser Tate. He was an insurance agent and the owner of Chad Tate Shelter Insurance Agency. Chad was a coach for the Madison Central Lady Indians for many years and he also coached many other teams and sports over the years. He was a member of Eastside Community Church and a graduate of Berea College, where he played basketball and baseball. He remained close with his Berea College teammates and friends over the years. One of his proudest accomplishments was that he held the single game scoring record at Madison Central Basketball, a record that his father, Kenneth Tate once held as well. They are the only father and son duo to ever hold that record.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Danella Tate; one brother in law, Bert (Lori) Thomas of Richmond, KY; two sisters in law, Laura Fritz of Richmond, KY and Kathy (Chris) Cornett of Stanton , KY;  six nephews, Matthew (Hannah) Wade, Braden Thomas, Micah Johnston, Logan Bicknell, Flynn Cornett and Zane Cornett; two nieces, McKenzie (Casey) Schneider and Piper Cornett. He is survived by many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James T. and June Sasser and his paternal grandparents, Dillard and Rhoda Tate, father and mother-in-law, Bert and Mary Ellen Murphy Thomas.

Services will be Friday, April 1, 2022, at Eastside Community Church at 1:00 PM with Dr. Virgil Grant officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Eastside Community Church from 4:00 PM -8:00 PM.

Burial will be in Madison Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Bert Thomas, Chris Cornett, Ray Himes, Darrell Tate and his nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Madison Central Lady Basketball Team and all his former teammates.

Susan G. Reed ’98
Oct. 30, 2020

Susan Gail Gay Reed, age 64, wife of Jeff Reed, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020, at U.K. Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Mrs. Reed was born March 15, 1956, in Berea, KY, to Marie Woodson Gay and the late Elbert Wade Gay. Mrs. Reed graduated from Madison Central High School and attended Berea College. She was a member of the Silver Creek Sisters (a women’s group at church) and an avid UK Football/Basketball fan. She was a very loving wife, mother, and doting granna to her grandchildren. She cared for her family, especially her parents, tending to her dad until his death in July of 2020. Mrs. Reed was a member of the Silver Creek Baptist Church.

Other than her husband, Jeff, and mother, Marie, Mrs. Reed is survived by one son, Jonathan Reed and his wife Beth of Berea, Ky, and one daughter, Susie Harris and her husband Bernie of Berea, KY; two brothers, Larry Gay and his wife Patricia of Berea, KY, and Richard Gay and his wife Rhonda Sturgill of Laurinburg, NC; six grandchildren, Isaac Reed, Iris Reed, Travis Harris, Gabriela Harris, Jackson Harris, Leo Harris; and two nephews, Garry Gay and Jeff Gay both of Berea, KY.

Funeral services will be 2:00PM Monday, November 2, 2020, at Silver Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Ashcraft and Rev. Tim Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Reed Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Willis, Bernie Harris, Garry Gay, Lonnie Reed, Charlie Evans, Josh Abner, and Tim Felty. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Gay, Billy Linville, Jason Burnell, Tim Walker, and Rick Felty. Visitation will be 12:00 noon until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pregnancy Help Center, 227 West Irvine Street, Richmond, KY 40475.

Jason Allan Combs ’00
June 10, 2019

Jason Combs, age 41, husband of Natasha Combs, departed this life on Tuesday, June 10, 2019, at his residence in Richmond, KY. Jason was born on October 28, 1977, in Redbird, KY, to David Charles Combs and Tena June (Birdwell) Combs. He was a member of the Grace Point Church in Richmond, KY and was also a member of the Great Geek Council. He formerly worked as an engineer design assistant at Vertical Structure, Inc . He had a great love for his family, was proud of his son Connor and had a tremendous love for Jesus. Jason is survived by his wife; Natasha (Newton) Combs, 1 son; Connor Allan Combs, 1 honorary daughter; Kandice Paige Lynch, parents; David Combs and step mother Cathy Combs, 1 brother; Jesse Travis Newton, 2 sisters; Mary Beth (Larry) Jones and Patricia McIntosh, 2 step brothers; Thomas (Shawna) Nichols and Travis Roland (Micah) Nichols, 1 step sister; Melinda D. (Corwin) Cain, and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tena June Combs, his grandparents, Allan and Rosaline Birdwell and 2 brothers in law, Jack Mayes and Bruce McIntosh. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Booneville Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Christian officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019, from 5:00PM-8:00 PM at the Booneville Funeral Home. Jason will be laid to rest beside his mother in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery located in the Pebworth community of Owsley County, KY. The Booneville Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. www.boonevillekyfuneralhome.com.

Jason Saunders ’06
Feb. 17, 2022

Jason Emmanuel Saunders was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 18, 1984, to Jonathan Saunders and the late Jacqueline Cumberlander. He was the second born child. He was commonly known as “Juice” to everyone. Jason was always a fun and playful person to be around. In his younger years he had a very distinctive laugh that would make you laugh. At the age of five Jason stated to play baseball and he grew to love the sport very much. However, in Jr high school he stopped playing to concentrate on his education. One thing about Jason, he smart, not just book smart, but street smart. He attended Withrow High School graduating at the top of his class with honors. He then continued his education by attending Berea College where he studied Finance. After graduating Jason landed a job with Fidelity Investment where he worked for many years. Jason departed this earth February 17, 2022, at the age of 38. Left to cherish his love and legacy are his three children Jasiya, Aiden and Jordyn Saunders, Father Jonathan Saunders, sister Danielle Saunders, cousin who was more like a brother Wesley Saunders, two nephews Richard and Jaxxon Saunders; and a host of other family members and friends who he loved dearly.

Justin Eugene Foster ’18
Feb. 12, 2022

Justin E. Foster, age 28, of Knoxville, TN, passed away from a sudden medical emergency on February 12, 2022. He was an Austin East High School, Class of 2012 graduate and a Berea College graduate, Class of 2018. He earned a degree in Biology from that institute. If you knew Justin at all, you knew that he was all about family and that he would go above and beyond at a moment’s notice for anyone he cared about in his life. He was definitely one of God’s earthly angels. Justin was a proud husband, father, son and brother. His interests were varied and unique; from gaming, to ham radio operation, to being a soccer enthusiast, to music, and he was a lover of all things nature. He definitely left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him. In recent months and years, his wife and daughter were the lights and joys of his life, and they returned those feelings immeasurably back to him. Preceded in death; his great-grandparents; Charles W. Valentine, and Kathleen F. Valentine. Survived by his wife, Sadie Izo Foster; daughter, Georgia Rivera Foster; Mother, Analisa R. Valentine; Father. Clifford Foster, Jr.; Brother, Eunique J. Valentine; Fathers and Mothers-in-law, Michael Horner and Ellen Massey, Erik and Karen Izo; Sister and Brothers-in-law: Damek Izo, Simone Horner, Sam Izo and Cameron Hashmi: Grandparents, Deford B. Valentine, Aida R. Davison, Clifford and Cherry Foster, George and Faye Massey, Anita Mann, and Patricia Hardin (with DeFord Valentine) and Walter Officer (with Aida Davison). Aunts and uncles; Michelle F. Posey, Alicia Nicole (Michael) Tucker, Cassandra (Roger) Warren, Ahneaka Rodgers, Suzanne Oliver, Amy (Kevin) Fang, George Massey, Jr., and Dwight (Tanya) Foster. Niece and nephew who adored their Uncle Justin immensely Banks and Charlotte Izo. Cousins, Jaylin and Julian Posey, JaDejsha and JaLeeyah Arnold, Jazzmin and Jordynn Tucker, Trinity and Jayden Warren, Rick Wimbley, Kaylecia and Ronnie Rodgers, Bernard (Vicki) Drewery, Olivia, Haley and Max Massey, Owen, Miles, and Hudson Fang. Due to his kind and fun-loving nature, Justin had a large contingent of friends too innumerable to list in this passage. A private, family celebration of his life is being held to honor him.